Monday, November 4, 2013

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!!!

63 comments:

  1. praying the LORDS mercy on Hazel and all of you..we will keep praying...

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  2. Praying with and for you! Thank you that in the midst of everything you are going through, you think enough of us to share this update. God is with you!

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  3. I am so sorry to hear that your sweet girl has had to go through so much and continues to. She is so young and I can't imagine what it is doing to you as her parents. I will be praying for Hazel's complete healing and for strength for you all.

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  4. Praying for Hazel! God is with the both of you!! Stay strong!!

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  5. This is some of the best news I have heard. Praying with all my might.

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  6. I started seeing your updates on Hazel through Lilly Bumpus. I also am fighting my own fight with devastating medical issues and know all to well the impact that it has on myself snd my family and friends. I want you to know that I think and pray for Hazel, and many more, everyday. ... multiple times a day. I believe God knows that she is a very special little girl and I really believe that she will fight to come through this.
    I was so ill about 4 months ago with a septic infection that I was placed on a vent for almost 2 weeks just to give my lungs a chance to heal since they couldn't with a respiratory rate of 100 breaths a minute. It worked and I know that it will continue to work for your strong and beautiful daughter!!!
    My continued thoughts and prayers for this very special lady who deserves so much more out of life than this!!!

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  7. I started seeing your updates on Hazel through Lilly Bumpus. I also am fighting my own fight with devastating medical issues and know all to well the impact that it has on myself snd my family and friends. I want you to know that I think and pray for Hazel, and many more, everyday. ... multiple times a day. I believe God knows that she is a very special little girl and I really believe that she will fight to come through this.
    I was so ill about 4 months ago with a septic infection that I was placed on a vent for almost 2 weeks just to give my lungs a chance to heal since they couldn't with a respiratory rate of 100 breaths a minute. It worked and I know that it will continue to work for your strong and beautiful daughter!!!
    My continued thoughts and prayers for this very special lady who deserves so much more out of life than this!!!

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  8. The Believe Team is continuing to pray for you sweet Hazel and family! <3 and hugs to you all!

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  9. God is in control, have faith in him.

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  10. Praise the Lord. God has his mighty, healing hands over you Hazel, your health has been paid for through Jesus sacrifice and we claim that healing over you fromhead to toe. Your high levels will normalize, your organs will function perfectly, and all sickness will be removed right NOW, in Jesus name, claim it with us, amen!!!

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  11. Praying for your sweet baby!

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  12. Thank you for your update god you are so awesome thank you god please keep hazel in your arms

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  13. Praying for Hazel and you all. God bless you and the doctors that are working to keep her sustained and comfortable and all the nurses in direct care that they may be vigilant in their care. IJN, Amen! ~ Elizabeth A, Dallas, TX

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  14. prayers for Hazel n you-knowing that God in control and His loving ,healing arms are holding her .,Comforting her .And I pray our Father will continue to give you strength and peace to lean on him thru this difficult time with your daughter. Psalm 69:16 Answer my prayers,O Lord ,for your unfailing love is wonderful.Take care of me ,for your mercy is so plentiful.This is for Hazel. In Christ Love




    l

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  15. Praying for Hazel! I am so happy that she is doing better...you rock Hazel!

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  16. Praying everyday several times throughout the day for Hazel's recovery and your family.

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  17. Prayers going up from Virginia.. stay strong for her... child your head high!

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  18. Praying for you beautiful girl!

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  19. I have been following your family's story for a couple months now, and wanted to let you know that I am also praying for Hazel and for strength for your family to make it through this trying time.

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  20. plein de pensées pour Hazel et sa famille.♥♥♥

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  21. Hope Hazel gets better. Prayers from Spain

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  22. I am a teacher at Whittier Christian School. I teach 4th grade and my class is praying for Hazel.

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  23. Praying from Cincinnati, ohio. Fist saw Hazel updates throught the beautiful Lilly Bumpus. May God be with you all during this fight. God bless you Hazel. Keep figjting babygirl.....Lully waits for you to be free like her and play play play. Jessica, Lucas and Logan

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  24. Thank you for the updates and sending prayerslove and hugs to hazel and the family!

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  25. Prayers going up from Maine for this beautiful little girl. I am praying for her bleeding to stop & for her to get better. Praying for her family to stay strong. God bless you all. Hugs.

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  26. Praying non-stop for Hazelnut and her amazing family!

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  27. My husband and I are still praying for "our "Million Dollar Baby" She is a fighter, just like the girl in the movie Prayers, positive thoughts, hugs and kisses, all coming your way!

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  28. Continued prayers for healing and strength! Good news a little at a time!!

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  29. Praying so hard for little hazel! I can't wait to see her smile again!!!! I look all time time for updates on hazel and am praying constantly for her recovery!!!

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  30. "But we have never been here before, so we have nothing to compare it to." Your faith is breathtaking. Thinking of you and hoping and praying that things get better for little Hazel.

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  31. May God give her a total healing in Jesus name. May God bless her and her family everyday of your lives. Amen.

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  32. Thank you for the update on Hazel! We are praying for her every day and at night when we put our girls to bed we say a prayer for Hazel. You are one courageous & faithful family and so inspiring to so many lives that Hazel & you have touched. All our Love from New Jersey at McGuire Air Force Base... The Rennels Family.

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  33. My family and I will continue praying! Prayer truly works! God is so good! Love, Annie

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  34. Our prayers for Hazel and your family continue. Bringing dinner tonight!
    Love, The Piehn Family

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  35. Our prayers continue for Hazel and your family Lauren! I hope your other children and Aaron can enjoy dinner a bit tonight. Love, The Piehns

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  36. C'mon Hazel! You are so brave and strong. Both you and your family.

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  37. I will keep your little Hazel and your family in my prayers. Have faith in God, and trust in his goodness. <3

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  38. I've been praying day by day for your sweet little Hazel, she has touched my heart since I read about her. Stay strong and don't loose faith God is gonna heal her nothing is impossible for him and all this nightmare is gonna be over soon. I went to a religious retreat yesterday and I was praying for her the whole retreat. I'll be praying for Hazel and for strenght for you all. Thanks for the updates on Hazel a big hug for you and princess Hazelnut.

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  39. Prayers and <3 from Boston. XO

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  40. so happy to hear tonight some more positive thoughts - my 3 children and i will say a special prayer for hazelnut tonight…we are thinking of you all at this time and pray for continued good news. sending big hugs and ove from the crowe family in simi valley

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  41. Tonight as I say my prayers, I ask specifically for God to stop Hazel's bleeding, to keep her bilirubin levels dropping, and to banish the BK virus from her tiny body! I am sending Hazel all my strength, and all of you my love. I have a strong feeling that tomorrow is going to be a great day for Hazel! Stay strong and positive!!

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  42. Please God keep hearing our prayers! Hazel deserves to live a beautiful life with her family. Keep fighting little warrior princess. I've been praying throughout these past few days for you little angel. Be strong momma keep fighting for your baby. And please keep guiding these doctors help them to heal her oh magnificent one...

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  43. Praying for miraculous healing. I have kids around this age and I'm heartbroken to see little Hazel in pain. May God heal her and bring her through. Hang in there little one!!!

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  44. Praying for this little princess everyday! Please God stop her bleeding & heal this tiny body♥♥

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  45. Lauren, I'm praying for big improvements for your little Hazel! Thinking of you guys and your family and hoping she turns a corner soon. Lara

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  46. Prayers for healing & peace & comfort coming your family's way from Mississippi! I have 2 young daughters & I just can't imagine having to see one of them go through what your little girl is facing. She is a precious gift from God & He is with her (& you!) through each step of this journey.

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  47. Continuing to pray for Hazel and your whole family! Remembering her throughout the day.

    God bless each one of you with His comfort and strength.

    The Van Keurens

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  48. I haven't been on blogger in a few days Our God can perform miracles. Stay strong. You are such a strong momma and you have a fighter. God bless your sweet family.

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  49. You do not know me, but I've been following your blog. I pray daily for little Hazel, her doctors, nurses & you, your husband & your other children. I pray for strength, comfort and healing for little Hazel. I pray for wisdom for the doctors & nurses. I pray for strength, comfort & understanding you and your husband. I pray for understanding your other children.
    I also pray for anyone who is coming in contact with your children as you need to spend so much time away.
    I also pray that as you and your family go through this that you will be used of God for those who do not know him. I pray that the doctors, nurses and other parents who come in contact with you will see what gets you through each day.
    So even though you don't know me, know that there are people all over the united States praying.

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  50. Praise the Lord!! Our God is very very big and he is amazingly good to all of us!! Sending prayers to llittle Hazel and the family! !

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  51. I remember when my husband lay in the hospital on a ventilator and how hard that was to see him like that. I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to see your child lying there. I'm praying for you and Hazel for God's strength, peace, and encouragement during this time. Keep us posted!

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  52. Lauren- Thank you so much for keeping us updated, which is amazing in itself considering all that you're facing with your little Angel.

    I've sent all prayer requests to many churches and prayer warriors...and, of course we will continue to pray for her complete restoration in all facets of health. God has plans for your little girl, she is a special young child with attributes too many to list. I'm confident in the LORD and His plans and trust in Him to guide, direct and perform miracles in Jesus Christ's name...Amen.

    May God go before you in this battle. With God all things are possible.

    Blessings, Peace and much Love,

    Camille~

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  53. Hazel, sweetheart....we LOVE YOU!

    Blessings Hugs & Smiles~

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  54. Praying for the Hammersley Family

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  55. Prayers sent your way from Baltimore MD

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  56. They discovered a tumor in my great niece's leg at age 4 and had to amputate. At age 5 another tumor was discovered in her other leg and they had to amputate it, as well. Having been given a 25% chance of survivial, she is going strong for over a year now. It is sad for anyone battling cancer, but pure heartbreaking to watch a child going through it. I love and appreciate your last comment:"trust that God is in control and has a plan for all of this, no matter the outcome". Many believe that a real God would never allow for this to happen, but what He has allowed is for people to see the good in humanity because far too often we only hear about the bad. God Bless.

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  57. Prayers for your sweet Angel. <3

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  58. Prayers from Dallas, TX

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  59. oh goodness. i have a son your daughter's age and i just can't imagine what you are going through. i am so sorry!! I prayed for your sweet little girl last night and will continue to do so!!

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