Today was not a day of drama (we have had enough of those for a while). Today was a day of gradual healing and measured progress.
Jenna is tired most of the time and sleeps quite a bit. They tell us that although she was sedated and looked like she was asleep for 2 weeks, the narcotics never gave her the deep restful sleep she needed to recharge and heal. She has been doing a lot catching up on her recharging (sleeping) now.
Jenna seems a little more like "old Jenna" with each waking hour that passes. Her language is gradually returning, one word at a time. She had worked so hard to build her limited vocabulary, it is disappointing to see it disappear and know the work she will need to do too repossess her language skills. No doubt they will come in time, but we can tell it is a frustration for her now.
She is becoming more playful and less agitated. These are signs that the narcotics are slowly lessening their addictive hold on her. She even laughed a little and worked in a coloring book for a short time this evening. So, those small strides and returns to normalcy are how we measure progress right now.
On the medical front, they say her blood toxin numbers look like they are turning the corner. If her toxin numbers are down again tomorrow they will assume that she will not need dialysis! If that is the case they will pull out the catheter in her neck (that one is just painful for me to look at. Think two McDonald's straws stuck in your jugular vein.) and pull out the PICC line in her left arm. That would set her free a little more from the machines she is plugged into and mean more freedom of movement for her.
We celebrate the small victories with Jenna and await a time when she can walk out of the hospital unfettered and ready to reenter the real world.
Again and again, we thank each of you for your concern, prayers, cards and visits. Please continue earnest prayer for the complete healing of our little Jenna and all the other kids here at Cincy Children's. Thank you.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
9 comments:
So happy to read all the good news. Jenna has such an amazing story to tell...and an amazing, inspiring family to help her tell it.
Keep fighting little kidneys, keep fighting!
You know we're praying for you all - for patience, strength, and complete healing.
The Thamanns
This is wonderful news. I continue to pray for Jenna daily. Thanks again for all of the updates.
Melissa Lighthall
Such great news! We are hoping tomorrow brings news of the end of dialysis or more progress in that direction. Sending love and prayers from the millers and the hawkins!
continuing prayers for your entire family. the strength, positive thoughts, endless ups and downs,
that you have exhibited to all of us match none other than the lord himself.
Great news! We will continue to pray for Jenna and the rest of your family. All of you are in our thoughts.
Keith Appleby
Dear Jena,
I hope you feel better. I just want you to know I'm going to be praying for you. We were together in the hospital once when we were little. I like to look at your cute picture on the computer. I have glasses too! Love,
Ruby
We celebrate with each small victory. Hearing of coloring books and laughter is a true joy - grateful for normal, grateful for Jenna as her cute little self returns. We continue to pray for Jenna, Luke, Missy, Ben, Kate, Jayce, and all families of sick children. May God bless them and keep them. May God let his face shine upon them and give them his peace - only the peace God can bring.
xo - Maggie
Great News!! We're so glad to hear that Jenna is "coming back to life" and resume SOME normal activities! We will continue to pray for her continued progress.
Love,
The T'n'T Fischer family
Jenna, In time and with restful sleep it will all return. Luke and Missy, how wonderful that things are coming around. Baby steps, baby steps. Take care, know we love you dearly. Jenna will be home running around you in circles before you know it.
Prayers never end...love is eternal.
Val
Post a Comment