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Family keeps faith after young father's third brain surgery
After diagnosis, every moment becomes quality time
| Saturday, Nov 24 2007 9:40 PM
Last Updated: Monday, Nov 26 2007 7:59 AM
His favorite Scripture is Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” said Shandahn Champlain the day before Thanksgiving as her husband, Shane, lay on the couch of their small apartment recovering from a third brain surgery to remove a tumor.
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On Nov. 20, one week after having surgery for a tumor growing on his brain Shane Champlain plays with his daughter, Emilee, after his arrival back to Bakersfield. His wife Shandahn, left, has been at his side and tends to his needs and the needs of their children. It is hoped the third surgery and experimental drugs will have positive effect on what remains of the tumor. Shane has requested cheese chicken from Shandahn's grandmother for his first meal back in Bakersfield. His appetite is nearly back to normal.
Shane Champlain and Shandahn pray before his meal at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where Shane had surgery for a brain tumor. Their Christian faith is very important to the young couple from Bakersfield. They have 2 children.
Shane Champlain returns to Bakersfield one week after having a third surgery for a brain tumor. He has missed his children, Emilee, and Ethen, not pictured, His wife Shandahn, right, his been with him through his stay at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance.
For more than a year, the young couple with two children have been on a roller coaster of emotions as they cope with the illness.
Shandahn is concerned because she feels his recovery is not going quite as fast as the other times he had surgery.
Shane was released from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance six days after the surgery. On Wednesday, two days later, he was still sleeping a lot during the day.
Still, there is hope.
Shane is home. Their 11-month-old daughter, Emilee, took a late-afternoon nap and their son, Ethen, played outside with friends. It was a glimpse of normal, everyday life.
Before the surgery Shane hoped to be home for Thanksgiving. The former high school athlete still has a hearty appetite. Being around family and friends has become especially important since he was diagnosed.
Through all the difficulties of the past year some things are better.
“Ever since this has happened it just kind of puts into perspective our life and what we do. And every time we go golfing or do something it’s not just the game, it’s actually enjoying each other’s company,” said Darrin Williams, Shane’s best friend who had stopped by after work to see how he was doing.
There are more doctor visits scheduled and hope that experimental drug therapy will be effective on the part of the tumor that could not be removed.
And there is faith.
“Without faith you don’t have nothing,” Williams said.