July 21 - Noon update

Austin is currently undergoing his second plasma treatment. Within several hours he'll receives 4700cc of plasma through a port they inserted into his groin. Because of this port, he's unable to move around and is bedridden for the next several days. The risk of infection around the port site is high, and so far it has been painful. We continue to pray that all goes smoothly so that he can receive the plasma his body so desperately needs. The hope would be that the plasma transfer will enable his platelet count to increase enough to move the port higher.

He has been pumped with many fluids in the past 24 hours, but has been unable to urinate. Because of this, a catheter was inserted this morning but for whatever reason, his bladder isn't draining. A nurse was able to send something into the tube to release some of the urine, but not much. In the mean time, it's very uncomfortable. They're sending in a specialist this afternoon to see what he can do. On a positive note, the nurse was pleased to see that Austin is indeed still producing urine, which is a good sign. Austin's kidney function continues to be a big concern, so depending on what the next 24 hours hold, dialysis may be necessary. They're sending in a kidney specialist this afternoon as well.

Though his body is tired, Austin is still fighting. We are delighted that he was able to keep down jello and a fruit pop this morning, along with some 7UP. This is progress and the first food intake he's had in a week and a half. He enjoyed it. :) We enjoyed it. It's something to celebrate.

We're currently working on getting a DVD player hooked up to the plasma TV he has in his room. Movies help pass the time as he's confined to his bed and waiting. We've been blessed by the incredible medical staff and excellent facilities at Saint Joe. We feel even more blessed by the incredible support network of friends and family all over the country, sending their love through emails, texts, phone messages and blog post. Thank you for joining us so readily in this difficult time. We continue to feel your prayers and support across the miles and we have no doubt that God is here in this place. Please continue to lift Austin up. The next 24 hours are crucial. Because of this, visitation is still discouraged. Austin is in a very vulnerable place right now, so they want to keep him as isolated as possible. In the mean time, we watch, and wait, and pray.

I was talking to Mom this morning on the phone and we both realized we've been singing the same, rather ancient Twila Paris melody in the past several days as we struggle to understand and lift Austin to Lord. I'd like to end this post with those words; I will trust you.

Sometimes my little heart can't understand, what's in your will, or what's in plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask you why.
But I could never forget it for long, Lord what you do, could not be wrong.
So I believe you, even when I must cry...

Do I trust you Lord, does the river flow?
Do I trust you Lord, does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart, you can read my mind, and you've got to know I would rather die,
than to loose my faith in the one I love
Do I trust you Lord?
Do I trust you?

I will trust you Lord, when I don't know why
I will trust you Lord till the day I die.
I will trust you Lord when I'm blind with pain.
You were God before and you'll never change.
I will trust you.
I will trust you.

Yes Lord. We do trust you. We praise you because Austin IS fearfully and wonderfully made and we know you're holding him in the palm of your hand. Lord we do believe, only help our unbelief.