Jaime is home now and a MIRACLE!

My pastor's daughter-in-law, Jaime Warren is a miracle! She was hospitalized for a very complicated brain tumor and is now at home, 4 weeks later... and ready to keep on fighting.


Here is what she wrote in her journal:


Jaime here! I am home! It has been a very full day with some ups and downs emotionally as I have transitioned from hospital to home. I am so full of joy to be out of the confines of the hospital and comfortably back at home. It has been a bit surreal. I felt like as they were wheeling me out to the car that any minute they were going to turn the wheelchair around and say, “Just kidding, we are taking you back to your room now.” The car ride was uncomfortable on my head and neck as I was faced with holding my head up in the car. I have been walking and sitting up in bed and chairs for days but the car was another story. I never realized how much the head and neck adjusts to bumps and turns in the road.


It has been 4 weeks since the night on Saturday, Oct. 11th that Josh and I went to the ER with a few neurological symptoms and got my first head CT results. I would never have known when I left my house that night that I would not be home until today, Friday, Nov. 7th.


I cannot tell you what an encouragement this CaringBridge site has been to me. My family members and friends have been reading me the journal posts and guest book entries from all of you. I have looked forward to hearing your stories, prayers, and encouragement. I have been overwhelmed by the number of people and how far stretched across the world people have prayed to our precious Jesus on my behalf. I really cannot thank you enough!


Coming home is wonderful but it does come with a new set of challenges. The doctor said that the last 20% of recovery will probably take a few months. Now at home I get to focus on starting the outpatient physical therapy, and doctors for my ear and voice box. Please continue to pray for me because although today was a great day, I still feel like I have quite a bit of recovery ahead before I feel like “myself” again. I can’t wait to spend time with Josh and my sweet baby Cole in our home. Endless thanks for your prayers, and I know God has heard every one of them.


Jaime"

Thank you for your continued prayers for Jaime's total healing. And please pray for her family and caregivers as they devote themselves to Jaime's recovery!

Pray for Jaime Warren

Josh and Jaime Warren

My Pastor's (Rick Warren) daughter-in-law needs your prayers immediately. She recently gave birth to a premature baby boy and is now undergoing surgeries and treatment for a large and complicated brain tumor. Please see details below. I can't imagine what this family is going through. Pastor Rick and family do so much for others and I know that they would covet any prayers and encouragement right now.

October 17, 2008

Dear Saddleback Family, Kay and I, and our entire family are deeply grateful for your prayers for Jaime and her battle with a brain tumor. Below is a brief report of this past week along with the scripture verse I've focused on each day. Thanks for sharing this burden with us. You might want to save these verses for when YOU need them.

SATURDAY Jaime was hospitalized for blurred vision, instability, and headaches. A CT Scan revealed a massive tumor at the base of her brain.

"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer." Psalm 94:19 (Living)

SUNDAY My 25 year old daughter-in-law, Jaime, (Josh's wife) is facing her second life-threatening health crisis in less than two months. Seven weeks ago, Jaime went into labor five weeks early. They discovered the baby was in the breech position and an emergency C-section was ordered because the baby's heart rate began to drop. Cole was not breathing when he was born, and it took great skill from the medical personnel to resuscitate him.


MONDAY A day for testing. The MRI revealed a very serious and complex vascular tumor and hydrocephalus. There is debate about the type of tumor and much concern about the best procedure to use.

"God will shield you with his wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don't need to be afraid of the dark any more, nor fear the dangers of the day; nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning." Psalm 91:4-6 (Living)


TUESDAYAfter getting 3 professional opinions on the nature of the tumor, we've moved Jaime to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The UCLA chief of neurosurgery has taken Jaime's case because of its risk and complexity. An angiogram today provided more information but because of the tumor's location and connection to vital blood supply, doctors are unable to perform a procedure they hoped to do before the surgery.

"The righteous do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly." Psalm 112:6-8 (NLT)


WEDNESDAY 10 AM Jaime was just rolled into the operating room for her 16 hour brain surgery. We now know the premature birth and emergency C-section of Cole likely saved Jaime's life. She could have died pushing in a normal delivery. What we often think is a problem (at that moment) is often a protection.

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you." Deut. 31:8 (NLT)


WEDNESDAY NIGHT 11 pm Hour 13 of Jaime's surgery. We are told the tumor is tangled with all of the nerves on the left side of her brain, pushing its way into the brain. We are praying that Jaime's life will be spared, the tumor will be successfully removed, and there will be no damage to her eyesight or permanent loss of movement.

"The prayer that is said with faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will heal that person." James 5:15 (NCV)


THURSDAY 6 AM After almost 20 hours, Jaime leaves the operating room. She'll now be in recovery for several hours. She may sleep for a couple of days due to the strong anesthesia given.

"When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)


THURSDAY 10:30 AM VERY BAD NEWS. A post-op CT Scan shows that Jaime is bleeding internally and building pressure on her brain. This is life-threatening, so doctors must go back to the operating room, reopen the wound, find the cause of the bleeding, and stop it. This will take another 4 ½ hours.

"We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." 2 Chron. 20:12 (NLT)


THURSDAY 3 PM The second surgery stops two areas of internal bleeding. The doctor frankly discusses the possible long term damage.

"Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. Psalm 10:17 (NLT)


THURSDAY 5 PM Josh just got to see Jaime for the first time in 32 hours. It was only 30 seconds but she opened her eyes. She is on a breathing machine and can't speak but can move all four of her extremities. The next 24 hours will be extremely critical. Our family is all worn out too.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NLT)


FRIDAY AM Please pray that Jaime will have a full recovery, with no long-term complications. Pray that her life will be an example of the truth that God's purpose for our lives is greater than any problem we face. Pray the doctors and nurses will be touched by the witness of her life. "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22 "Pray that our Lord will make us strong and give us peace." Psalm 29:11