No news is good news

Written by Elizabeth (Lane) Hibbard

I spoke with Travis yesterday to get an update. Essentially, Arianna has stabilized. What that means is she isn't dying anymore. She still has serious health issues, and best case scenario is that she will have a very long stay in the hospital. She is currently responding to the chemo treatments, but still struggles with pain.

In addition to being diagnosed with LCH she also has the following medical conditions: 1) DI (Diabetes Insipidus*); 2) Metabolic Disorder. Her body does not break down proteins correctly; and 3) Her pituitary gland does not function properly. Although her other symptoms should not be related to LCH, the doctors are hoping that treating the LCH may improve her other health problems.

Travis and Haley continue to stay at Primary Children's Hospital with Arianna. They have had lots of visitors come and support them. Their other three children, Kaley, Taylor, and Alaina are living with Dona and Corey Shock in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. They are all enrolled in school and have been receiving alot of attention from their Aunt and Uncle. They are enjoying being in the country. I've heard Kaley (who is an exceptional house cleaner) has been helping Aunt Dona keep the kitchen clean. They are able to Skype their parents regularly, so that has helped them to keep in touch.

They are very grateful for the calls, blog comments, support, and prays from everyone. It has made a daunting situation much more bearable. I think their optimism has been an example for everyone. I am personally grateful to be a part of their lives and be blessed by their faith and stalwartness in pressing forward with a smile on their faces.

*Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is a disorder in which there is an abnormal increase in urine output, fluid intake and often thirst. It causes symptoms such as urinary frequency, nocturia (frequent awakening at night to urinate) or enuresis (involuntary urination during sleep or "bedwetting"). Urine output is increased because it is not concentrated normally. Consequently, instead of being a yellow color, the urine is pale, colorless or watery in appearance and the measured concentration (osmolality or specific gravity) is low.