12.01.2008

Empty


I don't know where to begin. I am writing this as I sit in the Children's Hospital Boston Medical Surgical PICU. Hazel is next to me, but she isn't there. She has been intubated and heavily sedated for five days now. Her little body is hooked into every machine they have in this place. I can start at the beginning, I guess...

On Tuesday November18th, Hazel projectile vomited. On Wednesday the 19th she spiked a fever. On Friday the 21st she began to wheeze in the late morning. She was having a hard time swallowing her food, so she wasn't really eating. We took her in to see the pediatrician and they said it looks like croup; take her out in the cold air, keep her room humidified and it will pass on its own. But, she never developed a croup cough. She never responded well to cold air or humidity. On Sunday night, November 23rd, Hazel started spitting up what little she was eating and I decided that it was time to bring her to the ER.

Her breathing was so loud that they heard us coming from down the hall. She sounded terrible. They rushed us into a room without even registering us and began giving her a nebulizer. She had several that night, as well as steroids. We were admitted and she continued nebulizer treatments through the night. There was still no improvement. Two days later, they shrugged their shoulders and said, "It's just a virus. Go home and ride it out." So we went home. Hazel still was wheezing so loud you could hear it two rooms away. I tried to keep her comfortable so she wouldn't cry or exert herself because the breathing became so much worse. I was feeding her with a medicine dropper because it was all she could swallow at a time.

That evening, Tuesday the 25th she was very fussy, so while Jamie ran out to the store, I decided to give her some Motrin and a see how much she could take from a bottle. When I sat down to feed her, Hazel stopped breathing. She turned bright red, her eyes bugged out of her head and she looked at me terrified. She began to gag and retch, so I thought she was going to throw up. I tipped her forward and started to pound on her back. That is when she started gagging and coughing up blood. Bright red blood. It was foaming and blowing bubbles with her saliva. I don't remember much of what happened next. I called 911, screaming "NO NO NO!!" I thought she was going to die in my arms on the living room floor. I grabbed my purse and we went out in the street. The police came very fast, then the fire truck and the ambulance. Jamie came home at that moment and he followed us to the hospital.


Back in the ER we had the same doctor. Despite the blood on my shirt, on her baby blanket, despite her lethargy, we were told that it was not blood that she coughed up but that it was likely Motrin. We were told how long this doctor had spent in medical school, how even if it was blood it was no big deal. We were told how many things people cough up that look like blood. We were told a lot of things by some very condescending and arrogant people, but through all the talk, no one thought that it might be wise to do some further tests. For instance, a chest x-ray. Like the chest x-ray that should have been done during our previous ER visit and inpatient stay. No one thought to rule out the very severe potential causes of the episode Hazel had at home, or think about differential diagnosis when Hazels wheezing didn't respond to medications or become a cough. Or improve with time. Instead of investigating, they decided to spend their time trying to make us look stupid and hysterical. They continued to administer nebulizers and steroids, despite those treatments being discontinued in our prior hospitalization because they had no effect.

The following morning they were going to discharge us again, send us home with the same line we had been hearing for over a week, "Viruses take time,". A doctor from Hazel's PCP practice stopped by in the morning and gently suggested that perhaps they should take a chest xray just to rule out pneumonia. She was more than a little surprised that no one thought to do it earlier. I was, too. When the chest films came back, it was clear as day; there was a "foreign object" lodged tightly in her esophagus. It looked just like a nickel. I was thrilled! Now they could just pluck it out and we could be home for Thanksgiving! They transferred us to Children's Hospital Boston to have it removed in endoscopic surgery. I ran home for clothes while Jamie rode down with an increasingly lethargic Hazel. Over the past few days, Hazel had been sleeping more and more. One day, she took seven hours of naps.


As Jamie was riding down in the ambulance, he remembered that we had recently noticed that the button battery from our DVD remote had been missing. We had just assumed it was long gone, or sucked into the vacuum or something. It looks almost exactly like a nickel.

In the Children's ER, they also thought it was a battery from the x-ray, and they rushed us up into surgery. I was terrified. Especially when they wouldn't let me be with Hazel as they put her under anesthesia, "because really bad things can happen." She was in surgery for a while, and we just cried and hyperventilated. A battery apparently begins to leak acid after only about an hour. This had been in Hazel for six days. Her hematocrit was low because she had been losing so much blood, and she required a transfusion. Her esophagus is badly burned, and where the battery was lodged burned through the mucosa, through the muscle, and so there is a very thin piece of tissue that they are afraid will rupture. If that tissue ruptures, she will require a major surgery that will involve going in through her neck and/or chest.

She was intubated, heavily sedated and sent up to ICU to recover for the night. The next morning, they attempted to extubate her. I was so excited. They pulled the breathing tube and put her in my arms. Within about thirty seconds, she started gasping. Her eyes bugged out and she looked up at me, terrified. She was reaching her hands up to me and I saw they were blue. When I looked down at her face, she was blue and foaming at the mouth. Time stopped. Someone pulled me back and about fifteen people rushed in. In my mind it was about half an hour, but I was told it was only ten minutes. They sedated her and were able to reintubate. She has been on the ventilator ever since.


Today is Day Six in the ICU. Day Six on the ventilator. Day Six of having my daughter lay there unconscious. I don't have the words or the energy to describe how I'm feeling, so I'm not going to try right now. Suffice it to say that I have never missed someone more than I miss her now. I can't stop crying. I need her back.

We are not out of the woods yet, so please keep praying and sending us healthy, strong thoughts. Thank you to everyone who has already called, texted, emailed, snail mailed, sent flowers, balloons, books, and St. Christopher medals. It means the world that so many people are cheering Hazel on as she fights the good fight.

We love her so much.


fever, i know you've come to take my love
go away 
fever, i know your face just like a dove 
fly away
fever, turn the lights out
take a different road
let us be
fever, i know you've come to take my love
go away
fever, i know in god i shouldn't trust
he's so far away
fever, turn the lights out 
take a different road
let us be
fever, take a different route
travel a different road
let us be
fever, i know you've come to take my love
go away. fly away. go away. 

azure ray- fever

109 comments:

Jaymee said...

sending all of you our best thoughts. we love you. we are here if there is anything that we can do for you. HUGS HUGS HUGS

Kerry Lynn said...

I'm a friend of Shauna's.
I am in shock over this horrible story.
I just don't even know what to say.
I will be praying for Hazel to get strong.
And when the fog has lifted I seriously know an excellent lawyer.

AlePancha said...

We love her so much. This is her biggest battle so far. Not long ago we were talking about battles. Oh she's a fighter.
I love her hair. Just like Joaquin's. Stay strong Mama! Stay. We love you.

Anonymous said...

my thoughts are with you and hazel.. sending hugs.

Cara said...

Came here through Jaymee.
I'm bawling as I read your story.

All my prayers for a healthy recovery will be with you until we hear the good news.

I struggle to hear how doctors can be so sure when, there could always be another answer.

H said...

Hello Hazel!! I´m Joaquín´s dad, and I really want you to meet Joaquín so you can play, and start to walk at the same time!!!! Ale and I (Lalo) are praying very strong for you and your parents; Joaquín sends kisses. Our strongest thoughts for you and get well soon!!!
Hughs to you Amanda and Jamie

rarejule said...

...tender prayers & healing hugs!!

Wendy and Chris said...

Oh my dear God, you are in my prayers. I am Jaymee's cousin and I have a 9 month old daughter too... I can't imagine your emotions. I will continue to pray for your family daily.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amanda & Jamie,
My sister has an internet prayer chain called the Mother Theresa Prayer Circle. She sends updates out to over 100 friends and family members who pray for those who are sick. I am updating her so our circle can rally around Hazel. God Bless you both and you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Krystyne

Natalie said...

Hazel, keep fighting strong sweet girl. You are in our thoughts and prayers all day. We are sending love and light to you & your parents. Believing in a quick and full recovery.

All our love,
Natalie, Dylan & Chris too
xxxooo

Lisa Emrich said...

Hazel, sweet little girl, I'm praying for you and for healing. Stay strong. I'll be looking for new videos of you playing at home very soon. Hugs and kisses. Lisa

Little Miss Maia said...

Amanda, your description of what has happened leaves me at a loss for words, even though I knew most of the story already. If your daughter is anywhere near as strong as you are, I just know she will battle through this and be back to making you laugh in no time.

Hazel, we continue to think of you constantly and are sending you all the positive energy we can muster. Miss Maia wants you to know that she reserved lots of extra kisses for you today.

Anonymous said...

Noah, Steve and I have been praying for Hazel every day. I cant imagine how it must feel to not have your baby for so long. Your going to have to kiss those yummy cheeks for like 5 hours straight to make up for this. poor baby. love you girls!!

Anonymous said...

Amanda, I am so sorry that Hazel and you are going through this. I haven't been on babyfit for a while and I had no idea. I am in tears reading what she and you are enduring. I am sending you positive thoughts and prayers.

Get well really soon Hazel.

Anonymous said...

I am Chelsea Steven's Mother-in-law. I am just horrified to hear what has been going on with your precious little girl! Please know she will be in our prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. Take care, Barb Stevens

Anonymous said...

Not sure if my first comment got through but I'm Chelsea Stevens' mother-in-law. I was so horrified to hear what has happened to your precious little girl! Our hearts go out to you and will keep her in our prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. take care, Barb Stevens

Anonymous said...

Dear Hazel and Hazels mommy and daddy, I heard your story from Chelsea's blog (I'm the lady whose family were the original owners of their house). Along with everyone else I was horrified, then angry, and now just praying for your recovery and also to give your mommy and daddy the strength they need. Diane in San Diego

Anonymous said...

Dear Amanda and Jamie:
I am Little Miss Maia's Babcia (grandma in Polish). Sarah sent me your blog and I'm shocked at the turn of events. I pray for Hazel, that beautiful child, every day. I also pray for you, her family, for strength and patience. God Bless!
Linda Stock

Alleta said...

Hazel, you are in my prayers. Sasnta Rita will help you and very soon you'll be fine!!!♥

Anonymous said...

Dear Amanda, Jamie and Hazel:

My thoughts and prayers are with you - what an ordeal for all of you - the poor, dear sweet baby. Hoping Hazel is on her way to feeling better.

Rebekah (from Jamie's work).

Anonymous said...

I am praying for your family. May your sweet little Hazel heal quickly.

Anonymous said...

I heard about little Hazel's battle! I just wanted to say that a little family from far away are keeping your little girl in our hearts! We pray for her speedy recovery and that she may be home with you soon!

Love
Sandi, Nathan and Jamie
Cape Town, South Africa

Samantha said...

I just wanted to let you and your family know that you are in my prayers.

Samantha and Beatrice (California)

Tanya said...

I am a friend of Jaymee's from a support board, and I just wanted to say that I am so sorry that you and Hazel are going through this. You will all be my thoughts and prayers. Hazel looks like such a tough little peanut! Big hugs to you all.

Dolors said...

I am still shocked of reading what has happened to your lovely little girls. I hava a daughter of the same age.
From spain we send her our prayers and a big big hug for you too. Keep strong , cause hazel is strong too. She will recover from it !

Haley said...

I don't know you or Hazel but I am praying for her swift recovery from this. It is a heartbreaking story and something that parents don't think of happening, ever. I hope you have your baby back in your arms safe and sound very soon.

Lisa said...

All of my prayers are with you and sweet Hazel.

*~*Zann*~* said...

I don't know you, this link was sent to me by a friend. I am so sorry. I'm crying reading this. We recently thought that our three year old swallowed a battery. Fortunately he hadn't. But it was so scary when we thought that he did.

I will be praying for you and your daughter. And for the doctors, that they have the guidance that they need to help her.

cloth.paper.string said...

I just happened upon Jamie on facebook and was happy to reconnect -- we went to Midd together.

I'm so so sorry to hear about all that Hazel has been through. I can only imagine the terror that you all have felt in these last days.

Know that there's another old friend here rooting for Hazel and her speedy recovery.
Best,
Sarah

Claudia said...

Hi, I just randomly came across your blog today in cyberland. As a mom, I can only imagine the pain you are going through. I do not know you, but I will pray for a full recovery for your daughter with all my heart. -Claudia in Pittsburgh, PA

Anonymous said...

You don't know me, but your blog link was posted on a message board I frequent. I just wanted you to know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of myself and my husband. We both teared up reading your story. We have a 14-month old daughter and she means the world to us- we cannot imagine what you are going through. Please know that you are on the minds of many and that we are all praying for a full recovery for beautiful, sweet Hazel.

Valerie

Anonymous said...

I recieved your message from a friend of mine. As I sat here reading your story I couldn't help but tear up. I'm very sorry that you and your family are having to go through such a horific ordeal. I have two daughters of my own and can't imagine the pain you are going through. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope dearly that your precious little girl comes out of this with flying colors. God bless!

Anonymous said...

I also saw this posted on a board I visit a lot. I am Sending some healing Reiki energy to you baby Hazel. I am so sorry that you have to go through this.You and your family are in my thoughts tonight.

Kelly

Jacque said...

My name is Jacque. I live close to Pgh, PA. My neice forwarded this to me via her blog. I will place your daughter on my church prayer chain. Please know I am praying for her and I will continue praying for her. God's Blessings on Hazel and your entire family!

Anonymous said...

Prayers to you and your daughter, my sister posted the blog on her facebook page and I copied it and posted it on mine as well. Never can have too many prayers. I never knew the harm of batteries and I have 3 boys, this should be a national story...

Katie said...

You and your daughter are in my prayers and will continue to be. I am so sorry you are going through this and I thank you so much for sharing. I have a 17 month old little boy and he loves remote controls and all other electronics.

Josh S. said...

I have a two-year-old daughter and I cannot imagine what you must be going through. You and your family are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful little girl you have. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers. May God Bless you...

Ben and Cori Momma said...

God bless Hazel and your entire family. I am praying for her to heal quickly and grow strong. I can't imagine what you are going through but stay strong - your little girl is going to need you when she comes home!
Beth in Pittsburgh, PA

CaneWife said...

The link to this blog was posted on a mom's message board I am on. Our family is sending tons of good thoughts and prayers for you and for Hazel's full and complete recovery.

Unknown said...

I am thinking of you all. I don't even have any words to describe how heavy my heart feels for you all right now. I will be sending you all a healing energy and thinking of you. Please let me know if you need anything, food, booze, or a ear to listen.
Corleigh

Anonymous said...

Just another person who found your blog through a friend and will be thinking of Hazel and hoping for a full, speedy recovery. Your little girl has lots of people thinking of her, it seems.

Mary Beth said...

I'm a friend of Sarah and Little Miss Maia. Our prayers are with you and Hazel. The hand of God be on you and your sweet little girl.

Anonymous said...

I'm a friend of Sarah's...and I am praying for you. Know that your daughter is loved even by people who don't know her, just because she's precious, and your love for her is enough to move anyone.

Scuba Vet said...

Little Hazel, my thoughts are with you! Amanda, I know she'll pull through, she looks like an amazing and strong beautiful little girl! I'm thinking positive thoughts and sending love your way!
-Eve

Anonymous said...

Hazel you are a strong girl, and you can fight the good fight! We are praying for you! Amanda, let me know if I can do anything for you or Jamie while you're at the hospital. You are all in our prayers!
love, Erin and Nathan

Anonymous said...

Amanda,
My heart is literally aching for you. Reading the whole story like this is almost too much. Please know that you have our continued prayers. I will be praying with every ounce of my being that Hazel is in your arms again very soon.
Hugs and prayers,
Lauren Borack

Anonymous said...

Hazel will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm hoping only for the best for your little girl and your entire family.

Anonymous said...

I am sending all my positive thoughts, love and strength to Hazel. Love,

Stephanie

Keisha said...

We met only once after a breastfeeding support group through Beverly Hospital, and I'm sure you wouldn't remember me, but I remember you, Hazel, and her big, beautiful eyes. I heard about her situation through Emily. Please know that my thoughts are with you & your family, and we are sending positive energey for Hazel to have a speedy & full recovery! My daughter was in the PICU for 2 weeks when she was one month old, and I know first-hand how terrifying this can be, and how powerless you can feel, and how no word can really console you, and no one can fully reassure you. But I have faith that she will recover, and my hope is that in quick time, this whole experience will be just a bad memory as you gaze into your healthy, smiling, laughing, little Hazel's face.

Anonymous said...

We met only once after a breastfeeding support group through Beverly Hospital, and I'm sure you wouldn't remember me, but I remember you, Hazel, and her big, beautiful eyes. I heard about her situation through Emily. Please know that my thoughts are with you & your family, and we are sending positive energey for Hazel to have a speedy & full recovery! My daughter was in the PICU for 2 weeks when she was one month old, and I know first-hand how terrifying this can be, and how powerless you can feel, and how no word can really console you, and no one can fully reassure you. But I have faith that she will recover, and my hope is that in quick time, this whole experience will be just a bad memory as you gaze into your healthy, smiling, laughing, little Hazel's face.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

you don't know me, but I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for your little girl and that my heart is bleeding for you. My God send an Angel to watch over your precious girl.

Magoon Family said...

I found your story on babyfit. No mom or family should ever have to go through what you are dealing with. That picture of her just breaks my heart. I am so sorry. I am praying for her and all of you. God is good and he is there with her guiding her back to health.

Kelly said...

Amanda, your blog was posted by a friend of yours on our moms board. We are all praying for Hazel's quick recovery. Your strength through this has been amazing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Unknown said...

I received an email with a link to your blog from a friend...`and I will be praying for your family. I have a 10 month old little girl and mommmy to mommmy I can not imagine what you are going through. Looking at your blog it is clear that you have such an incredible amount of love for little Hazel and I am sure that she can feel that too. I will pray for you family daily that God will bring healing and peace as only He can.

God Bless,

Jenny Dickens
Irvine, CA

Anonymous said...

Amanda:
I recieved a link to this from an email.. to be honest with you i dont usually read lengthy forward mail.. but this one i just had to read.. I can not imagine going through what you are.. remember there is only one person who can help anyone over come this horrible tragedy and that is the Lord upon.. i dont know your relationship with Christ but it is never to late to accept him... and regardless of what happens.. he knows why and has everything happen for a reason... your family will be in my prayers! Stay strong and let God take ahold of you through this rough time.

God Bless You

Yukon, OK

Anonymous said...

A friend of mine gave me a link to your blog. I can't believe you are having to go through such a difficult ordeal with your precious little baby. You and your family are deep in our thoughts today.

Jackie
Dallas, Texas

Nadine said...

just come over from Jaymee's blog, so sorry to read about Hazel, thinking good thoughts, I hope she recovers soon.

Anonymous said...

Manda....im here and thinking and crying but sending love prayers good stuff to lil H and both of you. Im sure i would have died by now in your position,honest, i cant imagine watching my child go through all this. You are so strong, i know Hazel got lots of that strength , she had to have after what you went through to have her,enjoy her, love her, and your own stuff. I will be here anytime you might nead an ear, phone hug,tacky jokes,or a good cry and vent session.

all my love,
Mama Kira

Merrycricket said...

I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through right now. Your story has completely shaken me. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful little girl right now and will continue to be until she is healthy and safely back in your arms at home again.

skfowler said...

You don't know me, but I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and Hazel.

Anonymous said...

You also do not know me ... I cannot imagine going through what you have been going through these last days. Our prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog through a parenting board that I visit and I just had to offer my well wishes. Hazel and your entire family are in my thoughts. I have 2 girls- ages 3 and 4 months- and I know that the bond mothers share is so strong. Keep fighting Hazel! Our family is cheering for you!

Melissa, Richard, Elizabeth and Nora

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you and Hazel..

Anonymous said...

One of my blog friends pointed me to this blog. I have been praying for your sweet Hazel. I cannot even fathom the things you as parents have felt in these last days. My continued prayers for you and your sweet girl.

Nicole said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time. May the Lord bring health to your beautiful baby girl.

Anonymous said...

Bless you and your daughter. I can't imagine how you are feeling right now! Trust in God he is the ALMIGHTY! ((HUGS))

L.R.
Bronx, NY

Anonymous said...

As a mom, I have to say that you are amazing and strong and I wish that I could give you a hug. I know you have been scared out of your mind. Sending lots of positive vibes to Hazel.

Tina / Anxious Changer said...

There are just no words I could say to express how badly I feel for you and your family. Many, many prayers are coming your way and I hope Hazel makes a full recovery.

It is just so important for us to question what is going on - I am so glad that the doc in your ped office was smart enough to make sure the chest x-ray was done! We have to be strong advocates for ourselves and our family - it is amazing how lax some doctors can be!

Miss Tori said...

I am so sorry that this is happening to your little girl. I will add her to my prayers.

May God heal your little girl and bring her through this ordeal.

Anonymous said...

I work for a hospital based peds ENT in Pittsburgh, and can only imagine the horror you are going through. It is so different to watch as medical staff, than to be the parent.

I can't believe the incompetance of some ER professionals. I am however glad that your daughter is in caring hands now.

Best wishes, and many hugs and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry this happened to you. As a new mother myself I question everything that I do and I also find myself trusting medical professionals when something scary happens to my son. It sounds like you are feeling terribly guilty mixed in amongst all of the pain and sorrow. I know it isn't enough for right now but I truly believe we do the best that we can and then the rest is in God's hands. May God help your daughter recover. I don't know her or you but can't stop the tears imagining something as horrible as this actually happening with modern day medicine. My prayers are with you.

Petrucia said...

I'm lighting a candle for you and Hazel. May she recover soon and heal well.
blessings

annacyclopedia said...

Came from the Lost & Found. I will be keeping Hazel and your whole family in my thoughts and prayers for quick, easy healing.

Anonymous said...

oh my god, this is breaking my heart. I am hoping and praying with everything I've got for your precious daughter.

Tash said...

Here via L&F -- you are all in my thoughts and in my heart.

Jamie said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this. It could happen to anyone. Please keep us updated and all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

patricia giardina said...

Gob bless Hazel!!! i have already said a prayer and have sent this to those in my address book. i sent it to my daughter in law. i have a beautiful little grandaughter and can't even imagine this happening! what is wrong with the medical system????? makes my problems seem so small! God's speed Hazel!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

One never knows why things happen, why we go down paths that others do not. Know that God is with you and Hazel. We believe in miracles and the power of the Lord Almighty to heal and he certianly takes care of children. Heaven is singing with prayers for her healing and many people have fallen in love with her.
I pray for strength for you and your family. May she be healed instantly and without any evidence of this ever happening. In Jesus Name! Amen!

Anonymous said...

One never knows why things happen, why we go down paths that others do not. Know that God is with you and Hazel. We believe in miracles and the power of the Lord Almighty to heal and he certianly takes care of children. Heaven is singing with prayers for her healing and many people have fallen in love with her.
I pray for strength for you and your family. May she be healed instantly and without any evidence of this ever happening. In Jesus Name! Amen!

Anonymous said...

A prayer for Hazel
While you sleep
God's healing you
from head to feet

Mama don't fear
God knows what's best
Just pray and watch,
endure this test

Hazel will awake
bright and cheerful
this will pass
no more being tearful

Love baby Hazel
and give God praise
thank all the doctors
kindness always pays

God bless you and baby Hazel!

Anonymous said...

I feel for you sooo much...I am sooo sorry that you have been through this...I will be sending many prayers for the complete healing of your daughter to our Lord! Much Love and Many Blessings!

Anonymous said...

i am praying for the return of hazels spiritual health - my mother has a prayer that i say when i need incredible strenth and help- little flower show your power- my love is with your family-pls hug that beautiful daughter and dont let go-she will get better-pls keep strong and fight for her-

katd said...

Sending all my prayers your way. May God be with you and little Hazel.

MrsSpock said...

Sending little Hazel every good thought of healing I can muster...

Stacie said...

Prayers to Hazel, you, your husband and family. May she soon recover and be in your loving arms.

astral said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting Hazel!! I'm here via Mel's Lost and Found.

Amanda said...

Hazel (and you and your husband) are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for sharing this so we can all be warned.

Christie said...

I'm actively trying not to bawl as I read your story. My thoughts are with you, Hazel, and the rest of your family.

Sanda said...

Sending thoughts of strength to Hazel for her fight. I can't imagine what you're going through right now. I'll be thinking of you and Hazel.

Emily said...

I have no words.
Sending you hugs and wishes for the strength Hazel needs to fight and heal.

best wishes

Anonymous said...

I have 4 children of my own. My daughter has down syndrome and once swallowed a quarter that took surgery to remove. I have been through several surgeries with her open heart and all. I can somewhat relate but not to this extent. I am so sorry you all are going through this! I will pray for all of you and get my friends who are real prayer warriors on this right now. Stay strong and try to rest in the power of prayer!!

Yoli said...

Stay positive and strong. We are all praying for her.

Lanik said...

My heart goes out to Hazel and your family. I will be thinking of her and checking back often. Please take care.

Kristin said...

How terrifying...praying hard for a complete recovery for Hazel.

4D said...

You have many people praying for all of you.

Heather said...

You are all in our prayers. The sedation is giving Hazel time to heal and hopefully she will be back with you soon.

kitchu said...

on my knees, on my knees. praying.

Anonymous said...

I don't know you, I live on the other side of the ocean but I am thinking of you and praying your little baby girl will soon be back home. Much love.

Anonymous said...

i'm sending you strength, and deep momma love for you and your babe, for all of your family.

Anonymous said...

I am a parent and grandparent I have seen and lived through some of what you are going through. Minutes turn to hours days to weeks to months it's hard but it remember that your precious daughter can hear you and so can God. He will help guide you through this horrific time. But I can't tell you how many tears you will shed when she says Mommy one more time and looks into your eyes with all her love. My prayer go out to you and your family. God bless you all.

Anonymous said...

i feel for you and will send this to everyone i know so they can help pray for your precious little girl.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry that you are going through this. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I will keep your little girl and entire family in my prayers. May God heal her precious body. Don't stop praying or give up faith! God can heal! God Bless You!

The Grammarian said...

My admiration for you and your strength is only surpassed by my prayers for you. Your family is in God's care.

Melissa Voss said...

I was given your blog address from someone on a chat forum that I go to. I can't even begin to imagine what you are all going through right now. I have a baby boy and I couldn't imagine what I would do if it were him in this situation. Just know that you have so many people praying for you. You and your family are all in our prayers. Our best wishes.

Lizzie said...

I found your blog yesterday while I was waiting to hear back from my pediatrician. I found an opened button battery in my son's diaper and there's no telling when he could have swallowed it. A chest x-ray showed nothing, so we're pretty sure that it has all passed. For now, we're waiting to see if his coughing improves. If not, they are planning an endoscopy. In two weeks, a barium swallow.

It's hard not to be terrified, but your story has proved to be such an inspiration. I've called the National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline and they have been tremendously helpful with all of their information as well as being our advocate when it comes to deciding on our course of action.

My Timothy is only 10 months old, but he is such a trooper.

Thank you so much for giving me hope.

barbara said...

I have a seven-month old and am trying to stop crying so I can write. My heart is with you. Blessings and prayers to you and your family.

Suzanne said...

Dear Amanda,

I am researching stories for the TLC series "Your Kid Ate What?" and I just came across Hazel's amazing story.If your interested in sharing your story with our viewers I'd love to speak with you.

Suzanne
kid@mikemathisprods.com

PS Congrats on the new baby!