Thank you. Thank you for caring enough about our Hayleigh to pray for her, to send our messages to others, and to encourage us during this time in our lives.
The first blog post about Hayleigh went viral and I am hopeful that those who connect with Hayleigh's story know who she really is.
So, this blog post will give an update on her medical condition and the next one (tomorrow) will introduce you to our Hayleigh girl and her incredible life to this point. I really meant it in my last note when I wrote "Her life is for His Glory."
How to Get Notified of Updates on Hayleigh
If you would like to know when new messages are posted here, follow these directions:
1. Click on https://www.changedetection.com/ (the page will open in a new window or tab)
2. Copy and paste the following into the first box: www.tsfga.blogspot.com
3. Input email, click 'NEXT', and look for confirmation in your email box.
I have used this service for over 10 years to track interesting websites. Whenever they are updated I get a simple email and it has worked well. I have never received any spam due to using the service.
Please take a moment and follow the instructions above. Thank you.
Medical Update
The doctors speak of Hayleigh still being in 'the red zone' and being 'critical but stable.' But Rachel and I see her progress over the past 2 days as a celebration of baby steps.
Rachel is a champion mom. Every time I go to the hospital, I see her by Hayleigh's side, near her right ear singing songs, reading stories, reading the Bible, praying with her.
When she leaves her side, she turns on Hayleigh's ipod to her favorite music. One Direction generally drives me crazy but when I hear it now I think about taking her to their movie a few weeks ago and how happy she was....and I smile. Yes, I took her to the One Direction movie. Yes, I watched it. At this point, if Harry's voice or visions of Liam or Niall can help her healing then fine by me. If she heard me say that, she would think 'miracles do indeed happen!'
Monday they started bringing her out of sedation to do a neurological exam. We were very hopeful to see her come back to consciousness if only for a little while. But she did NOT wake up, but the doctors reassured Rachel that there was nothing unusual about that. Overall, the exam was promising....and when we stepped away she apparently kicked one of the doctors. ;)
Tuesday she had a procedure done where they put a scope with a camera into her lungs. They were hoping to see if there were any 'plugs' in the bronchial tubes but they didn't find anything. The doctors said knowing this helps them make better treatment decisions. We were able to watch this procedure; it was VERY interesting watching the video inside her lungs!
One minor frustration is the number of team members. There are SO many doctors, fellows, residents, nurses, and ECMO technicians. I feel like we are constantly reminding everyone to remember Hayleigh lost almost all of her hearing the first time she was on ECMO due to the drugs she had to have. We tell every team member the same thing (over and over)....if there is a drug that has side effects impacting hearing then use something else that can accomplish the same thing.
Finally, Rachel called 10pm Tuesday night to report that Hayleigh had woken up. She could tell there was something in her mouth (the ventilator and she was trying to move it with her tongue). She never fully opened her eyes but she started moving her hands and was blinking her eyes.
Rachel immediately went to her side and spoke into her ear explaining what was in her mouth, that she was going to be ok but needed to be still and continue to rest as her body heals. The medical team doesn't want her moving around much while she is on ECMO due to the large canulas needing to remain secure. So, they put her back to sleep....but they also said what had just happened was a VERY positive sign.
Our Hayleigh girl is still in there. Rachel told me today that she had read my blog post from the other day but that she hadn't found that same peace I wrote about. I prayed all afternoon for her to be at peace with this whole situation. I think what happened tonight has given her that peace. She sounded so good, so happy, so peaceful.
The girls have attended school the past 2 days. I drop them off in the morning and head down to Boston later in the morning to be with Rachel and Hayleigh. I then head back home between 3pm and 5pm. If I'm going to be late there are wonderful friends who take the kids home from school. Others fix meals which the girls are SO thankful for because otherwise they would get spaghetti for the next month.
AJ has been staying with Rachel's friend of 30+ years. Roisin, you are a God send. She and James have 2 boys and a little girl and a HUGE 'Thomas the Train' set which made me wonder if AJ would ever want to come home again.
She told me last night the novelty of it all was wearing off for him and he had tears wanting to be with Mommy and Daddy. I missed the little guy so much. So, I picked him up today and the girls were so excited to see him....
Just as I was about to hit 'send' on this Rachel called all excited saying "She opened her eyes when I was at dinner....and then when I got back she opened her eyes again! She is coming back to us already!!!"
Prayer Requests
1. Healing of lungs
2. Protection of Hayleigh's hearing, her brain, and all other organs
3. No ECMO complications (or any other complications for that matter)
4. Rachel and baby (baby is still on board though Rachel is starting to have contractions!) + safe, healthy delivery in the right hospital at the right time.
God bless,
Andrew
PS I will introduce Hayleigh and the rest of her story tomorrow for those who don't know her. Follow the instructions to get notifications of updates to the main page of the blog (copied below):
1. Click on https://www.changedetection.com/ (the page will open in a new window or tab)
2. Copy and paste the following into the first box: www.tsfga.blogspot.com
3. Input email, click 'NEXT', and look for confirmation in your email box.
The first blog post about Hayleigh went viral and I am hopeful that those who connect with Hayleigh's story know who she really is.
So, this blog post will give an update on her medical condition and the next one (tomorrow) will introduce you to our Hayleigh girl and her incredible life to this point. I really meant it in my last note when I wrote "Her life is for His Glory."
How to Get Notified of Updates on Hayleigh
If you would like to know when new messages are posted here, follow these directions:
1. Click on https://www.changedetection.com/ (the page will open in a new window or tab)
2. Copy and paste the following into the first box: www.tsfga.blogspot.com
3. Input email, click 'NEXT', and look for confirmation in your email box.
I have used this service for over 10 years to track interesting websites. Whenever they are updated I get a simple email and it has worked well. I have never received any spam due to using the service.
Please take a moment and follow the instructions above. Thank you.
Medical Update
The doctors speak of Hayleigh still being in 'the red zone' and being 'critical but stable.' But Rachel and I see her progress over the past 2 days as a celebration of baby steps.
Rachel is a champion mom. Every time I go to the hospital, I see her by Hayleigh's side, near her right ear singing songs, reading stories, reading the Bible, praying with her.
When she leaves her side, she turns on Hayleigh's ipod to her favorite music. One Direction generally drives me crazy but when I hear it now I think about taking her to their movie a few weeks ago and how happy she was....and I smile. Yes, I took her to the One Direction movie. Yes, I watched it. At this point, if Harry's voice or visions of Liam or Niall can help her healing then fine by me. If she heard me say that, she would think 'miracles do indeed happen!'
Monday they started bringing her out of sedation to do a neurological exam. We were very hopeful to see her come back to consciousness if only for a little while. But she did NOT wake up, but the doctors reassured Rachel that there was nothing unusual about that. Overall, the exam was promising....and when we stepped away she apparently kicked one of the doctors. ;)
Tuesday she had a procedure done where they put a scope with a camera into her lungs. They were hoping to see if there were any 'plugs' in the bronchial tubes but they didn't find anything. The doctors said knowing this helps them make better treatment decisions. We were able to watch this procedure; it was VERY interesting watching the video inside her lungs!
One minor frustration is the number of team members. There are SO many doctors, fellows, residents, nurses, and ECMO technicians. I feel like we are constantly reminding everyone to remember Hayleigh lost almost all of her hearing the first time she was on ECMO due to the drugs she had to have. We tell every team member the same thing (over and over)....if there is a drug that has side effects impacting hearing then use something else that can accomplish the same thing.
Finally, Rachel called 10pm Tuesday night to report that Hayleigh had woken up. She could tell there was something in her mouth (the ventilator and she was trying to move it with her tongue). She never fully opened her eyes but she started moving her hands and was blinking her eyes.
Rachel immediately went to her side and spoke into her ear explaining what was in her mouth, that she was going to be ok but needed to be still and continue to rest as her body heals. The medical team doesn't want her moving around much while she is on ECMO due to the large canulas needing to remain secure. So, they put her back to sleep....but they also said what had just happened was a VERY positive sign.
Our Hayleigh girl is still in there. Rachel told me today that she had read my blog post from the other day but that she hadn't found that same peace I wrote about. I prayed all afternoon for her to be at peace with this whole situation. I think what happened tonight has given her that peace. She sounded so good, so happy, so peaceful.
The girls have attended school the past 2 days. I drop them off in the morning and head down to Boston later in the morning to be with Rachel and Hayleigh. I then head back home between 3pm and 5pm. If I'm going to be late there are wonderful friends who take the kids home from school. Others fix meals which the girls are SO thankful for because otherwise they would get spaghetti for the next month.
AJ has been staying with Rachel's friend of 30+ years. Roisin, you are a God send. She and James have 2 boys and a little girl and a HUGE 'Thomas the Train' set which made me wonder if AJ would ever want to come home again.
She told me last night the novelty of it all was wearing off for him and he had tears wanting to be with Mommy and Daddy. I missed the little guy so much. So, I picked him up today and the girls were so excited to see him....
Just as I was about to hit 'send' on this Rachel called all excited saying "She opened her eyes when I was at dinner....and then when I got back she opened her eyes again! She is coming back to us already!!!"
Prayer Requests
1. Healing of lungs
2. Protection of Hayleigh's hearing, her brain, and all other organs
3. No ECMO complications (or any other complications for that matter)
4. Rachel and baby (baby is still on board though Rachel is starting to have contractions!) + safe, healthy delivery in the right hospital at the right time.
God bless,
Andrew
PS I will introduce Hayleigh and the rest of her story tomorrow for those who don't know her. Follow the instructions to get notifications of updates to the main page of the blog (copied below):
1. Click on https://www.changedetection.com/ (the page will open in a new window or tab)
2. Copy and paste the following into the first box: www.tsfga.blogspot.com
3. Input email, click 'NEXT', and look for confirmation in your email box.
Wonderful wonderful news about Miss Hayleigh! We are still praying for you guys and have blogged about your journey today asking people to pray. Praying for the King of Peace to guard your hearts and minds in the eye of the storm.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sophie. It was a good day for sure!
DeleteThank you so much for these updates. Andrew, YOU are a man of GOD...what a wonderful testament to your family.. blessings.
DeleteThank you for sharing this -- we are so very happy for these improvements! Our prayers continue for Hayleigh's rapid and full recovery!
ReplyDeleteTexans are praying!
ReplyDeleteSO happy to read that Hayleigh is improving:) Hayleigh - you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. Love You!!!
ReplyDeletePrayers are being answered!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Andrew - the Tarheel Andrews are thrilled!
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Scott, Lauri, Salder, Elli, Mary Austin, and Ryn
So wonderful Andrew! Love, love, love that Hayleigh is taking such small steps. This is such a testimony to the power of prayer.....All over the world and we know that Hayleigh is touching so many lives......Thank you for the update and know we are praying! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHave tears of joy reading about Hayleigh's improvements. Keep it up, sweet girl!!! And I LOVE the 1D paragraph. Louisa is obsessed. :-)
ReplyDeleteAndrew,
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all. My wife, parents, and I are rejoicing at Hayleigh's progress and continue to keep her in our thoughts for a steady recovery. All our love and prayers from Colorado, my friend.
Brian (Napper), Robyn, Barbara, and Bob
Prayers for Hayleigh and your family. Happy to hear about the baby steps of improvement.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, you are a great writer and we love it that you are giving God room in ALL of this! We continue to pray for Miss Hayleigh's health concerns, for her medical teams, for Rachel and Baby Scott (that God's plan and timing would be easy on the family), and for Scott and the rest of the children. God is always working behind the scenes when we least expect it. Thank you for keeping us all informed and updated so very nicely! Hugs and much love to all! It is wonderful having friends and family near you that care! Please know, we would do the same "caring in action" if we were closer! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates Andrew. Thank you Lord for every tiny improvement and we ask for more improvements. . Our church Eastgate is praying and our Rachel sends heaps of love to Ajay!!! Lots of love to everyone...the new Zealanders
ReplyDeleteBo, I read this to AJ tonight and his eyes lit up at the mention of Rachel's name. She is his first love for sure. ;) 5th picture down in the following link.... http://tsfga.blogspot.com/2013/08/new-zealand-auckland-rotorua-lake-taupo.html
DeleteWe are friends with Gail and Steve Martin and received the prayer request through them. We live in Winthrop Maine and want you to know that we are praying and rejoicing in each miraculous gain...thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteI go to a Tuesday morning Bible class and lunch at a friend's house. We prayed for her yesterday, all signed a card, and I got a picture of us which I posted on line. I go to a Wednesday morning Bible class at the church house, and we prayed for her and all signed a card for her (and one lady in THIS class just finished chemo, and a few others in both classes are victors from cancer). We all know the power of prayer. Love to all of you. I presume there's no word on Baby Scott yet?
ReplyDeleteThrilled to hear about these improvements! All our prayers continue to be with you and your family. I've passed on your story to a friend of mine who is a minister in Texas, who can bring Hayleigh's story and prayer chain to churches he minsters at throughout the south west. If there's anything that those of us "closer to home" can do, let us know!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lord!!! What a fabulous day--Hayleigh has made great progress, Rachel is feeling more peaceful as she gets ready to deliver Baby Scott, the girls look joyous, and AJ is an adorable miniature Andrew! Andrew, words cannot express how much we appreciate your making the time to keep us in the loop. The outpouring of love, thoughts, and prayers is overwhelming, inspiring, uplifting . . . . You and your dear family are in our thoughts and prayers and we are with you in spirit. (It sounds like you've got a good number of loved ones with you in person as well.) :)
ReplyDeleteLove, Linda McCoy and Mom
The power of prayer unfolding! So glad to hear about Hayleigh's improvment! Praying for Rachel and baby!
ReplyDeleteLove, Kim O'Neil