She's outta here!

Day 11
We just received the final blood tests from this morning. Her red blood cell count is holding steady in the low 30's. It could take weeks or months before her count gets back up in the 40's. Everything else is looking great.
The doctor said there is minimal risk of future complications with her kidneys. Approx. 10% of children that get HUS can develop high blood pressure later in life. Overall the doctors and nurses said that she had a pretty mild case of HUS.
The specialists that put Halley's catheter in her neck were not available to take it out so one of the nurses pulled it out this morning. They did not use any anesthesia and apparently it was a little bit traumatic for Halley and Celeste.
Regardless, we are done and are now blowing this taco stand!
We'll see you back in the good 'ole Mountain of Green - Joe

Friday Night, the 22nd

We're all hoping this will be the last night!!! The doctors want to check her blood in the morning, but they are hopeful that we will be able to go home tomorrow! Halley did much better today. Her swelling has gone down considerably. She has been eating and peeing well. She is still pale, her body is still very weak--it will take time to build up her red blood cells and fully recover. Some unexpected side effects from this ordeal is she is very demanding, quite a bit grouchy, and she likes scary movies. But who can blame her? It is almost unreal that this is finally coming to an end. I can't thank everyone enough for all they have done for Halley and us. We feel so blessed to be surrounded by such love. Thank you, Celeste

Almost out!

Halley will not need any more dialysis. The doctors said she will probably be able to leave tomorrow depending on her blood tests in the morning. They will have to put her under general anesthesia again to take the catheter out of her neck. Other than that she is almost good to go.
I want to thank everyone again for all of the help with the mowing, cleaning, tending, cooking, watering, visiting, calling, praying, worrying, fasting, cards, balloons, toys, etc.
Thank you so so much - Joe

Thursday Night, the 21st

So it is Thursday? I'm very disoriented after staying isolated in this one hospital room for 8 days now. So today the doctors pushed for an excuse to leave this room. Halley was so delighted. She was full of giggles just walking down the hall. We went around the revolving door at the front entrance 19 times. We made it to the children's playroom to play with some glitter and glue. Depending on the labs in the morning we might need dialysis tomorrow. She is peeing well, so that means the kidneys are starting to wake up. She is still monitored for any complications, but it is so relieving that she is on the upswing. Thank you for your continued prayers. Love, Celeste

She's 100% E. Coli free

The 2nd E. Coli test came back early. She is good to go out of the room and practically took the door off of the hinges when she went blasting out.
Her blood pressure has been pretty high lately. The doctors think that may be a result of her kidneys starting back up.
We were also told that she may need dialysis on more time to reduce some of the excess potassium and calcium in her system.
Awesome day - Joe

Halley Belle

Halley's red blood cell count is still at 33. Her platelets jumped way up yesterday. Overall she is slowly improving and we are hoping to take her home this weekend.

The swelling in her face has increased a little more lately. She looks like a little chipmunk running around with nuts in her cheeks.

Luke was able to come by and visit her yesterday. They were so happy to see each other. Luke has always been super protective over his little sister and you could tell he really missed her.

Joe

Wednesday Night, the 20th

Today, overall was a good day. We had a rough start at 6am when they had rough time with her bandaged catheter. The highlight is when Luke came to visit. Halley couldn't stop hugging him and kissing him on the cheek. He was also generous with his hugs and kept making her play dough rainbows. Halley was really disappointed when he had to leave. We were able to catch up on some sleep and eat well today. Halley was peeing pretty well today, so this is a good trend. We actually might be able to leave by the end of this weekend! Overall everyone thinks her kidneys are on the comeback and she is recovering. Thank you for your continued prayers and all the support. Halley and family feel extremely loved. Love, Celeste