Posted Apr 18, 2008 8:47am

Resting peacefully with her animals watching over her.

Bonnie Green made this doll to match McKenzie's bedroom and when we first showed it to her she loved it. She followed that doll very closely with her eyes and craned her head to find it. And oh the smiles!!!

Daddy and McKenzie on April 17, 2008.

We call McKenzie unicorn baby with her IV in her head. This was taken on April 17, 2008.

 Dale and I met with McKenzie's doctor yesterday afternoon and he confirmed what we have been told numerous times---McKenzie needs to grow into her shunt in order to fully stablize. He anticipates she needs to gain about 1 pound before that stablization will occur. It has taken her a month to gain almost 1 pound, so I was concerned she would be in there for another month or two. Her doctor does not want her in the hospital for another month. (That makes three of us!) So, they are concentrating on fattening her up and trying to get the oral medication correct to stablize her and send her home. Hopefully, that will happen soon. I would really like her home before my maternity leave ends. He did tell us that if she doesn't stablize with the additional growth that they may be a need to conduct the full repair surgery now or decrease the size of the shunt. Neither alternative is desired because of the complications, but they are options if there is no marked improvement and she shows no real ability to live without the IV drip medications and decreased concentrations of oxygen.

I think McKenzie will do fine once she gets more bulk to her. Our big step for right now though is getting her back off the nasal canula and IV meds. And perhaps drinking from a bottle today!
Mel

1 Message(s)

Posted Apr 21, 2008 9:28am

by Jennifer Pranke

Our Hearts & Prayers go out to YOU!
I wanted you to know that our hearts and prayers continue to go out to you and your family. Here's wishing you all continued strength and support... and best wishes!
Peace, Loce & Sisterhood,
Jen (Holloway) Pranke & Family