Update - January 30th, 2013

First of all we want to say thank you to all of you who have read the blog, shared it, sent lovely notes to us and to Lauren and to those of you who have donated to her.

She let us know that she was blown away by the kind and encouraging words that came her way and just knowing that everyone is pulling for her helps so much.

One thing we did want to let you know that we found out that the Paypal donations do list names on their account, but Lauren and Fabian do not access that account.  So it is still anonymous to her and Fabian. The funds are deposited from the Paypal donation account directly into her Wells Fargo donation bank account, where it appears as a lump sum.  It was brought up that people may want to verify deposits were received and/or that they would eventually end up in the donation bank account.  We totally understand.  So if anyone would like proof of any kind of payment to her bank account, we can provide it.  Since she is not a 501c3, it is not tax-deductable, but we understand if people want to be sure that the funds are getting to her. You can send an email to helplaurenheredia@gmail.com with any questions about this. 

And now for the update on her health.  She had an appointment yesterday with the local gastroenterologist/surgeon to discuss the feeding tube surgery.  At this time, they have decided not to proceed.  The surgeon explained the feeding tube is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. The diseases in her intestines only compound the risks of the procedure and management of the feeding tube. This is an unexpected set-back, but hopefully another option has come up.  The surgeon's suggestion instead is gastric electrical stimulation which works much like a pace maker for the heart but instead on the stomach. However, they do not do that type of procedure in NM so he would have to refer her to another doctor outside of the state. Although Johns Hopkins is already scheduled, this doctor suggested the placement of the device to be within driving distance for follow ups.  She was certainly hoping to have some progress made before heading east in May.  This does not mean that she won't be going to Johns Hopkins, just that she may see another specialist within a state away (perhaps Texas, for example) first who may work with Johns Hopkins.  With the change in direction coming from her doctor, she has decided to take a little time to refocus herself on her family and let the doctors work out the logistics. In a weeks time or so we should have more information about her next steps. That'll give her a chance to make the best, most efficient, & most cost effective treatment plan for herself and her family. 

We will keep you all updated here.  Again, thank all of you so much for your continued thoughts and prayers.  It means so much to her and to us.