Ellie Update 1/21/25

 Things are starting to move forward today. Finally. The doctors have finally decided to place a PICC line for her to get TPN ( total parenteral nutrition), medication, and fluids through. This is a type of central line. Goodbye to the tube up her nose, and hopefully her stomach pain for a while. Mike, Ellie, and I agreed with the doctor that this was the best scenario moving forward. They FINALLY contacted Dr. Cruz's office and the team agreed that Ellie desperately needs nutrition and to gain some weight and we are at the point of a last resort here with her health. 

Since she is getting TPN, a home nurse will have to come into the home once a week to change things out and draw bloodwork to check levels. This is a huge relief. It is a lot to expect Ellie to do on her own, and with us at work, I was worried about how that was going to happen. They are either going to place this bedside today, or under sedation tomorrow. She will have to stay a few more days to be monitored. I am leaving on Friday to go down and trade places with Mike. All three of us have to be trained on using this. 

We are hoping and praying that this new plan will greatly improve Ellie's quality of life. Even so she can get a little of her life back. 

Today, I have a migraine and I feel like my neck is messed up which is causing me nerve pain. I know it is from the stress. Now that things are moving along, maybe I can relax a little. 

My brother, Josh, and his family drove down to Pittsburgh today to see her, and I know she is looking forward to that visit. Ellie also signed up to see a therapy dog today. 

We appreciate the calls, texts, prayers and meals. God is certainly surrounding us with his love and care.