Through the faith of many...

As I sit at our computer trying to figure out what shouts of joy to write and then again how to spell them, I am extremely humbled. All I can say is THANK YOU! Olivia the brave is still in remission! All the prayers, all the good vibes, all the thoughts, all the prayer lists at temples across the country, all the love and all the faith has made our little girl strong. She is definitely one that will be remembered, no matter where the roads lead, as a precious child of God that brought so many people together in a great trial of our faith. And through this, each of us will be made stronger. Thank you!
I sit and contemplate what a miracle has just transpired. Doctors could argue that she didn't actually miss any of her chemo treatments this last week, they'd be correct. But when you stop and think about what her tiny body has had to endure, 6 days ago she was at the gates of heaven, she had multiple system failure, and nobody knew what was in store for her. But despite having to fight for her life, to simply be able to get her heart, lungs, liver and kidneys working again, she also had to be given the strength to continue to fight the horrible war deep inside her body to keep the leukemia at bay...and we did it. We all did it. Every prayer that was prayed, every tear that was wept, every knee and head that bowed, was noticed and felt and we pulled through a very crucial time.
Unfortunately the battle is not over. She is still very sick but is getting stronger. There is talk that she will be extibated tomorrow if everything goes well. The pancreatitis is still bad but not as bad as when she spiraled down. She's off and on insulin depending on what the latest blood sugar levels show. Other than that her medications have started thinning out. Her medications are Fentnayl and Versed (pain meds), Octriotide (for the pancreas), a few anti-biotics, 1 anti-fungal and A-hydrocort (steroid). She's also receiving nourishment through her central line called TPN (Total Parental Nutrition).
I just talked to Bill: the catheter that was in her femoral vein and the site of her dialysis, has successfully been removed. He just finished a round of Physical Therapy with her and he said "I could tell she was using her thigh muscle. But she didn't want me to do her arms so I stopped." We can only work on her right leg for a while until the swelling in her left leg goes down and it's not so painful.
I am home for the night and it feels good to be so. Yesterday, with Livi being so upset I really didn't feel like I could be away for the night. But today was a good day. Dad and I left the hospital at 5:30 and came home to spend some TLC with Aaron.
In closing let me share with you something very special that will be happening this weekend. Starting Saturday evening we are going to be holding a 24 hour fast. In our faith we fast, or go without food and drink, for a 24 hour period (two meals) as a way to show our faith in God so that He may more fully bless Olivia and her doctors. We go without food and drink to show God that we are willing to give up our temporal needs with faith that He will pour out his blessings upon those who we are praying for during the fast. This Saturday through Sunday (starting after supper) we will be fasting for Olivia to continue to be able to fight and make a full recovery from the pancreatitis and also for the doctors that they will know how to best aid/treat her towards this recovery. Also, specifically for Dr. Bernstein, Livi's Oncologist. That he may be lead to the answers he needs on how to further treat Livi for her Leukemia. (One of the main chemo meds can no longer be used as it is what caused the Pancreatitis.) We appreciate all those who would like to join in this fast. You do not have to be of our faith to do so. It is an awesome thing to be a part of something so divine in nature. And I testify to all of you who choose to take part that you will feel the difference in your day. Fasting along with continued prayers in your heart can and will bring about great miracles.
We love you all! Thank you!