Friday, August 17, 2012

We are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.  Lexe is still in the Intensive Care Unit.  Her lungs are still sick but today she was taken off of the vent and put on high flow oxygen.  Her chest x-ray looked pretty good today, there is still room for improvement.  Lexe was so happy to have the vent tube taken out.  She can now smile and finally drink.  Her throat is very sore and her voice is weak but that should resolve over the next couple of days.  The plan is to keep Lexe in the ICU for the next several days.  She has been cleared to start eating soft foods but she has no appetite.  They placed an NJ Tube in her about 10 days ago so she has received some calories.  Lexe will soon be moved back to the cancer unit to continue her recovery.  She lost weight and muscle mass over the past two weeks so she needs to take on as many calories as possible.  Lexe's physicians have told us that recovery from ARDS can take months.

One of the physician in the ICU told us today that immunocompromised patients that develop septicemia from Streptococcus Midas have a mortality rate of 60%.  Add to that Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, which  has a 40% mortality rate, and it is easy to conclude that Lexe beat some tough odds.  The reality of how sick Lexe got is very sobering.

The past 15 days have been a very trying experience for our family and certainly for Lexe.  We have felt the prayers and support from everyone.  Lexe has had well over 110,000 hits on her blog from all over the world.   Concentrated hits have come from the United States, Canada, UK, Finland, Russia, Sweden, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Brazil, Ukraine, Belgium and the list goes on.  We are touched that so many people have taken an interest in Lexe.

10 comments:

  1. Just wanted to let you know the cancer moms have been thinking of, praying for, and asking about Lexe. It seems like when one of the kids gets this sick, we hold our collective breath until it's resolved. I'm really glad to read that she's off of the ventilator.

    We continue to keep your family in our prayers.

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  2. by far the best news i have heard in a very long time. thank you so much for this update. love you and praying for you.

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  3. We are so glad to hear that Lexe is doing better! We think of and pray for her and your family every day.

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  4. Way to go Lexe! The hancock's are routing for you! Prayers for your whole family

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  5. I am so happy things are going better. I have been on vacation and the blog kept me informed. My family will keep Lexe, Mark, Laurie and the rest of your family in our prayers.

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  6. Great news on improvement ! ! ! ! Want to let you know that Brad still offers any of his "pro-biotic"
    for Lexe that you want. You're in all of our prayers. THe Murphy's

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  7. SO happy to hear the good news on Lexe's improvement. Our continued loved and prayers are flying your way. Keep Fighting Lexe!

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  8. Love you all! Can't think of you without a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I don't think I've ever prayed harder for something in my life. I know the lord is watching over and blessing you. Lexe has great things ahead! You will remain constantly in our thoughts and prayers!

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  9. Lexe, I've heard so much about you from people and stories that have inspired me to fight and never give up. Thank you SO MUCH. just when i thought my life was over, the song i came to win popped up in my head because i remember someone talking about it at efy and hearing the song and about you makes me realize that i want to do better and become stronger just like you! I hope you get well soon and you'll always be in my prayers.

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  10. Mark and Family, you are in our thoughts throughout this ordeal. We were so happy to read this last blog. Lexe is a fighter and with all the love and prayers that are supporting her she continues to keep the fight going.
    Tink and Flip Henderson

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