Continued prayers from Idaho.

Blood is not transfered from state to state unless there is a critical or very unusual need. The risk of loss of value is too high.

That being said, you can donate in the name of someone, anywhere in the country. While our lovely bear may not have your blood flowing through her, she'll have that love and support vicariously, and another in need could be saved.

Your blood donation could help many, including my dearest friend. With little bear in mind...please, consider that donation even if it won't physically leave your state!

Still here. Sigh.
It's been determinied that Natalie has an infection in her blood stream. Last night she had a blood transfusion, and got started on anti-biotics. Today they flushed dye in her bili-line (the tube in her tummy) to make sure that it is still properly placed - and it is.
So the plan is to give her a PICC line on Monday and then do 2 weeks of IV anti-biotics at home. Hopefully we'll be leaving on Monday - but knowing how things around here are it will be Tuesday.

The plan for the fence is still on. I am at the hospital and Jason is at home working on it. I don't mean to whine, but I really miss having him here. I never realized how hard it is to do all of this hospital stuff alone.

Virtual hugs and love from me to you Becca! I remember once, driving myself to the emergency room, thinking "how much more alone can a person get?" but I think dealing with your little one on your own would be much harder I'll bet ya anything he's just as torn about being home. HUGS!!!

You have every right to "whine". And I don't think anyone of us would consider that a "whine". We are here to support you and let you unload in anyway that makes you feel better. You are one stong lady. Thanks for taking the time to update us. You must be exhausted.

Becca, you aren't alone. While we can't be there to hold your hand or give you a hug, we are all doing it virtually. Heck, I will even virtually help Jason build the fence.

I wish I were closer so that I could help you out at the hospital. Our kids have only been in there a night or two when they were small and doing that alone (someone had to be home with our other children) was difficult, I can't even fathom what it is like for you. virtual hugs and you aren't even close to whining and sometimes we all need to vent in one way or another. Take care of yourself and we are all thinking about you and Natalie and praying for a speedy recovery.

Feel like you've had the stuffings hugged out of you yet? If not, I'm next in line with the hugs and prayers.

Give our little trooper a hug and a smile from all of us. Then turn your back to the mirror, look over your shoulder and hug yourself and pretend it's all of us hugging you!

Becca, I have not had time to check the threads for a few days and I am so sorry to hear about this latest set back. You can never get enough hugs so more coming your way from me. Keep pluggin along and remember that we all care.

I hope you don't get tired of seeing this, but hang in there Becca. Be assured that many prayers are being offered on you and your entire family's behalf.

Still in my thoughts and prayers! I am glad to learn you are going home today!

Yep, as Joey's Mom said, Natalie's going home today. She had a PICC line put in this morning so antibiotics can be administered from home! YEAH!!

Also from Mississippi

Prayers from Kentucky!

Thanks.
Here's the latest...She had clinic yesterday. Her liver numbers continue to look good. But her hemoglobin dropped from 9 to 8 from Monday to Wednesday of this week. Natalie's latest infection - she was septic with pseudomonas, a NASTY little bacteria - in her blood system has made her doctors look into the possibility of an immune hemolytic anemia. Her hemoglobin is always low and this time it got to 6. We did a blood transfusion last weekend and now it appears that another one is coming.

From emedicine:
Immune hemolytic anemia occurs when antibodies form against the body's own red blood cells.

The antibodies may have been acquired from the transplant, even though we are the same blood type - I'm still confused by all of this - but I am holding off on research until we go back to Children's. Right now this is all theory - we're going to see a hematologist who will run a test called a Coomb's test and provide us with answers.

I'm so flipping frustrated. I mean she still has the PTC line in her tummy, she now has a PICC line for the infection, we've got 9 meds in the morning and at night, and now this. Sorry to vent...but is there a light at the end of this tunnel?

On a slightly more positive note, her mood is FANTASTIC !!! And she ate 1 1/2 waffles this morning !!!

God never gives us more than we can handle.

You are an amazing woman, Becca, and I'm not the only one who admires your ability to mother this wonderful (hungry ) little girl.

You're well on your way through the tunnel but, unfortunately, it's not one of those quick in and out ones. Hang in there and know we're all still here praying for the light to shine for you and the bear.

Hang in there. (I know--that sounds trite!) I have a son who was born with several birth defects. The doctors did not give him a chance to live to be 1 year old. He is now 41, married, the father of 2 daughters and a pastor of a church. The doctors began calling him a miracle baby after he passed his 1st birthday. I now understand that God had a special plan for him and of course none of us knew that back then. I remember crying and being so frustrated because we seemed to take 1 step forward and 3 steps back for years and the things that were done to him--I swear they came from a medieval torture chamber.

I share this only because I wanted to help you keep your head up. I hope this does not sound like I am pontificating--I certainly don't mean to. I truly understand what you are going through and wish I could help you in other ways.

Please know that I am praying for your baby and your family. I always try to keep in mind--God never gives you more than he thinks you can handle. I just wish he did not have so much faith in me.

You have got to be one of the strongest people I (virtually) know. I can't imagine going through the roller coaster ride you are taking, but you have that special little girl to be strong for. You and Natalie are in my prayers. Just continue to have faith in God and he will take care of all of you.

Hi from a newbie! I will add you to my prayers.

Becca, I totally agree that God never gives us more than we can handle, and that you are being made very very strong through all of this. Remember, when this is all over, you will be able to be an even better advocate for living organ donors and organ donation as a whole. The troubles you have gone through will make anything that comes up afterwards seem so small.

Just don't forget to enjoy the extra time you have with Natalie, and to smile at the fact that not only is your wonderful daughter alive, she's happy and hungry!

Becca, try to stay strong and know that we are all praying for you and your little bear.

The Bear is going to grow up to be an amazing woman! Who know, maybe she'll be President...can I design her inaugural gown?

Becca... hang in there. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lots and lots and lots of hugs, love & prayers coming from "Geekville"