Coronavirus

Ashtyn continues to go to BMT clinic appointments Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday’s she has physical therapy and Thursday’s is occupational therapy. Our hope is that she will literally walk, without assistance, with the rest of her Brighton High School graduating class of 2019 in June to then move forward to other life adventures. Until then we keep busy trekking forward with the slow recovery taking one day at a time. Yesterday morning I felt weary. Ashtyn’s oxygen saturation’s were low making me realize she not only needs oxygen while sleeping but also during the day. Also her temperature was 99 degrees, not technically a fever but higher than her normal temperature of 97. By 2 p.m. I called the hospital because her temperature increased to 100 degrees and I had an uneasy feeling. It was agreed that it would be best to admit her into the hospital. Morgan was a lifesaver. She helped me remain calm as she stayed with Ashtyn while I packed suitcases. She then helped me get Ashtyn to the car and drove behind us with Ethan to the hospital. The moment we got to the oncology floor, vital signs were taken. Ashtyn’s temperature was 101.5, her oxygen saturation’s were in the 70’s without oxygen, her capillary refill time was prolonged, and her blood pressure was low. She was given 600 ml of IV fluids over 30 minutes, labs were drawn, antibiotics given, heart echocardiogram and chest X-ray done, all within an hour. It was remarkable to see nurse practitioners Hilary and Laynie, and nurses Dave and Shannon, who we have loved and known for years gather around Ashtyn with so much dedication and care. I can’t even explain how good she is treated. By 6 p.m. we were settled in the hospital room. We hung out, ate dinner, and studied John 1 as a family before Morgan and Ethan left for home. I’m now laying on a couch bed next to Ashtyn and am grateful to have Kristin, a nurse we adore, keeping a close eye on her tonight. Tests to check for bacterial and virus infections are still pending but so far she tested positive for Coronavirus. Please pray 1. Her body will handle and fight the virus. 2. Her blood pressure will stay in a normal range. 3. Oxygen needs will go down.