Rhonda and Jason

Rhonda and Jason
Our Wedding Day

Monday, April 30, 2012

late update

The doctors have been watching Esther's tummy today wondering why it is swelling.  The latest is that they believe it is bleeding between the patch holding Esther's stomach contents in  and the skin.  The current plan is to open her incision and clean out the space tomorrow morning.  With this, the doctor told us there is a possibility that the bleeding will not stop related to all the blood thinning agents used with ECMO.  If that is the case they will have to take her off ECMO.  That would be great if she shows that she is ready.  If not, we would have no choice and that is when things get really scary.
Rhonda and I have definitely been struggling with fear and anxiety today.  Change is difficult to process.  I had to fight to focus on Esther today and not on the monitors.  I wish I could always say that I have given it to the Lord.  It is just so hard to completely let go and allow Him to reign and rule.  As I have said before, nothing I can physically do.  I am praying.  God is listening.  I do trust Him.  He is good.

9 comments:

  1. Jason, Rhonda, and Esther,

    Although strangers, we pray for you nightly! We were "introduced" to CDH by Ashley Sandifer (our BFs cousin), who lost her son, Maxton. Ever since we followed her story, I have tracked and prayed for others battling CDH both as newborns and those who are still struggling years after birth. We feel that God brought CDH to us and that we now have a responsibility to spread the word, to find answers. Please know that a family in Southern California is thinking of you all and praying along side of you! Your desire to follow God's path and rejoice in your days with Esther is truly inspirational! My family is from Bellingham, so we are very familiar with where you all find God each day. We pray that his creation gives you joy each day in your daughter and the world he created around you!
    Prayers and blessings!!

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  2. I know how quickly things can change and it is scary and discouraging but, let's keep in mind that Esther was doing well enough for the docs to consider taking her off ECMO today anyway, right? I feel like that has to mean something. My family is lifting you three up in prayer. Prayers also will be said for the doctors to be granted the wisdom to figure out this new problem too. Esther is in the best of hands with many minds working together, rooting for her to get well.

    God is so powerful! Powerful over all! Lord, heal this sweet baby girl. Amen.

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    1. Thank you Katy so much for your words of reminder about the ECMO...Up til this point God continues to show himself mighty and we need to continue to pray in faith.

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  3. Prayers are being said and heard 1/2 way around the world (south Korea). May the good Lord heal and protect the 3 of you.

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  4. Dear Jason, I don't know you guys, but I have been following your blog about your beautiful and sweet baby girl Esther. You and Rhonda are AMAZING and so INSPIRING. I can tell you both are a strong team. May GOD'S Peace flood your hearts tonight and give you the strength to let go. I'm Praying for the doctors and her care team to know what needs to be done for her. I'm Praying for all three of you.

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  5. Praying for Esther today as they work on her belly and that there won't be any bleeding complications.

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  6. Sending prayers for Esther. Opened up Our Daily Bread and I turned to this scripture - 2 Corinthians 1:9, "We should not trust in ourselves but God who raises the dead." No matter how tough our journey gets, we are not traveling it alone.

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  7. Prayers for Esther and mommy and daddy from a new mommy in Arizona.

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  8. The Grahams (friends of the Whipples) are sending thoughts and prayers from Colorado...

    John 14:27

    “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

    Your faith is refreshing, and yes, God is good! Prayers for Esther, her doctors, and her amazing Mommy and Daddy!

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