Monday, November 11, 2013

A Light At The End Of The Tunnel

** DAY 33 POST TRANSPLANT & 40 STRAIGHT DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL**

     You guys, God has got this!  Our little Hazelnut is going to make it through!  Each day brings us closer and closer to the end of the tunnel that we can finally see the light, and it feel tremendous to be able to say so. Her bilirubin continues to stay at 4 and below, and all of her other numbers continue to drop and move in the right direction.  She has had X-rays done on her lungs every day and they keep coming back better and better.  The past few days they have looked so great that as soon as she is off the CVVH machine and some of the sedation medications, she can easily come of the ventilator.  She also had another kidney ultrasound which showed the left kidney remaining stable and the right one improving! Her weight today was 15.4 kilograms.  If you don't remember, her normal weight is 14.4kg and she was all the way up to 18.7kg (that's nine and a half pounds in gained fluid!), so we are so close to our goal. Her belly girth measured in at 53cm (down from 65cm and originally 50cm).  As soon as we get her back down to her original measurements and if her numbers remain stable, they can begin taking her off of the CVVH and breathing machines.  So please pray that this happens and that when they do begin to take her off, that it all goes smoothly!
     Although she is closer to recovery, she remains sedated and still faces many challenges every day.  It has been so taxing on all of us, and quite honestly I don't have the emotional stamina to be able to put it all into detail now, but I will soon.  Please know that this is still a daily battle and so we still need your daily prayers!  I can't wait until I can post a picture of her smiling face to show you how your prayers have reached the ears of our Father, but for now, here are a few from our stay at the ICU:


Being transferred to the ICU

This was just before she was put on the ventilator

Most of the machines that helped keep Hazel alive

This line was placed in her neck for the CVVH machine




This was taken just now...We still need prayers!

91 comments:

  1. My heart is broken looking at these photos. So glad the news is good. You will have strength for her for as long as she needs it praying for you and her.

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  2. Hazel and hammersley family, ur continued strength inspires me daily. Hazel has such a fighting spirit i cant wait to see pictures of her smiling again because i know theyre coming soon!! I recently became a mother..and i have to say that its children like hazel and a mommy like hers that really make u think twice and appriciate ur babies health. Seeing hazel this way breaks my heart. Her smile carries such beauty and her eyes such future i cant wait to see her beat this. Stay strong mommy and daddy ...hazels almost beat this nightmare♥

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  3. Keep fighting baby girl. Lots of prayers being said.

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  4. little hazle this is for you angel we can see you been through alot.. keep on getting stronger everyday.. we love you and were sendin many prayers your way.. from the graham family caleb, kayden, and cheryl

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  5. I live in your town. I first heard about Hazel(nut) about 6 months ago. I have been praying for her full recovery and for the continued strength of you and your family. These pictures are truly heartbreaking for me, but I am so thankful that the news that you are posting is positive. She's GOT this! Stay strong little Hazelnut! You have no idea how many people love you and are praying for you and your family every day. <3

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  6. God bless you all! My heart is broken for you, I feel your pain, your stress, your exhaustion!! Lord, GOD Please heal this baby girl, please be with her family as they endure the unspoken pain for their child. I cry out to You Father! To Your name be ALL the Glory forever...to little Hazel, continue Lord to hold her, heal her, care for her and adore her as You do like no one else can.

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  7. Praying for you baby girl♥

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    1. hazel the angels are with you and jesus is by your side and family may god bless and make you stronger each day my prayers are with you's all. GOD BLESS.

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  8. Good bless you all .I can imagine what your going through my daughter was diagnosed with retinablastoma ..but have faith an hazel will be good. Prayers your way

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  9. This is so heart breaking seeing pictures of her like this I can't stop crying I'm praying for your baby girl she's a tough cookie I know she'll just be fine.

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  10. God hold this precious Angel in your loving arms and continue to let her improve. Praying for this sweet baby girl. From Maine

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  11. Such a precious angel! She has taught myself and my children so many things to be extra thankful for. Our family will continue to pray for her. I truly believe that faith and prayers can move mountains! I am glad the Lord is working miracle's on your little angel!

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  12. i cannot find the words to express how much your family has touched us, im praying with all my heart and soul for your little girl. i know God will see you all through. He doesnt give us anything we cannot handle, and i know you'll overcome this.
    you are one strong mama and papa, and so is hazel of course!! ill be praying for you all!!

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  13. Dear Jesus please place your hands on this baby and heal her. God Bless you Hazel :)

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  14. Thinking of you and your beautiful family every day. Hazel is ever on my mind and I send continual prayers to the Father for her healing. I send prayers also for the comfort and peace of her parents and sweet siblings whom I know worry, too. God Bless you all. Looking forward to the next update. Thank you for posting tonight.

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  15. May God's grace touch the hands of the doctor's, nurses, family and friends. I continue to pray for little Hazel. This too shall pass, looking forward to seeing her sweet smile :)

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  16. Keep up the great work Hazel, u r doing an amazing job.
    You are one of the most inspirational you ladies I have ever had the pleasure of encountering.
    Keep up your great road to recovery.
    Thinking of you often xoxo

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  17. Keep up the great work Hazel, u r doing an amazing job.
    You are one of the most inspirational you ladies I have ever had the pleasure of encountering.
    Keep up your great road to recovery.
    Thinking of you often xoxo

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  18. You're the sweetest, most precious little Hazelnut EVER!!! I know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will comfort you and carry you through this difficult time. My love to you, sweet baby, and your special, loving family. xoxoxo

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  19. Sending hugs and prayers Hazelnut!

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  21. i am praying for u hazel. so cute

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  22. Over the weeks I have contemplated leaving a note of prayer and good thoughts but something always stopped me. Tonight I have no hesitation - so many prayers and thoughts for your sweet family. The strength you have as a family is wonderful and your unwaivering faith is inspiring. Continued prayers for healthy days to come!

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  23. Hazel you are such a precious little angel. We pray for you and you family. Can't wait to see your big smile. God is a mighty healer.Always in our prayers.

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  24. Praying for u baby hazel. god always be with u

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  25. Saying prayers for your precious baby, and will continue to <3

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  26. Such wonderful news, I cant tell you how happy it makes me to hear that things are looking up and Princess Hazel is on her way to recovery! Thinking of you all constantly and look forward to seeing pictures of her beautiful smile again soon! All our love from Oxford, England.

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  27. Litlle Hazelnut, Im following your blog from Sweden, and I am praying everyday for you...
    take care and be strong little girl/Jasmina from Sweden

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  28. I cried, both happy and sad tears for baby Hazel. She has taken a place in my heart like a grandchild of my own. I long to see those beautiful eyes wide open and that God given beautiful smile back to all of us. I will continue to pray for Hazel and your family for as all as I live. I think she's going to win this fight. She is a real trooper and though this takes a toll on the family, you stay strong for each other. Thank-you for finding the time to keep us all updated on American's little Hazel nut. God Bless you always.

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  29. Some times we just have to let go and let God! I pray for you all and I can see the strength and love that you share. We have been residents of the NICU on a few occasions and know how hard it is. Nothing as severe as what you're going through but the empathy and understanding is there. God bless and God be with you!

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  30. Keep up the good fight Hazel! She has come so far. My thoughts and prayers will remain with you, and I pray that God continues to keep her in the palm of His hand as he brings her back to perfect health. God Bless.

    Janet Inman
    COLE'S Prayer Team

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  31. praying fervently for continued improvement and for a full recovery for little Hazel. "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." - Isaiah 26:3

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  32. I wish there was a way I could take all of Hazel's pains away and let her get on with being a child. That day will come for sure. She is a fighter like we've all never seen. My continued prayers, thoughts for Hazel to keep improving each day. May God Bless Hazel and watch over her.

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  33. Prayers for continued healing and total restoration! Also prayers for peace and comfort in your mind and body.

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  34. It breaks my heart to see Hazel on all those machines! I have been praying many times a day for you to have the strength to see Hazel through this fight. You are wonderful parents! God Bless.

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  35. My heart breaks every time I see a picture of her on all those machines....I continue to pray daily for Hazel to finally kick this disease! Thank God she is moving in the right direction.She is such a little fighter! Much love prayer and hope sent your way from NY!
    xoxo <3

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  36. I'm thinking of you and your daughter every day and single minutes even if I do not know you personally. I'm confident that you have the strength to go ahead and fight this scrappy C.... Rest while you can and drink water or anything else. Go go go you are a very good mom! Johane from Montreal Québec

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  37. You only have to be as strong as you can in THIS moment. THIS is all we have got! Saying prayers for her healing and for your recovery from this long marathon!

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  38. Praying for this little angel's prompt recovery. Hugs and kisses from Brazil.

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  39. i'm praying for you lil angel.i'm praying for the whole family. god has got this taken care.don't worry just pray amen

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  40. Although the pictures are hard to look at, I know they represent the healing process and I thank God for that. Hazel teaches me every day. Prayers for her and for you continue.

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  41. Although the pictures hurt my heart, I know that the machines and the lines and the vent are helping in Hazel's healing process, for which I thank God. Hazel teaches me so much. Prayers for her and for all of you continue.

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  42. Good morning, and thank you yet again for posting!!!! God Bless each and everyone of you and please bring "our" beautiful hazelnut back to "us" completely healed. In Jesus name, we pray~Amen

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  43. I am praying every day for your little Hazel!!! My thoughts are with you as well! You are one of the toughest mother's I have ever seen! God bless you and your little Hazel!!!

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  44. Go Hazel! You are a fighter! My continued prayers are with you constantly! You can do this sweet little girl. I can't wait to see your beautiful smile soon!

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  45. Go hazel!! May the lord bless you and your family. May his healing hands be placed over you. Amen!

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  46. Aw. She is so adorable. Sending thoughts. I am so glad the storm is beginning to fade :)

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  47. I will continue to pray. I decree, decree and establish healing over Hazel in Jesus name. I believe God already healed her.

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  48. My prayers and thoughts are with Hazel.

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  49. Like u said our father has this, and will deliver lets have faith in his name Amen.

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    1. God will give you strength Mom and you will look back and see how closer you walked with the Lord. We are praying for this little one but we are also praying for the family. Just know the Bride of Christ is with you. Love and Kisses Brenda Snipes-Texas

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  50. The power of prayer is truly amazing!!!! Still praying.... we got this!

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  51. Looking at the pictures of sweet Hazel, I am reminded of your strength and faithfulness. If you look past the wires and probes and medical equipment, your precious Hazel looks so much better!! Sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees :) Her skin tone looks great, and so much of her puffiness is gone!! God is good, and He is surely hearing our prayers and petitions for our sweet Princess Warrior!! Praying that the Lord keeps moving her in the right direction and giving Him the glory for getting her there!! Sending Hazel all of my strength today, and my love and prayer to you and the rest of the family!! Hang tough, chin up-- things are getting better not only by the day, but the minutes and hours as well! <3

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  52. Lifting Hazel and all your family up in prayer. He will heal and sustain you and He is with you always.

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  53. Praying for your little princess always!

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  54. Prayers and only positive thoughts for Hazel and her family.

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  55. I'm thinking of Hazel , you and your family every day, sending love to all of you.

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  56. you can do it, you courageous young lady!
    God's love never fails! :D
    let us fill our hearts with hope and prayers

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  57. Mixed emotions as I read the encouraging and "PRAISE THE LORD" uplifting news about the improvement in her status slowly moving in the right direction, "Thanks to God, the mighty and compassionate Lord." --However, my tears flow freely from my eyes looking at the pictures of this darling little angel, and how much her tiny body has been through. Oh how my heart aches...I can't imagine what you're all going through.

    That being said, it is so inspiring to see how Hazel has touched so many lives, world-wide! Prayers keep going up to the Lord, and He is listening to us...and most of all 'your heart Lauren" as you pray for your darling girl.

    May the Lord keep watch over Hazel as He has been doing, and may His hands continue to bring her closer to a FULL RECOVERY and may each day bring her closer to where a little girl her age should be, playing, laughing and free from pain...I ask these things in the Lord's will, and in Jesus Christ' name...Amen & Amen.

    God be with you all,

    Blessings, Peace and Love,
    Camille & family~

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  58. Prayers and thoughts of health, strength, vitality, recovery, rejuvenation and joy from all of our Father's children in his name.

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  59. Praising God for His mercy and healing hand upon Hazel!! You can see how her skin has improved from jaundiced in the first photo to more normal in the last photo. How scary to see all those machines that were needed to keep her alive and fighting off the infections! I hope the infections are all gone!
    Praise God!

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  60. Wow, all those machines and one tiny loving girl. She is always in our prayers. Can't wait to see her awake and smiling with her slinky.

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  61. Hazel, we are thinking about you everyday! I have faith that you're a warrior and will pull through this tremendously difficult time. You've been such an amazing child and you have such an amazing family. May God continue to guide you and bless you and your family. We're rooting for you!! The Bonilla Family

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  62. Great job baby girl!! Keep fighting and healing! I think about you and pray for you every day. Sending lots of love your way!

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  63. I am praying daily and will pray now foryour precious little Hazelnut, crying again because she has to go through so much and she is so little.....and adorable. Our Lord is an awesome God and will answer prayers according to his timeline, even when we want it to happen right now...I am also praying for you and your family for emotional and physical strength, comfort, and rest.

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  64. My heart is saddened at these photos thanks for the good news i will pass word to my church group about it and that she still needs prayers daily. I am always prating for everyone. Please show hazel pics of my earings i will post them on her timeline on facebook so that she can see them when she wakes up.

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  65. Praying for your baby everyday! God will get her through this,
    Lots of Love,
    Lauren

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  66. Sending prayer upon prayer, keeping you constantly in our thoughts. Lifting you and your whole family up. Thank you for the update, sending prayers for God's perfect peace and complete healing. God bless you all!

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  67. Keep fighting Hazel will be well. GOD is in control of this whole situation.

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  68. Praying for Hazel! God has been on control and He will do what is best for her on the right time, Amen.

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  69. Thoughts, love and prayers are with you all 🙏🙏♥♥

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  70. May God bring full restoration to your dear Hazel and the entire family!

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  71. Thinking of you always Little Hazelnut. Thank you for sharing her with us and keeping us updated on her progress. She truly has a piece of my heart. May the Lord continue to lay his healing hands on you Hazel. You have reached so many...we all love you like our own!!!!

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  72. Little Hazelnut and your family will continue to be in our family's daily prayers. Prayer is POWERFUL and we pray every day that the Lord is present at Hazel's side and places his healing hands on her <3 ~ Ryan and Lucille Kosmatka

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  73. I am a mother of 3 and these pics made a lump on my throat. Keep your faith, the Lord will heal your baby. Will continue to pray for you and your precious angel.

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  74. Praying for your little girl and for God to give you strength to take care of the rest of your family as well

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  75. Prayers are going your way. I'm touched by Hazel's story.

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  76. My Prayers To Your Sweet Little Girl. I Will Continue To Pray FoR Her Everyday

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  77. Just said my morning prayers and was thinking of y'all. Sending all of my strength to sweet Hazel for her continued progress! I can't wait to see a smile on that precious child, and I know it is going to be soon!! I hope that each day brings a better day! Love and prayers to all of you <3

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  78. My thoughts and prayers are with your beautiful princess Hazel and your family.

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  79. So many continued prayers for Hazel. Our niece was diagnosed with the same type of cancer, stage IV high-risk neuroblastoma, in August and yesterday was her 3rd birthday. We are therefore all too familiar with your family's struggles and you are all in my daily thoughts and prayers. I know between God and the amazing staff at CHLA Hazel is in the finest hands possible. Prayers for strength and healing for her body and everyone's souls.

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  80. Praying Praying Praying for you beautiful sweet precious gift from God!!!

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  81. oh sweet little baby! may you recover ASAP!! may you run outside and enjoy all the little things that kids your age get to do. i have included you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, and i really mean that. sometimes poeple like to throw around blanket statements of " my prayers are with you" but i am truly praying for you!! be well!!

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  82. Praying for your sweet girl!

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  83. we'll pray for this little princess

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  84. Oh God, the picture that cracked my soul was the empty bed with Rapunzel. As a mom I can't imagine what you are going through, on the other hand I can understand God provides extra strength, the one that we are not aware off until we need it. You must be so PROUD of Hazel. She is a fighter, she is not willing to let go... that said so much about her. What a strong girl, she is teaching me a HUGE lesson. I pray for her prompt recovery every night. Sending healing vibes your way.....

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  85. Just received Christmas card from Bev and Richard my friends. I can't begin to put in words how I feel, my tears won't stop. My heart bleeds for you and your family. Your precious Hazelnut will be in my families prayers forever. May God be with you and give you strength.
    Love to all. Donna Allen, Rogue River, Oregon

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  86. I pray for you everyday baby girl that you would start talking again.... God is GREAT and he hears us!!!! Let's get you better and home for the holidays!!!!! Much love ,Heather

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