"Sometimes, real superheros live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles"
I have never met someone so strong, fearless and full of life. Nikki had to return to work earlier this week which has caused extra stress on us both. It's been so hard to leave Kenzie every night, but I am so thankful for the Ronald McDonald house for allowing us to stay with them. We are right next-door to the hospital and while we cannot be with McKenzie every night, it helps being so close.
McKenzie has three tubes in her chest, roughly fifteen-twenty IV lines and an oxygen flow. We are currently five days past surgery; On day three, the last tubes were removed and her sleeping medication was stopped overnight. On day four, McKenzie's pain medication was stopped - however, she was in a great deal of discomfort and not only received her pain medication but received a sedative as well. On day five, all but one IV was removed and she was no longer in pain from the procedure - but had stomach cramps and received Tylenol, gas medicine and a suppository.
While she has had some great progress, there are still a few speed bumps ahead. Doctors have found a small amount of fluid in her right lung, a blood clot in her right leg, a few episodes of high heart rates and the inability to come off oxygen. McKenzie is currently in one of the best hospitals and is surrounded by an amazing team of doctors and nurses who know her from past admissions.
As we take every day in stride, we continue to pray for McKenzie's health and comfort. This isn't a life we imagined - oxygen, medication, feeding pumps, monitors, weight checks,x-rays, blood draws, surgeries and praying beyond belief. When McKenzie's discharged, her recovery wont be complete as she will still be a risk for illness and infection. She will need shots twice a day for blood clots and medication around the clock. But, we will do whatever it takes to ensure her health and we will continue to pray she keeps up the fight and is able to gain strength and quality of life.
