October 19, 2016

You might wonder what it's like for me to watch my daughter go through this. Having the privilege to be by her side day and night, I actually might have more peace than others. I'm able to feel her calmness, watch her progression, and observe the miracles. So how's the family doing? We are happy, hopeful, and at peace. If you were to walk into Ashtyn's PICU room, you would feel a very calm, social vibe of optimism. It is not dark and dreary but rather peaceful and light. I feel joy. How can I not? The hundreds of prayers on her behalf are felt here. Her progression is miraculous. She is doing so remarkably well. Ashtyn's on the ventilator and is needing less and less support. Her life sustaining drug norepinephrine is no longer needed and the epinephrine she needs is getting less and less. She is becoming more and more awake. From time to time she'll open her eyes and look around for a brief moment. Today she tried talking. With a tube down her throat it's impossible to talk so I couldn't interpret what she was trying to say other then the word "mom." I asked her if she was in pain or scared. She shook her head "no". It was cool to see her try to communicate. The rest of the day she slept. Another remarkable thing is that her blood cultures from Tuesday came back negative. Another blood culture was drawn just to be sure but a negative blood culture shows the antibiotics worked at sterilizing her blood and getting rid of the bacteria that was in her system. Everything is amazing about this girl and God is answering prayers. At the rate Ashtyn is going, and without any hiccups, Ashtyn will be out of the PICU and back to the cancer floor within a week (that's just my opinion). So please pray that she will continue the course without any complications. Your love is being felt here at the hospital. Thank you.

October 19, 2016

Brighton High School is honoring Ashtyn at the Brighton/Bingham football game tonight @ 7:00. It is a Camo out, so wear green or camouflage to represent Ashtyn's Army. A table will be set up selling items. A silent auction for a Steph Curry jersey will be auctioned off. Join Ashtyn's Army tonight during the football game and show your support. *pictures from October 12, 2016

October 19, 2016

Today was a day of prayer and fasting, by many, for Ashtyn to stay on this earth with us. Twenty four hours ago I asked for specific prayers that: 1. her body would perfuse blood and oxygen properly to her tissues and organs. 2. her body would begin to maintain a blood pressure so the epinephrine and norepinephrine could begin to be decreased. 3. the antibiotics would start killing her bacteria. 4. her bowels and all organs would be protected. What blessings did I see because of the hundreds of prayers and fasts given for her? Everything she needed. Ashtyn went from being on the path to death to being on the path to healing. She went from having white, cold, pulseless legs and arms to having warm, blood filled extremities. She started perfusing properly. Simultaneously, with a high continual dose of epinephrine and norepinephrine, her blood pressure's remained stable. As the day progressed on, her norepinephrine dose gradually decreased and is being completely weaned off it. This is indicative that her septic shock is getting under control and her blood vessels are beginning to constrict again. Her body is responding to the antibiotics and beginning to kill the bacterial infection. In the process, no detrimental downfalls have occurred allowing the body to start the healing process. We could not ask for better. The doctors are nothing but impressed with Ashtyn's progress and worded it as "remarkable". We aren't out of the woods yet but she is definitely headed in the right direction. Ashtyn's on life support and many things are being done to keep her alive. One PICU nurse is constantly at her bedside while countless others on Ashtyn's healthcare team work together to do all they can for her. Prayer for the day: Ashtyn is extremely susceptible to getting a new infection as well as having any number of complications. Her body has absolutely no reserves to handle any set backs. Please pray that she will heal without any road blocks. That her kidney, liver, and bowels will be well. And that her body will find balance. She's got this because of your prayers.