We are finally home!! Everyone is asking how this happened? I'm saying God granted us one more miracle because all the doctors said it would at least be this weekend but probably the first of next week before we were able to go home. God is so good!
On Sunday, they said Kari's counts were up around 1000 which is outstanding as the threshold is 500. However, Dr. Moscow came in yesterday morning and said that number was given in error. He said that Kari's counts were staying around 360 and that her body was slowly bringing the counts up on its own and that the only reason they are staying low is the leukemia. This is kinda confusing but I'm trying to explain it the way I understood it from Dr. Moscow. If Kari's body was not responding to the chemo, her counts would not be able to stay steady or climb at all. Since it's the leukemia and not Kari's body, he said she didn't need anymore fluids or antibiotics; therefore, there was no reason for us to stay in the hospital. They did give her a blood transfusion and sent us home with a bag full of medication (not fun for either of us). I also have to flush her PICC line twice a day myself. I was very nervous about coming home because while we're in the hospital, we have nurses and doctors that do this routine daily...for us normal people, it's hard to know what to do!!!
But they gave me a few lessons on flushing the PICC line and also gave me an instruction sheet on giving Kari her meds everyday. Unfortunately, until her counts are up, it's doctor's orders that we are not allowed any visitors outside of immediate family at this time. It's a dangerous time and being outside of the hospital....we can't risk anything. Kari isn't allowed out of the house at all unless her counts come up so we are praying for some fun days inside! We don't have to go to clinic until next Monday for chemo! Yay!!!
We have had so many good days with Kari since we were in the hospital. Over the weekend, she played and had a great time with friends and family just like she always has. It's been hard to remember at times that she has leukemia. But the lady that helped get us ready to go yesterday gave me a reality check: this is only the beginning. After her 28-day induction month, things are going to get rough. While I was thankful for the warning, my heart is also full of dread for the days to come. Especially Kari losing her hair. It's a very obvious reminder that Kari is suffering. Kari has heard us talking about her hair falling out and, while I've discussed it with her already, she doesn't really understand and is starting to ask "Mommy, are you talking about MY hair falling out?" Shewee....lots of tears here.
So, here are some things that I'd like for you all to pray for if you would:
Kari is supposed to be the miniature bride in Latasha's wedding on August 13th. I'm also a bridesmaid in the wedding. Kari will have a bone marrow biopsy, a spinal tap and the surgery to insert her PORT on August 9th. Recovering from those 3 things could take several days. Her counts also have to be above 500 before we can even THINK about going to the wedding and even at 500, she will have to wear a mask walking up and down the aisle. Please pray that things will turn out good for Kari and I to be in the wedding. She has looked forward to this for six months and I want her to be able to enjoy it.
Also, please pray that her counts can come up enough for us to be able to go to church. Church services are important to us and we hate missing them!
Honestly, today I'm trying my best to rally but I'm struggling. Being home is awesome but there are also lots of reminders that my baby is very sick. Malachi will be home today and we are going to try to adjust the best way we know how. I pray that God gives us a smooth transition.
I love each and every one of you! Thank you for praying, caring and all that you've done for us. We are grateful and ask that God blesses you!
Please listen to the words of this song...it's been a blessing to me since the first time I heard it. I'm thankful that as hard as this is, God will use it for His glory and for our good.
I'm so excited that you are home! I can't imagine how overwhelming all of this must be. Please know I am praying constantly and am looking forward to all of the other miracles God has in store for Kari and your family!! LOVE YOU to pieces!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you all finally got to come home, Ashlee! I can't even begin to imagine all the overwhelming emotions your sweet family is feeling. You're sweet little Kari is in our prayers constantly!
ReplyDeleteFrom Andrea Coffey-Boggs:
ReplyDeleteAshley,
I am so sorry for what your family and your baby are dealing with right now. I have been reading you blogs, and you are a wonderful example of what we as Christians should be striving to be. We are praying for you all. I am also so happy that you are able to come home with little Kari. Praying!
So happy that you are home Ashley with your beautiful Kari. It's amazing how God can use the hardest times of our lives to bring us closer to Him. I thought I was really close to the LORD and that I loved Him so much but, when Makaylynn was diagnosed with bone cancer my love and desire for Him became so much stronger! It has been the hardest time in my life but I love and trust Him more than I ever have! I have cried to Him for the strength I needed to be strong for Makaylynn and of course pleading for her healing. She has been through so much.. But, God was always with us giving us the strength we needed for each morning to face the day. It reminded me of the manna that He gave the Israelites daily when He brought them out of Egypt....enough for the day!! He is faithful....and I trust and love Him more than I ever have!! I will NEVER forget all that He has done in Makaylynn's life and in mine too. When Mak's hair started coming out within about 2 weeks of her chemo, her momma went ahead and shaved her head. It was so hard because she had such beautiful thick blonde hair like your Ashley. But, she is just as beautiful with or without her hair!! She is absolutely beautiful. I went to Simply Irrestable and bought her some beautiful caps with big beautiful flowers on them and she looks gorgeous in them. And, she also was sent hats and caps from so many people from different states. The funny thing is that she very seldom wears them. Someone even started a wig fund for her and got her a wig made of real hair made just like her hair was...and she won't wear it..lol. She is comfortable just like she is, bald and beautiful :-) But, the first few times she went out without her caps I think she did notice other children looking at her and she would get this sad look on her face...but it didn't last. She is so amazing and strong, I hope that Kari can meet her sometime. She isn't able to be around many people because her counts stay really low and will continue to until she has these last 3 rounds of chemo finished. I am so excited for her...it has been so hard on her, and I think she has had to grow up so much going through all of this. But she is stronger for it too and will have a great testimony for the LORD. I know that she still has to have all her scans every 3 months for the next few years and yearly check-ups for the rest of her life but that is not bad because we still have our princess. I look back now and I see how God was moving through all of this...even when I didn't see Him moving. He is magnificient and mighty and in Ephesians 3:20, God's Word tells us that He is able to more than all we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. So, I think that covers about anything that comes up. PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS WORD....I don't know what I would do without it. Even though I know I don't stay in it nearly enough. You are amazing young mother and I can see the strength He has given you. Just know that I am praying for Kari and your family.....and God is with you on your worst of days giving you the strength to take a deep breath and call out to Him for the help you need. By the way, on some of the really hard days I would have speak out loud as I walked through the house "I TRUST YOU, LORD!" And I have found Him very TRUSTWORTHY!!! Talk to you later...sorry for being so long winded...lol Dana Minton
ReplyDeletejust a reminder that we are holding you all up in prayer as i know so many others are. "Sometimes it just helps to here it again." we love you all.
ReplyDeleteAshlee...I just know she'll able to be in my wedding, you and her both. I am praying hard. I love you all and pray that she continues to get better. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you all! Can't wait til she is better!
ReplyDeletePraying for darling Kari and you all! So thankful that you guys are at home! Will be praying for your special requests! Much love~ Lacey Smith
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteWe have been following your blogs about sweet lil Kari. She is an absolute doll baby, and by your pics she has the personality to match :) You are such an inspiration to all of us, and an amazing example of what we as Christians should be. I have faith in our loving Father that Kari will be healed. Our prayers are with Kari and your family.<3
:) so glad you guys got to come home. So glad Kari has a wonderful mommy like you to take care of her!
ReplyDeleteI love you girl-you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Tanner reminds me to "pway for ka-wi."
Love you guys!!
PTL! So glad you guys got to come home! Here's a little something I stumbled across this week. Maybe it will help with the indoor fun dilemma :). Still praying.
ReplyDeletehttp://thehappyhousewife.com/homeschool/fun-fabulous-and-mostly-free-preschool-projects-free-ebooks/
~Amy
I tried commenting yesterday but it wasn't letting me so maybe it will today! Lol I am so thrilled that you all got to go home! I wanted so bad to get out there to see you guys but maybe it will work out sometime in the near future. Praying that all goes well & you can attend the wedding. I know you all have looked so forward to it! Love you!
ReplyDeleteAsh, I keep trying to find the right words to say but I can't. I love you so so much and You, Matthew, and the babies are in our prayers daily! I pray that God gives you all strength and health! I can only imagine what your going through, but I do know Kari couldn't ask for a better Mommy! I love you!
ReplyDelete