This week has been incredibly heartbreaking and stressful. 

Early last week, we were so encouraged to learn that Harper’s liver tumor was shrinking quickly. However, by the weekend, things took a difficult turn when we noticed blood in her stool. After being admitted for dehydration, her team identified a rare and severe colon infection called Typhlitis. We feel very lucky we caught it early enough to start antibiotics before it became septic. 

To let her bowel rest and heal, Harper is now NPO (nothing by mouth) and receiving nutrition through an IV. Yesterday, she also had a procedure to drain 740ml of fluid from one of her abdominal tumors. It has relieved so much pressure, and her belly looks the best it has in months. 

While she is remarkably comfortable and needing very little pain medication, she is very hungry. It is so hard to tell her she can’t eat when she doesn’t understand why. We are praying that as her nutrition levels stabilize, her hunger will subside. 

We will remain inpatient until she is stable enough to transition home with the support of her hospice team. For now, we have paused radiation to focus entirely on clearing this infection and keeping her comfortable. Please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming for Harper’s healing and peace.