More Information on Hazel's Condition

**DAY 26 POST TRANSPLANT & 33 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL**     

     Yesterday was an extremely overwhelming day.  We saw so many different doctors and they all told us slightly different things, so we have been on an emotional roller coaster.  The thing of biggest concern was her bilirubin levels.  The bilirubin is one of the indicating factors of liver function, and if it rises, it means her liver could begin to fail.  Over the last days it was slowly rising; starting at 2.4, then 2.8, then she was at 3.1 when starting on the CVVH machine.  After being on it for a day, the hope was that the bilirubin would have shown an decrease, but it actually went up to 4.0, being the biggest jump yet. This was very concerning to one doctor in particular who basically told us that we are already hitting her with everything we've got, and if her liver function does not respond and her bilirubin keeps rising, then there aren't really many other options.  This left us absolutely devastated!  But then two other doctors came in to tell us that many times the bilirubin goes up for a day or so before it goes down, and not to worry.  The numbers are probably indicating the damage that has already occurred, not any new damage.  And the damage is reversible with this treatment, if successful.  In addition, they assured us after looking at all her other numbers (blood gas, liver enzymes, blood pressures, the amount of fluid that's coming off, etc.) that she is on the right track for recovery (Praise God!!!).  She is still seriously ill and we need to remain vigilant, but on the right track nonetheless!  Another concern has to do with a very important medication that can help reverse the VOD.  It acts something like a blood thinner, which can be dangerous since Hazel has already been struggling with bleeding and low platelet counts.  She had some increased bleeding yesterday, so they stopped the medication, but restarted it because the bleeding stopped.  This is something we have to keep a very close eye on, because today she has shown signs of bleeding once again.  PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS BLEEDING TO STOP!!! Another worry has to do with the BK virus.  This complication has made it very difficult to urinate and they are worried that it will cause fluid back up into her kidneys.  They did an ultrasound and saw that there is a little fluid back-up but want to check again today.  If it has gotten worse, then they will insert two tube through her abdomen, directly into her kidneys to help drain the fluid.  So please pray that it hasn't gotten worse but if it has, to guide the doctors to do what is best for Hazel!

     Today has come with mostly good news, so your prayers are working! HER BILIRUBIN DROPPED TO 3.6!!!!!!!!!!!!!  THIS HAS BROUGHT US SO MUCH RELIEF, SO KEEP PRAYING THAT IT CONTINUES TO GO DOWN!!  Also, they were able to go down on her ventilator a little, which probably means her lungs are improving!!  Although terrified for our daughter, God continues to show us His presence and gives us hope that she will recover.  It is a constant battle to hang on to this hope because to us, her situation seems to dire.  But we have never been here before, so we have nothing to compare it to.  We just have to trust what the doctors tell us, and most importantly trust that God is in control and has a plan for all of this, no matter the outcome.  Thank you all so so much for your continued support and prayers, and please keep them coming!!!