Update

Not much has changed since my last post, but I figured I was due for an update. Annie is a little less swollen and much more comfortable than she was last weekend. I am so grateful for this as we all struggle the most when she is miserable. She is still draining too much fluid, and while there are many theories as to why, the bottom line is that nobody really knows. She was again discussed in the conference on Wednesday and the results of that meeting are as follows: The surgeons here do not feel that there is anything more that they can do for Annie. Some people in the meeting thought that maybe we should send her work-up to a different hospital in the country so that another team could weigh in on her condition. We felt good about this, and today, her file is being sent to Stanford. We will hopefully hear back from them next week. While I am so grateful that we are able to pursue other opinions, the thought of actually taking Annie to California scares me. If it comes to this, it would be a very difficult challenge for our large family, but I trust that with our Heavenly Father's help, we will be guided in any decisions that might need to be made. The doctors here want to try a couple of different medications, each one a bit of a shot in the dark, but certainly worth a try. The team also discussed our decision to "stay the course" when some feel that this is hopeless. It sounds like many opinions were expressed, but the prevailing sentiment was that while they are obligated to be honest with us regarding Annie's condition, it is not their job to decide when it is truly hopeless. The team of doctors on this week has been wonderful in this regard. I am so thankful for this, as the hardest days are those when I feel pressured to make a decision that I am not comfortable with or feel unsupported in the decisions that we do make. We have been introduced to the palliative care team here and they have been such a blessing in helping us to communicate with the ICU doctors about our wishes regarding Annie's care. Really, this hospital and its' staff have been amazing- such good people that all want what is best for Annie. We are blessed to be in their care. We are also blessed to be in the care of so many who have offered love, support and prayers to our family. Thank you for this as I know that it is where I get the strength to do this every day.