Emme’s Surgery Complete

Emme has completed surgery with flying colors & almost 2 hours ahead of schedule! Dr. Kelly, the plastic surgeon, said it was “text book perfect”! Melissa & I are so thankful for your continued thoughts & prayers. Hospital stay is still estimated to be 7 days. Pictures will be posted to the website soon.

Emme’s Surgery Tomorrow

Today, my Mom, Emme, and I went to her pre-op appointments at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.  We visited with her plastic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Kelley, had blood drawn, looked at “what to expect” pictures, and learned what we could and couldn’t do post-op. 

Emme’s surgery for Metopic Craniosynostosis will be tomorrow (June 23^rd) at 7:30 a.m.  We have to be at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. to prepare her for surgery.  She will be in surgery for 6-7 hours.  After surgery, she will be in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for at least 2 days, possibly longer.  They will move her from PICU after her swelling has gone down enough for her to open her eyes.  This may take up to 3-4 days.  After she leaves the PICU, she will be moved to a regular room for several days.  Overall, her stay will be at least one week. 

I would like for everyone to know that visitors are welcome tomorrow at the hospital.  I’m not sure if Emme will be allowed visitors after surgery, but please feel free to come and keep Shannon and I company throughout the surgery.  My Mom (Patti) and Shannon’s Mom (Barbara) are both in town and will be at the hospital with us.  After Emme leaves the PICU, I believe she can have visitors to her room.  This should be around Thursday or Friday.   Please know that if you come to visit, Emme will be quite swollen and may not look like her usual self for the first few days.  I want everyone to be prepared.

For updates on Emme’s surgery tomorrow, please check Shannon’s website: www.shannonbunch.com Shannon and I both have “twitter” accounts that run a live feed on his homepage.  We will be sure to keep everyone posted throughout the day.

Many of you have asked what you could do to help us during this time.  Most importantly, please keep our family in your prayers.  Also, pray for Emme’s team of doctors including the neurologist, anesthesiologist, and plastic surgeon.  Our dog, Walter, is at his “foster” home right now and we plan to get him back to our house on Wednesday.  That goal might be wishful thinking, but I sure hope to see him soon!  We may need someone to let him in and out of our house a few times, but my great neighbors can probably help us with that.  Many have asked if they could prepare a meal for us, and the answer is YES!  I’m expecting life to be a little hectic when we return from the hospital and having pre-made meals would be a great blessing.  If you want to prepare something, it might be best to prepare it to be frozen as I have no idea what to expect when we get home.  Other than those few things, I have no other ideas at this time.  I’m sure plenty will come up, after we get through the surgery.

I just want to say thanks again to all of our family and friends who have supported us, prayed for us, and who will hold us up through this time.  Emme, Shannon, and I truly appreciate everything.

Three Branson Appearances Scheduled

It has just been officially confirmed that I will make three separate appearances at the Branson Gospel Music Convention. Join me Tuesday @ 6PM as I will take the stage as the soloist I am. On Wednesday evening @ 6PM I will perform alongside Kenny Bishop, Rod Burton, and Kirk Talley for what is being tagged as The Solo Quartet! This could be the highlight of the week. However, I could be offering a biased opinion! Then on Thursday from 11AM-4PM I will host the FREE afternoon concert! That’s right, FREE! All of the afternoon concerts are FREE and open to the public. Each evening there is a Meet & Greet 4pm-10pm, Booth 248: Info & Tix: www.bransongmc.com or 708.960.0111

UPDATE: My booth location has been changed from 611 to 248. I will now be closer to the concert hall entrance. I hope this makes me more convenient for you to access.

To learn more about Branson GMC and the city itself go to www.bransongmc.com

from the B-List, June 17, 2009

Update & Reschedule for Emme’s Surgery

I write to you today from Anna Maria Island, FL. We are enjoying a much needed & much deserved vacation! We’ll post pics after we get home. Due to surgeons & staffs schedules we are now preparing for Emme’s surgery on Tuesday, June 23rd @ 7AM. Due to this change Melissa & Emme will be flying home to Nashville Sunday morning. I will sing in Jacksonville, FL and then drive home that night. Pray for safe travels for them. The only part I don’t like about this is not being able to see Emme experience her first of many airplane rides. I guess you can’t witness it all. I have seen Emme experience the sand & ocean for the first time. And she loves it. I thought she would as she has never cried during a bath at home. Actually, she likes to be right underneath the faucet. That reminds me of an old-timers church saying, “Get under the spout where the glory runs out!” (slight tangent, sorry) And since we have been at the resort, Emme has seen herself in the mirror for the first time. Each time we repeat this “trick” it’s just like the first time. So sweet! Pray for us as we finish our vacation time together and prepare for a long few weeks of surgery and recovery.

Update Diamond Awards

The top 10 nominee list is as far as I got. I just recently learned that I did not make the final cut. While it is an honor to be nominated for Soloist of the Year and Christian Comedian of the Year, I would have rather won! But there’s always next year. Awards will be announced July 16 in Branson, MO during the Branson Gospel Music Convention.

Thyroid Nodules & a Biopsy

Just a few weeks ago I underwent an ultrasound to check for nodules on my thyroid glands. In fact, there are two. One which lies between the thyroid lobes in the area called the isthmus. This nodule measured 4cm and was solid. The other nodule is in the left lobe and measured 1.3cm. However, biopsy results showed these to be benign. My thyroid will monitored by both my primary care physician and an endocrinologist.

Check out www.shannonbunch.com for more upcoming events.

If you or someone you know schedules artists for your church or community events pass my name and website along to them. I have a few choice dates still available for 2009 and 2010 is already booking. Call 888-699-4922 or email today to reserve your date.

 

Update: Emme’s Surgery

Written by Melissa on 5/26/09

Well, let me start by saying I had a little bit of a meltdown today.  Vanderbilt called and told Shannon they would be rescheduling Emme’s surgery for August 11th.  What?  So he sent me an email at school and told me about the new date.  I immediately picked up the phone and got the numbers for the doctors office.  When I called, the lady seemed quite unmoved by my plea for an earlier date.  After a few tears (well more than a few), an explanation of my job (I’m a teacher), Shannon’s job (he’s on the road most weekends and is scheduled months and months in advance), and letting her know we couldn’t make it without my income if I had to take off of work in August; she said she would see what she could do.  Two hours later, she called back to let me know that another family had volunteered to let us have their surgery time for June 23rd and they would take August 11th.  Praise the Lord! Problem solved.

So Emme’s surgery will be on June 23rd at 7:30 a.m. and all of her pre-op festivities begin on June 22nd at 8:00 a.m.  We will be at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and Dr. Kelley will be her plastic surgeon.  I have not met the other “team members” for her surgery but do know that they are all great doctors.  It’s a bittersweet thing to know others who have dealt with neurologists and anastesiologists at Vandy.  It means somebody elses kid has been under the knife too, and that’s no good. 

After they rescheduled Emme’s surgery today, I could feel my stress level begin to rise.  I guess the reality is setting in that in less than one month, my child’s life will be in somebody elses hands for at least 7 hours.  However, I know that God is in control and just as someone elses hands are touching my sweet baby’s face, so are His.  That gives me hope. 

I know that I will only get the real picture of what she is going to endure when surgery day comes, so Shannon and I are preparing for that now.  School is finally out on June 6th.  On June 10th we are leaving for Florida for 12 days.  We will spend one week in Holmes Beach and 4 days in St. Augustine.  We are combining a wedding and a road apperance for Shannon in the trip, but most of all we are looking forward to making some great memories with our baby girl on the beach and getting some much needed R&R before a long week at Vanderbilt. 

Please keep us in your prayers as we begin this journey.  Pray that Shannon won’t have to take any extra time off, pray for our surgical team and their precision, pray that Emme wakes up the same sweet girl she is today, and pray that we can continue to rely on God for our strength.  We appreciate all of our dear friends and family.

Join Shannon in Branson & Receive Discounts to Silver Dollar City Attractions

The Branson Gospel Music Convention and Silver Dollar City Attractions have teamed up to offer those attending the brand new Gospel music event a terrific opportunity to enjoy the sites and sounds of the world famous Silver Dollar City properties. Fans who purchase reserve tickets to the convention will receive great savings to Silver Dollar City, White Water and Showboat Branson Belle.

“We have packed the Branson Gospel Music Convention with music every day from morning until night,” says Kelly Burton, Program Director the Branson Gospel Music Convention. “But we concede people might need something to do on Monday or Saturday, and we are so happy to link our ticket holders to more of what the wonderful city of Branson has to offer.”

Cindy Thomas with Silver Dollar City Attractions added, “Silver Dollar City Attractions is thrilled to offer special rates to the Branson Gospel Music Convention. We are proud to support programs that praise the Lord“.

The inaugural Branson Gospel Music Convention will take place at the Branson Convention Center on July 14-17, 2009. Artists such as Blackwood Quartet, Chuck Wagon Gang, Florida Boys, The Stamps, The Paynes, Kirk Talley, Kenny Bishop, Crossway, Young Harmony, 2nd Generation, Rod Burton, Shannon Bunch, The Nelons, and Wendy Word + Forgiven, as well as many others, are scheduled to appear. Tickets are currently on sale.

Information will be provided with tickets on how to take advantage of this offer. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.bransongmc.com, or by calling 708-960-0111. 

Emme Scheduled for Surgery

What was first considered only a possibility has now become reality.  Emme will undergo a major surgery June 30th.  She has been diagnosed with metopic craniosynostosis.  The embedded link will give you more detail about the diagnosis and surgery procedure.  Long story short, Emme should have “soft spots” but does not.  The cranial plates of bone have already fused together.  Melissa and I just say she has a hard head.  In my opinion, she got that from her Momma not Daddy!  Please keep us in prayer as this time gets closer.  Emme will spend nearly 6 hours in surgery at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital here in Nashville.  She will have a complete pediatric surgical team ranging from a neurosurgeon to a plastic surgeon, anesthesiologists and nurses.  Post-op will be two days sedated in pediatric ICU and then 5 days in a regular room.  She will have head and facial swelling for a while which will constitute her sleeping in an elevated position for a few weeks.  Total recovery time is estimated at 13 weeks.  Vanderbilt’s team of doctors expect her to make a full and recovery with no physical or cognitive delays.  We’ll keep you informed if there’s any new development.  In the mean time, new video of Emme will be posted on www.youtube.com/shannonbunch no later than tonight.   Check it out, she is the sweetest baby ever!  And a couple new photos can also be found at www.shannonbunch.com.  Just follow the gallery link.

Nominated for TWO Diamond Awards

Nominations are in for the 2009 Diamond Awards.  I have nominated in two categories, one of which I was hoping for and the other I did not expect at all, Soloist of the Year and Christian Comedian of the Year!  Isn’t this the biggest hoot you have heard all year long?  I still can’t figure out this one.  Just to think that my fan base is large enough to get me into the top 10 list is awesome!  So you have until April 24, 2009 to cast your vote.  At this time you can vote for 5 artists per category.  Of course, I hope that you will vote for me in both of my nominated categories.  I have many friends who are nominated in other categories as well and I don’t want to show favoritism in vote casting, BUT…Beth Glass of the Telestials, who I use to work for, has been nominated for the Living Legend Award.  Out of the list of nominees I feel she is most deserving.  She has kept her family group on the road for over 40 years.  Her efforts to continue singing the Gospel for many years merit this recognition.   Congratulations to Beth!  Telestials lead singer, Scott Lucas is also nominated for Sunrise and Male Vocalist. 

 

To vote, go to http://www.diamondawardsonline.com.     Remember you only have until April 24 to vote. 

Shannon Bunch Music Flies the Friendly Skies

I receive quarterly broadcast royalty checks from BMI for any song that I have written and/or published that is receiving airplay through any media venue.  BMI is a royalty collection agency with which I have both writer and publisher affiliations.  They are responsible for monitoring and logging music that is played at radio, tv, downloaded, used as background music, and yes what is being played and listened to by passengers on airlines!  Imagine my surprise when I recently received my royalty statement to see my  music is currently being played on several major airlines!  Now for my twisted slant on the details.  The songs which were logged on this report were The Harvest Is Ripe (which if you are flying low enough to know this you have either just taken off, just landed or bracing for impact), It All Starts with a Song (if your flight starts with a song with what does it end?), One Lamb, One Cross, One Time (this song is all about sacrifice and the death of a man, need I say more?).  Even I can make jokes about my own music.  That is a virtue of a great writer!  LOL!  By the way, this airline royalty made me an extra $1.28.  What shall I do with all the money?

Just Back from the Low Country

During my Sunday evening concert in Charleston, SC at Charleston Baptist I began to feel not so good.  I hadn’t felt “normal” since lunch.  And I know what many of you are thinking…”Shannon you are NOT normal”.  It was different this time.  But I managed to get through the evening and then it hit me!   Oh my, did it ever!  Long story short around 2:30AM (Monday) I left Melissa and Emme at the hotel and drove myself to a local ER where I was treated for food poisoning receiving meds and IV fluids.  I thought I was going to see Jesus that night and once I got to Heaven I sure wanted to know what I had done to deserve such a slow agonizing death.  I was released around 5AM.  When I got to my vehicle I was so weak I could barely turn the steering wheel.  Thankfully, it was only a 2.5 mile trip.  I slept intermittently for the next 5 hours and as we proceeded to think about leaving we thought again.  I wasn’t going anywhere.  So we are still in Charleston and leaving for Nashville tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.  I’m still not “normal” but almost there.

 

Emme Blu has just finished her second road trip in gospel music.  Her first stops a couple weeks ago included Villa Rica & Bowdon, GA.  Of course, she was very well received and very well behaved.  She is sleeping and eating well.  Today she was 7 weeks old.  I know they grow up fast but where does the time go?  As Nationwide Auto Insurance states, “Life comes at you fast”.  Oh my, does it ever!

The Diamond Award Top 10 nominations have not been released yet.   I will keep you posted if I am nominated.  Then you will have the opportunity to vote again.   Thanks to all of you who nominated me. 

 

In my last email regarding a recent trip to south Texas I failed to give a big “thanks a BUNCH” to Butch & Ms. Judy Pressley for hosting my stay in Corpus Christi.  They always have a room for me.  It was an extra treat this time since Ms. Judy had recently purchased a latte/espresso coffee maker.  Yum, yum!  It was like being at Starbucks or as Butch calls it FourBucks because you can’t get a coffee there for less than four bucks! 

 

The 2009 year is shaping up nicely.  I still have many choice dates available if you or your church would like to book one of these open dates.  I look forward to each and every week when I can share with you in music and conversation.  This is what I love to do most.  Melissa and I are grateful you have afforded me this opportunity. 

 

Each time I close out a B-List update I’m afraid I have forgotten something.  And usually I do.  But that’s all I can think of at this time.