After Rounds

The doctors just left from making their morning round. They are a little concerned with the jump in the WBC and will be monitoring her closely today. She seems to be breathing with a little more trouble than I am used to which makes me think she is struggling because of something. They have ordered for respiratory therapy to come in and do what is called CPT to try and help her right lung. The collapsed portion in the right lung has never re-opened and we are 17 days out from transplant. I am praying for God to take care of this for Ash. I know He has kept her off of the vent , and He is watching out for her lungs. Ashley is very "puffy" this morning. When Aunt Rae arrived I think she was shocked at how big Ash is now. We have all been used to our tiny, fragile baby for so long and now she is growing and becoming stronger. It takes a little getting used to. I know her Daddy won't even recognize her.

The level of anti-rejection medicine in Ashley's body has "sky-rocketed" to use the word the surgeon chose. The goal is 15 and this morning it is 26! Perhaps this is the reason Ashley is struggling a little more this morning. They will be working to bring that level back into range as quickly as possible. Ash is very fidgety and irritated by anyone touching her today. I can only imagine how bad and yucky it must feel to have such high levels of these powerful drugs in her system.

All in all these are very minor issues today. We are watching her closely to make sure nothing changes, but we are happy in our new room out of ICU and we do not want to go back. We actually slept for a period of 4 hours straight last night, and that was such a blessing. Some of the changes in Ashley's appearance are very hard for me to adjust to, but I know that this is such a small price to pay for her to live. When Ashley grows up none of the bald spots, or puffy cheeks, or ostomy bags, or big scars will matter. She will be and is one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. God is using this to make her strong for a purpose that only He can see right now. I am so glad to get to play a small part in that plan.

I am looking forward to taking a shower and a long nap now that Aunt Rae is here to play with Ash. Thank you Chuck, Josh, and Isaac for letting me borrow her for a little while. We are going to enjoy catching up while we watch God work in Ashley's life this week. Thanks for your prayers. We could reallly use some today. I will get back to you all as soon as I can if anything changes throughout today. God Bless