Because Kate is so feisty, the tape holding the ET tube comes loose quite often so she has to have some "sleepy drugs" so they can re-tape it. Thanks Aunt Jalene for the cute little doll!
Sundays are always nice here at the hospital. Not only is it nice and quiet, but we also have the opportunity to attend the hospital church services. Even though the meeting is just 1/2 hour long, the spirit is so strong.
So, we had the care conference on Thursday and things went really well. We discussed the option of a Tracheostomy as well as replacing Kate's pulmonary and tricuspid valves. While there are some benefits that could come from both of these operations, there are also many risks involved because of how weak she is right now. Bryan and I both feel that if we can get her off the ventilator and back to being on CPAP, she will be able to regain her strength so the heart surgery will be less of a risk. Kate's pulmonologist and cardiologist feel that if she were to have the Trach immediately, they would like her to remain in the hospital for 6-weeks to recover and then evaluate her heart to see if she would be ready for the procedure. This is a very fine line because we don't know 100% if the Trach will make a huge difference. Plus, being in the hospital for that long is not great for Kate's development. We've taken this medical advise into much consideration and with much fasting and praying, we both feel that if Kate can come off the ventilator and transition onto CPAP successfully, that we can take her home and allow her to gain strength and grow without having to have a Trach. There is the possibility, though, that she may not do as well as we hope, but she will definitely let us know. We feel that we at least need to give her one more shot. As we have come up with this plan, we have felt much support from all the doctors and medical staff....which we are very grateful for.
In the past couple of days, Kate has made some significant progress. We are working on getting her off the ventilator and it looks like she will be ready to come off it tomorrow (we're keeping our fingers crossed). Now she is off all her sedation meds she has been one FEISTY girl!!! That's one side of her we like to see :) We believe in miracles, as Kate has been a miracle in our lives. We love her so much and she is what keeps us going.
10 comments:
Way to go Kate! Keep it up. We are praying for you all.
So glad to hear she is doing better. Good luck getting her home and well enough to do the surgery. It's been amazing while we've been praying for you guys the peace that has come as we have prayed for her do grow and become a healthy and happy little girl. That peace I'm sure is that Heavenly Father has a plan for you and is watching over all that is going on in your lives. I always find it interesting that we all signed up for our own set of challenges when we came down. I don't know how you guys are doing it because I would be a wreck, but He will never give us anything we can't bare. Love you guys. You're in our thoughts and prayers always!!
I am happy to hear she may be coming home soon! You guys are amazing--so strong--and such great examples to me.
We pray and think about you often. Can't wait to hear when you get to take her home! :)
I'm so glad to hear Kate is doing better - I've been thinking a lot about you guys and praying for you.
You guys are amazing. You are in our prayers! Love Matt, Chrispy, Ruby and Cooper Rich
Sounds like things are going well and you guys are on the right path. I'm so glad to hear it. Kate is one strong little bugger so she will be fine. Let us know if you need anything.
I'm glad that you guys are smart enough to include the Lord in all of your decisions on behalf of Kate. Hard to imagine how others without the gospel do it huh? Good Luck... I hope she gets strong enough to do the surgery.
Wow, you guys are so strong and have had a lot to deal with. I'm glad Kate is possibly going to get off the ventilator. She sounds like an amazing little girl and I'm sure she is going to pull through. Good luck! By the way she is adorable, and congrats on the baby on the way. You guys are in our prayers!
Hooray for Kate! Sure love you guys.
Go Kate, go! Keep getting stronger and stronger!
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