Update on Ashley - 8/24/08

[Mom2BugandBear]

Update on Ashley

Many friends and readers have been following the story of Ashley, my 2-year-old grand-goddaughter who just received a kidney transplant, so I'm writing to give an update.

I visited Ashley in the hospital today, and it was definitely bittersweet.  It was wonderful to see her, and hear her sweet voice, and actually catch a glimpse of a smile or two.  It was also difficult to see her so swollen and in pain, and I found myself wishing she had the vocabulary to tell us exactly how she was feeling and what she needed.  She was a little irritated when I was there because she did not want to have to wear the oxygen tube in her nose, but she needed it. Yesterday and today, around the same time in the evening, Ashley's blood pressure has become alarmingly high and her swelling seemed to worsen, especially around her eyes.  The good news is that the kidney does seem to be doing its job! She is peeing into a diaper now (they removed her catheter today!) and her urine is getting clearer.

Ashley will require more minor surgery to remove her vas cath (catheter in her heart used for dialysis), and then she should be able to go home! The road ahead is going to be difficult, but if anyone is committed and ready for the task of caring for a transplanted child, it's Camille.

Several CM members have asked if there was a way to contribute to Ashley's transplant fund. I have been hesitant to really promote Ashley's COTA website, only because I didn't want anyone to be put off be requests for donations.  But since so many have asked-- and since I found out today that Camille will have to take at least a month leave of absence from work  to care for Ashley until she is allowed to return to her daycare for medically fragile children-- I thought I should post this information: 

Donations to Ashley's transplant fund can be done by visiting this website http://cotaforashleyed.com/ then clicking the "donate" tab.  ANY donation will be helpful and used to help Camille and Julie pay Ashley's medical expenses and their living expenses while Camille is at home caring for Ashley during her recovery.  There is also a "guestbook" where you can leave a message letting them know you stopped by and are thinking of them.

THANK YOU to everyone who continues to pray for Ashley and for the supportive comments on Camille's page. Your kind words and encouragement mean SO MUCH!!!

This is a video of Ashley that I took at the hospital today. It's a little blurry because I was using my cell phone camera.  You can see how swollen my bebe is...  but she sure loves those bubbles!!

[queenanne]

Aug. 24, 2008 at 9:09 PM

Thanks for the update.  The video is precious.  I'm so glad that beautiful Ashley is doing so well.  I will continue to keep the good get well juju flowing her way.

[rgh3angel]

Aug. 24, 2008 at 9:11 PM

YAY!!!!! I'm so happy to see her waving her chubby little arms and acting so normal!! (I envy kids, after my liver surgery I felt like I couldn't move for months...old fart that I am lol)

I'm praying my next paycheck is a good one and I can send a few more dollars their way.

Thank you so much for the update and I hope the BP straightens itself out as the kidney acclimates itself to her body and vice versa.

Way to go Ashley!!!

 

 

 

[nicksmom04]

Aug. 24, 2008 at 9:15 PM

Oh, sweet baby!! I'm so glad you got to see her and I'm glad she's doing ok. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts!

[4sportsmom]

Aug. 24, 2008 at 9:26 PM

Aww hon I have been thinking of you everyday!  She looks great for everything she has gone through.

[QueenieSue]

Aug. 24, 2008 at 9:39 PM

Thanks for the update.. I have been pacing and have just about burned the house down with candles... =) all good things from here on out... <3's Amanda 

[EstrellaStar]

Aug. 24, 2008 at 11:15 PM

She'll continue to be in our thoughts. I'll see what we can do here.

[MoonPenny]

Aug. 25, 2008 at 7:23 AM

I'm so glad she is doing better.  The video and pic were great.

[rsgmom]

Aug. 25, 2008 at 10:51 AM

She'll definitely be added to my prayer list.  Peace & blessings to everyone.

[momGof5]

Aug. 25, 2008 at 12:59 PM

Thankfull for  her recovery,she is on her way! Also thank you for the update,our family will keep her in our thoughts!

[LilDi]

Aug. 25, 2008 at 1:08 PM

best wishes for a quick recovery!  I do medical transcription for kidney doctors, and know there are many people waiting for transplants and many who have done very well afterwards.