How to Pray

This morning we were hoping for clarity, for answers, for direction, but still we have none. I will do my best to explain what we think is happening in the areas that we are able too. I ask that you read this post with clarity and try not to panic (I say this mostly for my family because I know how frightened they are). This is what we know.

Ashley's bowel shows evidence of the mucosa(the inside lining which serves as a protective barrier) has suffered a rejection episode at some point. To what degree we are unsure, but on the cellular level there is proof. There were 6 biopsies taken. The majority of the biopsies taken on the proximal end(the end closer to the stomach) showed evidence of the sluffing. The biopsies were only done through her stoma(which is the loop of bowel that is on the outside of her abdomen) and they only went in as deep as 10 to 20 cm. How much more of the bowel has suffered this same sluffing from being in rejection? No one knows at this point. In the future, when Ashley is more stable, we will more than likely do an endoscope which will allow biopsies of the upper part of the intestine to be taken and to be looked at. We will have more answers at that time. If only small areas of her bowel were affected then it is possible that the remaining bowel will still function, but it is a proven fact that unlike the liver the affected bowel is not able to be repaired or to recover. The best case scenario is that only a very small area suffered the episode of rejection and that she will still have enough bowel to absorb nutrition and grow. Worst case scenario, we lose the organ and she will be re - listed for transplant. I emphasize that we are not there yet, but I mention it so you might pray against it. She is not currently in an episode of rejection, but her bowel is no longer working because of the "mystery" infection she is currently suffering from.

Currently her breathing status is stable. We are praying it stays this way. We have been "prepared" for the fact that she may be headed toward intubation if she wears out from fighting the infection or if her lungs fill with fluid or infection. Her heart rate remains very high(170-190) as her body fights. Her respiration's remain high(70-90) as her body fights. Her lungs sound clear.

The rash remains and continues to flare up and then disappear. Her hands have healed over night and there is no evidence of yesterdays damage. Prayer is a powerful thing and this morning I see evidence of how very much He loves my daughter. As you can tell in the top picture the rash is currently on her face and her lips have begun peeling and bleeding as a result. The rash is still a mystery to all 4 teams (transplant, dermatology, infectious disease, and pediatric), but they are all working hard to research and discover the cause. They are sharing information and working together for Ashley and Dave and I are so appreciative of that. We are blessed to have so many areas of expertise together in this hospital.

How can you pray for us? Let me share with you some of our requests.

1. Pray for healing and protection over Ashely's life.

2. Pray for her bowel. Our hope and prayer is that she suffers no more incidence of rejection and that it will begin to function again.

3. Pray for her respiratory status to remain stable.

4. Pray for this infection. We all know she is sick, but no one knows why. She will get worse before she gets better is what I am told, but I also believe God can remove it and turn her around if He so chooses.

5. Pray for our children. They do not yet know that I will not be coming home with Ashley. I don't know what to say to them.

6. Pray for our business. Unfortunately financial responsibilities do not cease when your children become ill. They tend to increase.

7. Pray for my husband. He is torn. He needs to be home for Blake and Allison's sake. He needs to be home to earn an income. He needs to be home to meet the needs of his patients and he does not take that responsibility lightly. He is in turmoil and that breaks my heart.


Your prayers are more than appreciated and your support continues to keep me going. I love you and I thank you from the deepest part of me.