Where to begin... There are so many great things to celebrate lately! Spending Thanksgiving at home with my family; being able to eat at Thanksgiving this year; ending another semester of grad school (one more to go!); enjoying Holiday festivities outside of the hospital... so basically not being in the hospital! I was also able to celebrate another Birthday!! Which is wonderful in so many ways because not only am I here to celebrate, I was not in the hospital this year not knowing what was happening with my health and life. I was able to see my sisters, niece and nephew for the day and then celebrate that night at dinner with my awesome Nashvegas friends! All in all, a great weekend of celebrating. And while a year older in my 30's always made me cringe in the past, I will take each and every year that I age, and embrace it gracefully (I hope), and be thankful for the person and doctors who saved my life.
I cannot believe how quickly I am approaching the one year anniversary of my transplant. As December 26th approaches, I don't know what to anticipate feeling. I am so lucky to be alive! I will have my one year checkup on the 27th and a liver biopsy on the 28th (standard procedure) to make sure Bertha is doing well!
Please join me in remembering and praying for the family that had to say goodbye to their loved one. While I get to celebrate being home for Christmas, they will be feeling the loss of someone special. I know God will be there with them to hopefully bring them some peace this Christmas. I will remember them and be thankful that I am able to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, while being surrounded by family and friends.
A merry heart does good like a medecine; but a broken spirit dries to the bones.
~Proverbs 17:22
**There was also another life-saving liver transplant this December. Dear family friends of mine, Mac and Sherry Thomson, who have been so good to me on my journey, received good news that Mr. Mac was getting a new liver. He received the awesome news on his daughter, Blair's, birthday! Please pray for Mack and the Thomson family, on this new path, for God to give them strength, encouragement, peace and patience as Mac continues to recover from his transplant. As we are all told by the medical team, "it is a marathon, not a sprint" on this road of recovery.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
10 months and counting!!!
It has now been 10 months since my transplant! Once again, time has swiftly marched along. I found out last week that my bilirubin is now down to a 0.4, which is amazing. I have gotten nothing but good reports lately, so I am thrilled!
I did just overcome a mental block, so to speak. I had put it off and put it off (with the best intentions), but I finally bit the bullet and wrote to my donor’s family. It was one of the hardest, complicated, emotional and worrisome things I have ever done. How do you tell them thank you enough or make sure words convey how truly grateful you are or help them understand that you don’t take it for granted? How do you express your excitement for living, while knowing they are still mourning their loved one? How do you express the love you feel for these people that you have never met? And I could go on… (hence the emotions mentioned above). It just feels like words aren’t enough. My hope is that I was able to convey to them how truly grateful and humbled I am, and hope that they can find some kind of peace with their decision for organ donation.
I also discovered a neat company called RockScar Love at www.RockScarLove.com. A woman who had a liver transplant in 1993 started the company a year ago to give back to the transplant community. She offers merchandise with fun slogans that bring awareness to organ donation, and “helping individuals with physical, mental and emotional scars to embrace the lessons they represent.” If you know someone who has been through some sort of trauma, whether it is transplant involved or something different, it is well worth checking out!
It is wild to think that this whole journey began a year ago, roughly three weeks from now. November 20th… My gallbladder went first and who knew what was coming next!!
~ Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window.
I did just overcome a mental block, so to speak. I had put it off and put it off (with the best intentions), but I finally bit the bullet and wrote to my donor’s family. It was one of the hardest, complicated, emotional and worrisome things I have ever done. How do you tell them thank you enough or make sure words convey how truly grateful you are or help them understand that you don’t take it for granted? How do you express your excitement for living, while knowing they are still mourning their loved one? How do you express the love you feel for these people that you have never met? And I could go on… (hence the emotions mentioned above). It just feels like words aren’t enough. My hope is that I was able to convey to them how truly grateful and humbled I am, and hope that they can find some kind of peace with their decision for organ donation.
I also discovered a neat company called RockScar Love at www.RockScarLove.com. A woman who had a liver transplant in 1993 started the company a year ago to give back to the transplant community. She offers merchandise with fun slogans that bring awareness to organ donation, and “helping individuals with physical, mental and emotional scars to embrace the lessons they represent.” If you know someone who has been through some sort of trauma, whether it is transplant involved or something different, it is well worth checking out!
It is wild to think that this whole journey began a year ago, roughly three weeks from now. November 20th… My gallbladder went first and who knew what was coming next!!
~ Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Time Flies!!!
Wow, it has officially been 6 months since my transplant day!! Technically it was June 26th :) I think many would agree this has been quite a journey and such a blessing in disguise. However, this also marks 6 months that a family and friends lost a loved one. So, while it is marked with great celebration that things are going so well since my transplant, I always think of the other family that has suffered great loss and I will forever be grateful to them and my donor for saving my life. Words truly cannot express how humble I feel every time I think of them. Please continue to pray for them that they may receive healing and peace.
Revelation 21:4: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Quick update: Bertha is doing great!! Nothing super new to report... Medication still is being tweaked and I have definitely figured out the culprit of my joint stiffness and pain. When my anti-rejection medicine reaches a high level in my system I am really affected. So, if you see me hobbling around, moving or grabbing my knees a lot and maybe looking a bit awkward just go with it and laugh with me. Now you know what is wrong:) I have found that I do this and don't even realize it, so I am sure some people have gotten a good laugh :) I go back to the doctor mid-July, so hopefully everything will go well!
On another note: Please continue to pray for Aimee and Trey on their new journey in the transplant world. They had to open Aimee for a second time to remedy some internal bleeding. She is continuing to recover, but this has made the road a lot more difficult. But the great news is that her new liver is strong and doing great!
Revelation 21:4: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Quick update: Bertha is doing great!! Nothing super new to report... Medication still is being tweaked and I have definitely figured out the culprit of my joint stiffness and pain. When my anti-rejection medicine reaches a high level in my system I am really affected. So, if you see me hobbling around, moving or grabbing my knees a lot and maybe looking a bit awkward just go with it and laugh with me. Now you know what is wrong:) I have found that I do this and don't even realize it, so I am sure some people have gotten a good laugh :) I go back to the doctor mid-July, so hopefully everything will go well!
On another note: Please continue to pray for Aimee and Trey on their new journey in the transplant world. They had to open Aimee for a second time to remedy some internal bleeding. She is continuing to recover, but this has made the road a lot more difficult. But the great news is that her new liver is strong and doing great!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Please Pray!!
As I have walked through this journey, I have met some great people along the way who have helped me so much. I was lucky and so thankful to have my "goto" friends Lisa and Paul Rice help me and my family through the transplant process and help me understand what things were like and be a comfort that everything was going to be alright. Lisa kept me and my mother sane when we were questioning what was going on many times. Although each person having liver problems has different issues, it is so helpful and calming to have someone who has been through it too. I will forever be grateful!!
In turn, I have been able to return the favor. I was connected with someone who has been waiting for a liver. She has been going through the same things I went through in a little different way. But, I have had the opportunity to meet her and her husband and help them know that she is ok and that what she is going through is normal when it involves liver failure. She is around my age and is such a sweet person. My heart went out to her and her husband because it has been a hard and rocky road for them.
The GREAT news is that she just got the call that they FOUND a match for her and she will be having her liver transplant today!!! PLEASE PRAY for Aimee and Trey that God will grant them strength, peace, He will hold them in His hands, and that the surgeouns and medical staff take the best care of her. God is good!!
Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
In turn, I have been able to return the favor. I was connected with someone who has been waiting for a liver. She has been going through the same things I went through in a little different way. But, I have had the opportunity to meet her and her husband and help them know that she is ok and that what she is going through is normal when it involves liver failure. She is around my age and is such a sweet person. My heart went out to her and her husband because it has been a hard and rocky road for them.
The GREAT news is that she just got the call that they FOUND a match for her and she will be having her liver transplant today!!! PLEASE PRAY for Aimee and Trey that God will grant them strength, peace, He will hold them in His hands, and that the surgeouns and medical staff take the best care of her. God is good!!
Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
What can I say about the month of May...
Things have been in full swing since my last post! I have been bouncing back and forth from Jackson to Nashville, which has been great! I feel I have regained a little of my "old life" back and have been able to combine it with the new. It has been very exciting to be able to be in Nashville more and more! And to be able to see and spend time with so many friends as time has passed is awesome!
I had a great weekend at the beach with my Auburn girls at the beginning of May! We were fortunate enough to be able to make a weekend celebrating so many transitions in our lives and appreciate how close we all still are in our post-college years. There is nothing sweeter than remembering the crazier times, talking about where life has taken us, and laughing until you cry, as if no time had passed. A little TLC at the beach never hurts!
I have started school again. I am ALMOST done with my Master's degree!! Or at least I can see the light at the end of the tunnel :) It has been fun to see all of my school friends and professors, while always making new friends in my classes. One thing I appreciate more than I did before is the age range of the people I am in school with and hearing every one's stories. I sound quirky by saying this, but I think I appreciate people's "life" stories more than I used to. And you get a lot of them in my program of Marriage and Family Therapy :)
And as I write now, I am sitting in the Pensacola, FL airport leaving a family vacation that was so fun, albeit a little shorter on my end because of school :) Going to the beach twice in a month is the way to live!! We had a great time, and I appreciate every opportunity I get to spend with my family. We all needed this time after a rough winter! It is always entertaining to watch and play with my niece and nephew... You never know what surprise is going to arise with them! Unfortunately we were down one brother-in-law, but maybe next time it will be ALL of us! As my Dad put it in such a special family prayer, we are incredibly BLESSED!
So, with all that said, Bertha is still going strong!! I cannot believe it has been 5 months since my liver transplant and how so much has changed so fast. I remember at one point thinking it would take forever to get to this point, and yet I feel like it was just a week ago I was laying in the hospital waiting for surgery. I am grateful and so happy to be over a few hurdles back into a more normal life. I only have to get blood work done every other week. My veins are finally remembering that being stuck with a needle can hurt :) I am off of one medication, which has helped with some side effects I have been having. Fingers crossed I get to drop one more medication at 6 months, as well. All in all things are good!! Life is good!! God is good!!
The month of May has truly been inspiring! A line from one of many favorite songs I heard recently reminded me how I want to live my life :)
"I'm gonna muster every confidence I have and cannonball into the water!"
~ Teddy Geiger
I had a great weekend at the beach with my Auburn girls at the beginning of May! We were fortunate enough to be able to make a weekend celebrating so many transitions in our lives and appreciate how close we all still are in our post-college years. There is nothing sweeter than remembering the crazier times, talking about where life has taken us, and laughing until you cry, as if no time had passed. A little TLC at the beach never hurts!
And as I write now, I am sitting in the Pensacola, FL airport leaving a family vacation that was so fun, albeit a little shorter on my end because of school :) Going to the beach twice in a month is the way to live!! We had a great time, and I appreciate every opportunity I get to spend with my family. We all needed this time after a rough winter! It is always entertaining to watch and play with my niece and nephew... You never know what surprise is going to arise with them! Unfortunately we were down one brother-in-law, but maybe next time it will be ALL of us! As my Dad put it in such a special family prayer, we are incredibly BLESSED!
So, with all that said, Bertha is still going strong!! I cannot believe it has been 5 months since my liver transplant and how so much has changed so fast. I remember at one point thinking it would take forever to get to this point, and yet I feel like it was just a week ago I was laying in the hospital waiting for surgery. I am grateful and so happy to be over a few hurdles back into a more normal life. I only have to get blood work done every other week. My veins are finally remembering that being stuck with a needle can hurt :) I am off of one medication, which has helped with some side effects I have been having. Fingers crossed I get to drop one more medication at 6 months, as well. All in all things are good!! Life is good!! God is good!!
The month of May has truly been inspiring! A line from one of many favorite songs I heard recently reminded me how I want to live my life :)
"I'm gonna muster every confidence I have and cannonball into the water!"
~ Teddy Geiger
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Little lessons learned on this journey!
I learned little lessons every day about hospital life and how to endure and try to make it more pleasant or at least easier to endure.
1) Always be nice to your nurses, even if they aren't the most pleasant to you, you are in a lot of pain and really feel like telling them to do some place not so nice, or they are looking at you with a very long needle wondering "where are they going to stick me now" :) Kindness can get you a lot of places in the hospital. Especially the midnight and 4am ice chip runs the nurses would make for me because that could be the only thing that sounded good to me many days. Ice chips are the one thing that got me through my hospital stays and the only thing I miss about the hospital. I love Sonic's ice, but it isn't nearly as good as the hospital ice chips.
** In all honesty, I have a true and humble respect for nurses!! I could NOT do what they do! I adored every nurse I had during my transplant period, minus one creepy male nurse:)**
2) You will love the hospital if you like Ensure, Mighty Milk, and Boost!! I was basically force fed and threatened with it by my doctors, nurses, and some family members :) Needless to say, I was not so pleasant when it came to trying to consume those. I never finished one, and I am fairly sure I dumped some down the sink so I wouldn't have to finish them. I will forever be haunted by those drinks.
3) I never would have seen the launch of Oprah's TV network OWN. After a month in the hospital, anything different on television is a blessing! I am fairly sure it was in the middle of the night, when I was always awake, but who am I kidding... You never get rest in a hospital :)
4) Never think you will get rest in a hospital! You can become so backwards that you do not remember whether it is day or night, what time it is, or even sometimes, how long you have been in one pair of PJ's. Yes, I know that is disgusting, but some days it was true for me :) I generally regulated with my 5am wake up call to have blood drawn! What a way to start the day/end the night when you never really slept to begin with.
"Sleep, riches, and health to be truly enjoyed must be interrupted." ~Johann Paul Friedrich Richter, Flower, Fruit, and Thorn
** More to come, of course in no particular order. I apologize in advance for my story telling skills. I can be challenged in this area, but they can still be funny :) **
1) Always be nice to your nurses, even if they aren't the most pleasant to you, you are in a lot of pain and really feel like telling them to do some place not so nice, or they are looking at you with a very long needle wondering "where are they going to stick me now" :) Kindness can get you a lot of places in the hospital. Especially the midnight and 4am ice chip runs the nurses would make for me because that could be the only thing that sounded good to me many days. Ice chips are the one thing that got me through my hospital stays and the only thing I miss about the hospital. I love Sonic's ice, but it isn't nearly as good as the hospital ice chips.
** In all honesty, I have a true and humble respect for nurses!! I could NOT do what they do! I adored every nurse I had during my transplant period, minus one creepy male nurse:)**
2) You will love the hospital if you like Ensure, Mighty Milk, and Boost!! I was basically force fed and threatened with it by my doctors, nurses, and some family members :) Needless to say, I was not so pleasant when it came to trying to consume those. I never finished one, and I am fairly sure I dumped some down the sink so I wouldn't have to finish them. I will forever be haunted by those drinks.
3) I never would have seen the launch of Oprah's TV network OWN. After a month in the hospital, anything different on television is a blessing! I am fairly sure it was in the middle of the night, when I was always awake, but who am I kidding... You never get rest in a hospital :)
4) Never think you will get rest in a hospital! You can become so backwards that you do not remember whether it is day or night, what time it is, or even sometimes, how long you have been in one pair of PJ's. Yes, I know that is disgusting, but some days it was true for me :) I generally regulated with my 5am wake up call to have blood drawn! What a way to start the day/end the night when you never really slept to begin with.
"Sleep, riches, and health to be truly enjoyed must be interrupted." ~Johann Paul Friedrich Richter, Flower, Fruit, and Thorn
** More to come, of course in no particular order. I apologize in advance for my story telling skills. I can be challenged in this area, but they can still be funny :) **
Inspiring story
E:60 on ESPN made a tribute video about a boxer named Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez, who was pronounced brain dead after he was injured in a boxing match. His family portrays and explains what organ donation is all about. I reccomend you take 15 minutes and check it out. It is awesome that ESPN made a tribute to a true hero during Donate Life month:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6390758&categoryid=3060647
Organ donation registrant numbers are climbing, which is great news! Spreading the word and helping people discover what organ donation is all about seems to be reaching more and more people.
Thank you to all regiestered donors!
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6390758&categoryid=3060647
Organ donation registrant numbers are climbing, which is great news! Spreading the word and helping people discover what organ donation is all about seems to be reaching more and more people.
Thank you to all regiestered donors!
Friday, April 15, 2011
APRIL is Donate Life Month!!!
Please tell all of your friends what a special gift it is to become an organ and tissue donor. There are so many people's lives that can be saved and changed by this gift. Visit: donatelifetn.org for more information.
This week I had another checkup with the clinic where I meet with the surgeons. I got a great report and my bilirubin is down a little more, which is great news. All of my liver enzymes are wonderful!! The only "lecture" I got is to keep eating a high protein diet, which is difficult for me because I am a carb junkie :) I am able to drop one one of my immunosuppresant medications, which is great! One less pill to swallow four times a day is a nice change :) Overall, I couldn't be more pleased and thankful!!
I don't have to have another "big checkup" for another three months :)
This week I had another checkup with the clinic where I meet with the surgeons. I got a great report and my bilirubin is down a little more, which is great news. All of my liver enzymes are wonderful!! The only "lecture" I got is to keep eating a high protein diet, which is difficult for me because I am a carb junkie :) I am able to drop one one of my immunosuppresant medications, which is great! One less pill to swallow four times a day is a nice change :) Overall, I couldn't be more pleased and thankful!!
I don't have to have another "big checkup" for another three months :)
Hope everyone is having a great week, and I will do my best to get around to stories soon! I have been in the midst of finishing the classes I was taking when I got sick. I am very thankful that I am able to finish them so my Master's degree is not delayed too much. So, it is back in the saddle to study, study, study...
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Hello!
Hello everyone!! It is Ashlie! I am taking over the blog to share different stories, moments, updates and little life lessons I have learned along my journey. I am so greatful to Whitney for sharing her words, stories, and keeping everyone updated. She has done such a wonderful job!
I am now three months out from my transplant date. Bertha (my new liver) and I seem to be getting along well! Starting this week, I am only having to get blood work done every other week, which will be a nice break. My bilirubin is a 0.5, which falls into the "normal" range! So, I am extremely excited about this progress.
Thankyou to everyone, near and far, for your prayers and support! My family and I could not have made it through everything without each and every one of you. I will never be able to express my gratitude and how much it has meant to us.
"Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep."
~ Felix Frankfurter
I am now three months out from my transplant date. Bertha (my new liver) and I seem to be getting along well! Starting this week, I am only having to get blood work done every other week, which will be a nice break. My bilirubin is a 0.5, which falls into the "normal" range! So, I am extremely excited about this progress.
Thankyou to everyone, near and far, for your prayers and support! My family and I could not have made it through everything without each and every one of you. I will never be able to express my gratitude and how much it has meant to us.
"Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep."
~ Felix Frankfurter
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Appointment Praise!
Ashlie's doctor's appointment went about as well as it possibly could have today! They were able to see Dr. Campos who is the surgeon who performed her transplant (who, understandably, we all love!), and he gave her a glowing report! He was very pleased with how she looked, how she is healing, and her bloodwork!
Dr.Campos also gave them the final liver pathology report which was inconclusive. This was something Ashlie was prepared for, and Dr. Campos emphasized that her new liver was "happy" and that she should focus on her new healthy life ahead!
Ashlie looks great, she is feeling so well, and she is regaining her independence everyday! She is driving again (even to Memphis by herself for bloodwork on Monday), and she is enjoying each new day and the promises of renewed health that it brings! Her appointments are getting fewer and further between- she will have bloodwork done on a weekly basis and does not see a doctor again for two more months.
We are all still so thankful for the prayers and concern for Ashlie! She is running into people as she is out and about, and everyone's love for her is so overwhelming! She wanted me to be sure and continue to ask for prayers on her behalf, and if specific things to pray for come up, I will be sure to post them on the blog. She is- without a doubt- a walking miracle!
Dr.Campos also gave them the final liver pathology report which was inconclusive. This was something Ashlie was prepared for, and Dr. Campos emphasized that her new liver was "happy" and that she should focus on her new healthy life ahead!
Ashlie looks great, she is feeling so well, and she is regaining her independence everyday! She is driving again (even to Memphis by herself for bloodwork on Monday), and she is enjoying each new day and the promises of renewed health that it brings! Her appointments are getting fewer and further between- she will have bloodwork done on a weekly basis and does not see a doctor again for two more months.
We are all still so thankful for the prayers and concern for Ashlie! She is running into people as she is out and about, and everyone's love for her is so overwhelming! She wanted me to be sure and continue to ask for prayers on her behalf, and if specific things to pray for come up, I will be sure to post them on the blog. She is- without a doubt- a walking miracle!
The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
-Zephaniah 3:17
Friday, February 4, 2011
End of the week update
Ashlie has had a really good week! She is continuing to recover very well! She has been having bloodwork done twice a week in Memphis and continued that this week. She got two good reports- her doctors are very pleased with her bloodwork numbers and levels. She sees her doctor again in about a week and a half for a check-up.
As I have said multiple times, we are so thankful for everyone's prayers! The Lord has answered them in miraculous ways, and we will always be grateful for His faithfulness and everyone's love and support! I will update again after Ashlie's check-up on the 15th of this month.
As I have said multiple times, we are so thankful for everyone's prayers! The Lord has answered them in miraculous ways, and we will always be grateful for His faithfulness and everyone's love and support! I will update again after Ashlie's check-up on the 15th of this month.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
"Bertha" explanation & update
Hello faithful readers! I wanted to provide a bit more information about the naming of Ashlie's new liver per her request! She knows that her friends will understand since they get her sense of humor, but that a little more of an explanation would be good for the rest of you so that you don't think she has lost her sanity when she got rid of her old liver!
Ashlie & Natalie were a little slap-happy after their quick trip to Jackson a few weekends ago and quick return to Memphis because of the flu exposure. The idea of naming Ash's new liver was brought up and "Bertha" became the winner because of the new "birth" idea behind it. Ashlie has definitely been reborn into her healthy self again! It also doesn't hurt that Bertha is a funny name that gives a laugh on a daily basis when Ashlie (and the rest of us, too) needs one!
Ashlie returned to Memphis for bloodwork on Monday and has to make a return trip for more bloodwork on Thursday morning. All of her numbers are looking good including her bilirubin which is still decreasing, but she does not have enough of the anti-rejection medicine in her system. They have upped her dose and will recheck the levels on Thursday.
Thank you so much for the continued thoughts and prayers! I will ask that you continue to pray for Ash's recovery and medicine levels normalizing, but also that she can stay illness-free with so much going around these days!
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Ashlie & Natalie were a little slap-happy after their quick trip to Jackson a few weekends ago and quick return to Memphis because of the flu exposure. The idea of naming Ash's new liver was brought up and "Bertha" became the winner because of the new "birth" idea behind it. Ashlie has definitely been reborn into her healthy self again! It also doesn't hurt that Bertha is a funny name that gives a laugh on a daily basis when Ashlie (and the rest of us, too) needs one!
Ashlie returned to Memphis for bloodwork on Monday and has to make a return trip for more bloodwork on Thursday morning. All of her numbers are looking good including her bilirubin which is still decreasing, but she does not have enough of the anti-rejection medicine in her system. They have upped her dose and will recheck the levels on Thursday.
Thank you so much for the continued thoughts and prayers! I will ask that you continue to pray for Ash's recovery and medicine levels normalizing, but also that she can stay illness-free with so much going around these days!
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday Update
Ashlie continues to do well and thankfully did not get the flu! She did make the decision to try to keep a mask on while she is around my germy kids just to be safe!
Ashlie saw her doctor on Tuesday and had bloodwork done. Her bilirubin had gone down to 2.2 which is a huge praise! She had her staples out as well. They are still trying to find the right dose of the anti-rejection medicine for her. She will continue to have bloodwork done once or twice a week over the next month or so.
"Bertha" is what Ashlie has decided to name her new liver! She uses "Bertha" in conversation to talk about how her new liver is treating her. She is definitely more mobile and continues to improve everyday! Please continue to pray for her recovery and for the right balance of medicine!
Ashlie saw her doctor on Tuesday and had bloodwork done. Her bilirubin had gone down to 2.2 which is a huge praise! She had her staples out as well. They are still trying to find the right dose of the anti-rejection medicine for her. She will continue to have bloodwork done once or twice a week over the next month or so.
"Bertha" is what Ashlie has decided to name her new liver! She uses "Bertha" in conversation to talk about how her new liver is treating her. She is definitely more mobile and continues to improve everyday! Please continue to pray for her recovery and for the right balance of medicine!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Weekend Update
Ashlie is feeling pretty well! My mom made it back to Jackson on Thursday night in an effort to catch her breath and prepare for the Edwards family Christmas celebration that was supposed to happen today. Ashlie & Natalie came to Jackson last night, and we were able to share a meal while staying toasty by the fire. Ashlie was home long enough to be able to play with her niece and nephew and to be exposed to the flu! Cooper was perfectly fine until about 8 last night when he started crashing fast. He was diagnosed this morning with flu A which ended the Edwards family Christmas celebration. Ashlie and Natalie decided to head back to Memphis to get out of the germy house, and Ashlie has been prescribed Tamiflu as a precaution because of the condition of her immune system after a transplant. More than likely, she will settle back into mom & dad's house in Jackson after her appointment on Tuesday in Memphis.
My mom stayed here, and decided that since it is not in the cards for us to all have a Christmas celebration this year that she would take down her dead Christmas tree and try to get her life reorganized until Ashlie's appointments in Memphis. My dad suggested a thorough inventory of the presents followed by storage in the attic for next Christmas- I don't think this idea will fly especially with a sick four-year-old who wants the rest of his presents that he's been promised for the last three weeks!
A couple of things to pray for specifically for Ashlie:
-That she does not get the flu. She did not have any direct contact with Cooper, but she's still at risk for sure.
-Her bilirubin has been going down consistently since her transplant, but at her bloodwork Thursday it increased a little- from 2.4 to 2.7. To put it in perspective, her bilirubin at the highest level we have recorded before her transplant was 32, and normal levels are around 1, so she has improved dramatically, but the doctors want to see it continue to decrease.
-She is still trying to find the right dosage & combination of anti-rejection medicines for her body. She has done well with them this week, but it is definitely a work in progress that will continue for a while, so please pray for that process.
Thanks again for the support and prayers! Ashlie looks great! Cooper said she looks like the "normal" Sis-sis which is an enormous compliment from a very honest four-year-old! I will update again after her appointment on Tuesday.
My mom stayed here, and decided that since it is not in the cards for us to all have a Christmas celebration this year that she would take down her dead Christmas tree and try to get her life reorganized until Ashlie's appointments in Memphis. My dad suggested a thorough inventory of the presents followed by storage in the attic for next Christmas- I don't think this idea will fly especially with a sick four-year-old who wants the rest of his presents that he's been promised for the last three weeks!
A couple of things to pray for specifically for Ashlie:
-That she does not get the flu. She did not have any direct contact with Cooper, but she's still at risk for sure.
-Her bilirubin has been going down consistently since her transplant, but at her bloodwork Thursday it increased a little- from 2.4 to 2.7. To put it in perspective, her bilirubin at the highest level we have recorded before her transplant was 32, and normal levels are around 1, so she has improved dramatically, but the doctors want to see it continue to decrease.
-She is still trying to find the right dosage & combination of anti-rejection medicines for her body. She has done well with them this week, but it is definitely a work in progress that will continue for a while, so please pray for that process.
Thanks again for the support and prayers! Ashlie looks great! Cooper said she looks like the "normal" Sis-sis which is an enormous compliment from a very honest four-year-old! I will update again after her appointment on Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Home Again
Ashlie has finally made it back out of the hospital. She and my mom are thrilled to be back at Natalie and Eric's house. They are planning to stay there a few more days before heading back to Jackson. Thanks for all of the prayers for her during this recent hospital stay. Please continue to pray for her muscle pain in her stomach and for her total healing. War Eagle!
Monday, January 10, 2011
War Eagle from Memphis!
Ashlie is still in the hospital. They canceled her GI tests because of the weather which is kind of frustrating, but my mom said that she guesses it's only fitting that they watch the National Championship game in the hospital since they have spent all of the holidays, Ashlie's birthday, and several other important days in the hospital. Hopefully they will have the tests done tomorrow and will be headed home soon! Until that happens, I will leave you with Natalie & Eric's snowman from today- War Eagle!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Mid-day Sunday Update
Ashlie is doing well today! Her liver numbers are all exactly where they were supposed to be, and after some tests, the doctors think that her pain is mostly muscular in nature. Her fever has stayed down since they stopped one of her anti-rejection medicines. A GI doctor has started seeing Ashlie to try to resolve some of the issues she is having with eating. She is going to have some tests run, and they seem to think that most of these issues are due to how sick she was before the transplant. It is going to take a little while before her entire body starts functioning at 100%. Hopefully these issues will be resolved fairly quickly (since nothing happens really quickly in a hospital!) and she will be headed home again soon. Please be praying that the doctors will find some solutions to her GI issues, that they will be able to find the right dosage of her anti-rejection medicines, and that her pain will continue to get better. Thanks so much for the prayers!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Saturday Update from Memphis
Ashlie is still in the hospital and is doing ok. She is feeling better than yesterday but is still not feeling great. Her doctor thinks that one of her anti-rejection medicines was causing her to feel bad and have a fever. They are still running some tests to rule out anything else. Everything looks great with her liver and liver function which is a praise for sure! Please pray for relief of her pain and for the doctors to be able to determine the cause of the issues she is having. I will update tomorrow when we know anything else. Thanks for all of the prayers!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Please be praying...
Ashlie has been put in the hospital again. She has had a low-grade fever the last couple of days and has not been feeling well, so she went back to the doctor this morning. He thinks that more than likely the problem is not with her liver, but some kind of virus or infection. They decided to admit her to run some tests and so that they could monitor her closely. Please pray for her healing, that her body would be able to rid itself of the virus or infection, and that she would be headed on the road to recovery again very soon! Thanks!
Monday, January 3, 2011
First Day Home Update
Ashlie is settled in at Natalie and Eric's house and is doing great! She made a run back to the hospital for blood work and a mail this morning. Know that if you mailed something to the hospital she will still get it- they will check two more times before the end of the week. She is trying to establish normal sleep patterns after spending the better part of the month of December (with a few days thrown in from November and January) being woken up at 4:30-5ish for blood work and then again at 6 by a lowly resident checking in before morning rounds. Although she is very happy not to have that early morning greeting, she woke up on cue waiting for her visitors this morning! Hopefully she will sleep more soundly tonight!
My mom is doing well, too! She is glad to be out of the hospital and is happy running all over the city of Memphis to get Ashlie medicine and food- just as long as her picky daughter eats! I will probably not update until later in the week, but please continue to pray for rest for Ashlie and Mom as they adjust to what life holds this week and leave the hospital exhaustion behind. Thank you, thank you, thank you to each of you for the amazing support & prayers! The kids and I loved seeing people all over Jackson today and telling them about how amazing the Lord has been to Ashlie and our family. She will always be a walking example of answered prayer!
My mom is doing well, too! She is glad to be out of the hospital and is happy running all over the city of Memphis to get Ashlie medicine and food- just as long as her picky daughter eats! I will probably not update until later in the week, but please continue to pray for rest for Ashlie and Mom as they adjust to what life holds this week and leave the hospital exhaustion behind. Thank you, thank you, thank you to each of you for the amazing support & prayers! The kids and I loved seeing people all over Jackson today and telling them about how amazing the Lord has been to Ashlie and our family. She will always be a walking example of answered prayer!
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Out of the Hospital!
Ashlie was released from the hospital this afternoon! She and my mom are settling into sister Natalie & Eric's house in the Harbor Town area of Memphis until Friday. Ashlie has to go to the clinic and have blood work done two times this week and then see the doctors on Friday, so they decided that it might be easier to stay local for a few more days. She is extremely excited to be in the outside world and is looking forward to having an uninterrupted night of sleep free of nurses, vitals, and blood work!
I have updated the mailing address to my parents' house in Jackson since she will be back there in a few days and will more than likely stay there for a few weeks. I will update again in a few days with her post-hospital progress! We are still amazed at the way the Lord has answered prayers on Ashlie's behalf and thankful for his mercy and grace. Thanks to all of you who have prayed and supported Ashlie and all of us through these last few weeks. She has come a long way in these two weeks of blogging!
I have updated the mailing address to my parents' house in Jackson since she will be back there in a few days and will more than likely stay there for a few weeks. I will update again in a few days with her post-hospital progress! We are still amazed at the way the Lord has answered prayers on Ashlie's behalf and thankful for his mercy and grace. Thanks to all of you who have prayed and supported Ashlie and all of us through these last few weeks. She has come a long way in these two weeks of blogging!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all! Ashlie continues to do extremely well today! She is still in the hospital for the next day or two until the doctors are pleased with how she is eating. She needs to be able to take in a good amount of protein for her body to heal, and much to her disgust, she is drinking Boost while still at the hospital. Her spirits are great, and she is looking forward to what 2011 has in store for her with her new healthy liver!
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