NO REJECTION!!!

Clear biopsies. Will write more later. Thanking God for no rejection!

Peace, wonderful, peace washed over me as tears stung my eyes and I tried not to let them fall. As they entered the room the first words I heard, "No rejection." Followed by a thumbs up sign. I was actually holding my sweet Ashley Kate in the rocking chair listening to her struggle as she breathed against the extra fluid on her chest as they made the announcement. I kissed her head over and over and prayed, "Thank you". I had a friend sitting across from me and the look of happiness in her eyes ministered to my heart. How amazing to have each of you walking side by side us during this journey. We are more than blessed. Thank you, Julie for showing such genuine happiness. You blessed my heart.

After the doctors finished their discussion outside our room they came in and I asked, "What now? What do we do next?"

"Throw a party", said Dr. "A". I told you we love this man!

Our surgeon stressed to me that we go very, very slow. She is still fighting the numetosis(?) inside her intestine and until it is resolved and healed we can not feed her. We will continue treating it with anti biotics for 3 weeks. At the end of next week we will get another CT to see where we stand. I have no idea when her next biopsy will be. Once the CT gives us the go we will start the feedings at the same pace we did post transplant. The surgeon again stressed that her bowel has suffered injury and we wait until it heals. Once she is able to take nutrition again then we may have the opportunity to go on an out patient basis. I left the conversation with the understanding that the road is a long one, but the fact that we are no longer in active rejection has shortened it. I really believe we could make it home in time for the holidays. This is still our goal. God continues to do amazing things in the life of our Ashley.

Ash is struggling today. She just doesn't look good. She is maintaining a low grade fever. Her white blood cell count is elevated, and her breaths are shallow and guarded. I think it may just be the extra fluid around her heart and lungs, but we have taken a chest x-ray to see if those areas have gotten any larger. She aches and is not supportive of being held. Whenever I re position her or try to pick her up she becomes very nauseated. We spent much of last night vomiting. She is trembling and shaking and sweating, but is no longer yelling or growling. This may all be related to the side effects from her steroid treatments, but we are being careful in case it is anything more.

We had visitors for most of today and it was nice. We received some things in the mail causing our hearts to smile and we would like to say thank you to Jule, Misty, and the "cheerful giver". The kindness and thoughtfulness that accompanied our packages spoke volumes to our hearts. You are loved and appreciated. More than anything I want to thank you all for praying. Ashley Kate is bathed in your love and prayers daily and it means so much to us. Keep pulling for her. She is tough and amazing and continues to battle her way back home. Know you are loved. Trish

P.S.

We asked and our request was granted. We are being given 2 hours each afternoon to go outside free of all pumps and meds. I can't wait to take her on a walk around the gardens and for her to feel the crisp fall air. I ordered her a jacket today so by Tuesday we should be outside watching the leaves fall from the trees. I am so blessed!