Cassie has continued her fight over the past few days. She went back to the OR on Friday (6/20) to do a wound cleanout of her original chest incision where they did debride any tissue that looked infected, and ensuring her chest incision is sterilized. The medical staff took cultures of the remaining tissue to ensure there was no infection before they closed up the wound. Unfortunately, the infection persisted and her scheduled surgery on Monday (6/23) was adjusted from a chest closure, to another chest cleanout. This morning the team removed any tissue that looked infected, and took more cultures. The cultures will take ~2 days to be studied to determine if any infection remains. Once these cultures come back, the medical staff will make the decision if they are ready for chest closure or Cassie will go back to the OR for another washout while the antibiotics they are providing her continue to address the infection.
Over the past week, while her chest has remained open, she has not been able to participate in any PT/OT or breathe on room air as these both cause her significant pain.
Please continue to keep Cassie in your thoughts and prayers as she is fighting off her chest infection setback. As the family is preparing to celebrate Cassie’s birthday on Wednesday this week, please pass along birthday wishes through this page and the family will share them with her on her special day.
Comments
24 responses to “Cassie’s Journey – June 23rd”
May the powers above heal your wounds and take away the infections so you can once again have the strength to continue your therapy and independence. We miss seeing your vibrant smile and can’t wait to celebrate your return home. Sending you Happy Birthday wishes Cassie. Our prayers are with you always. Love you my friend.
Sending hugs and love to your whole family. Happy birthday to Cassie!! 💜
Cassie, Wishing you a day filled with as much joy and comfort as possible.
Your strength and courage are inspiring. Happy Birthday. 🙏💜
Dear Cassie,
You are working so hard and I pray that the setbacks will become fewer as you continue your journey. My birthday wish for you is a restful and peaceful day with only forward progress.
May God bless you and show you mercy!
Happy birthday, Cassie! Sending you good thoughts, vibes, and love during your healing journey! ❤️❤️
Celebrating your life on the day of your birth will be a sweet moment for you and your family.
Hang in there, Cassie. Your body is a fighting machine.
We have been riding our bikes in the neighborhood and enjoying the flowers blooming in your yard. It looks so nice and inviting! Every time we ride past we say another prayer for your healing and your family. May you each hold onto your faith and each other.
Celebrating your life on the day of your birth will be a sweet moment for you and your family.
Hang in there, Cassie.
We have been riding our bikes in the neighborhood and enjoying the flowers blooming in your yard. It looks so nice and inviting! Every time we ride past we say another prayer for your healing and your family. May you each hold onto your faith and each other.
Continuing to pray for you every day and see your beautiful smile every time I’m on the tennis court especially. You are so loved by so many. There’s not a day that goes by that we all don’t think about you.
Happy Birthday tomorrow and lee fighting as we’re all fighting for you too!
Love you, friend.
Cassie, my prayer is that you receive amazing surprises and blessings on your birthday! One of which is an infection free body…no more setbacks….and strictly a path moving forward filled with positive vibes. Hope you can feel all the love and virtual hugs coming your way. Happy Birthday, sweet Cassie.
Praying for you everyday, Happy birthday 🎈🎁🎊🎉
Cassie, we wish you a birthday full of blessings and continued healing. God bless you on your birthday.
Cassie, we wish you a birthday full of blessings and continued healing.
Cassie-We pray for you every day and especially today, on your birthday, we wish you all the best … a day full of cheering you, a day full of feeling the army of people surrounding you and a day full of peace, joy and comfort. You are an inspiration to all as we follow your journey. Sending much love and blessings to you (the birthday girl 😊), Kurt and family today and always.
Happy birthday, Cassie! Thinking of you and sending continued prayers your way.
Sending you prayers and hugs this week as you celebrate your birthday! I continue to pray for your continued recovery and I hope you are able to spend time with your with your loved ones to just celebrate the amazing woman you are! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Cassie! Blessings and prayers are being sent for this tough journey that you are on!!
Happy birthday Cassie! Thinking of you
Happy birthday to my birthday neighbor! I remember celebrating our close birthdays together during YES Camp many years ago. I loved it. I have shared about you to my husband and two children since I heard the news, telling them about my favorite class and teacher. You had a positive impact on my life and I will always be grateful for that. Praying for your strength and healing every day. May God bless you and your family.
Love,
Erika (Stacy) Kroplin
Dear Cassie,
The Canadian “Canuck” Crew is wishing you Bonne Fête/Happy Birthday! Hope you get all that you desire on your day!!!
Thinking of you, praying for you, and wishing you continued strength, courage and resilience. While I’ve only seen you a handful of times during our stays at Kevin Bickings’ cottage – next to Ann & Brent’s – your positive energy, infectious smile and friendliness is what stood out. Your “gigantuous” support team, from family to colleagues & sweet students, etc., is an awesome testament of the love so many have for you! How wonderful to see all the lives you have single-handedly touched!!! Wowza!
Keep up the fight! We are cheering you on!!
Louise, Scott, Monique & Natalie (Gifford) 🙂
xoxoxo
Happy Birthday Cassie!! We are thinking of you.
Happy Day Cassie! My wish for you is a day of sunshine and love!!❤️
Cassie!! Happy Day to You! I hope your day has been filled with beautiful things!!
🥳 Happy Birthday to you sweet Cassie!
🎂❤️
Hi Cassie and Kurt-
You are in our thoughts and prayers daily! We celebrate each victory we see posted and are thankful for your progress. I love that they were able to close your chest and that you all were playing cards together. I hope you had a nice birthday- and promise to bake your favorite cake once you are able to enjoy it. Stay strong- please know we send our prayers and our love your way often. Keep up the good work! Look forward to the next updates. ♥️🙏🏻😘🙏🏻