BMT Day 31: No white blood cells seen yet. For the last two days Ashtyn hasn’t felt well at all. She is more achy, more nauseated, more tired, and feels all around more lousy. I’m convinced whether we have a good or bad day depends on our perspective and what we decide our day will be rather than our circumstances. Yesterday was a good day and I suspect today will be the same. Referring to Ashtyn not feeling as well as a few days ago, my response was, “Good. I’m glad you feel different because engraftment is different. I’m sure you feel achy and fluish because you are engrafting. I’m grateful.” She agreed. I also had to do a momma fast yesterday where I didn’t eat or drink for 24 hours and was more prayerful. I wanted to be certain God knew of my gratitude for Ashtyn’s current health despite the fact that she hasn’t engrafted yet. She was moved out of the intensive care unit back to the cancer floor. I can’t doubt the miracles of the two weeks in the ICU. Her kidneys should have needed dialysis with all the “harmful to kidneys” medications and fluids that are required to keep her alive. Along with that, it was a miracle she didn’t need a breathing tube. While in the ICU she became completely alert, her kidneys and lungs improved, and skin breakdown healed. I’m grateful for answered prayers. Right now she still needs a potassium drip, requires a lot of medications, and continues shallow breathing when sleeping. It’s nothing the cancer floor can’t handle.
My parents were in town for a couple days and left yesterday. I’m grateful for their help and support. I don’t know how many times they walked back and forth from the laundry room washing soiled blankets and clothes. There’s also something about having Grandma and Grandpa there even when she didn’t talk much. I’m grateful for Ashtyn’s Army. Everyones faith, belief, optimism, hope, and love is amazing. If you want to be inspired and uplifted, read the comments written. This world is full of good people. As Mr. Rodgers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,’” Thank you to everyone for the numerous ways you have helped Ashtyn, me, and my family. Even the silent followers have my heart.
Please pray: 1. Adenovirus will be eradicated with the antiviral medication she’s on. Adenovirus is probably interfering with the ability to engraft. 2. Her stubborn skin/line infection, picture included, will go away so it won’t have to get pulled. 3. Sleep apnea will improve. 4. Kidneys will heal and less potassium will be needed. 5. Her heart won’t go into ventricular tachycardia where her heat rate goes way too high for a few seconds. 6. Engraftment!!! and for protection until she gets there.
Sun and Water.
Unique patients get a lot of attention.
Infection, go away.
