clinic

Today Kenzie had clinic for more of a follow up from last week. Her Echo looked good last week but the Cardiologist heard a 3rd heart sound which could be found in healthy patients but also could be a sign of rejection for Heart Transplant Patients. So they wanted to see her again today to make sure that her Echo was still good and check to see if the sound was still there.
Well her Echo looked good and neither her Cardiologist or Michelle her Transplant Coordinator heard that extra sound so between a good Echo and no extra sound it is a reassuring sign that Kenzie is doing well. Her next clinic visit is in a month.

Clinic day

Today Makenzie had clinic here at PCMC for the first time since we have been back from Colorado This time dad was able to go she was excited, she was a little nervous even though she sees her doctor's here more than she does in Colorado. She loves Miss Carrie (transplant Coordinator in Aurora).
Today was a long visit I mean long she got her blood drawn like she always does but she needed her blood drawn twice because some of it clotted the first time and couldn't get all the results. So first it was a veiness then a finger poke and we get to go back on Monday cause one of the vials that clogged was her medicine levels which she took right after she got her blood drawn the first time. So she gets another finger poke on Monday :(.
Then she got her Echo which also took forever for some reason. Then we had to take her to get her blood drawn for the second time. We then got to see Michelle and she said that Kenzie looks so good. We also met the Pacemaker doctors and they checked her pacer and made a couple of adjustments, they said it looks great. We then finally saw her cardiologist and he listened to her and said that she has a 3rd air sounding ( I don't know what they called it) but they said they would watch it but it isn't serious they said anyone can have it but it is new for her. Which makes me nervous.
Then they wanted her to get an x-ray so they have a base line of how her pacemaker looks inside her. Then we saw her cardiologist one more time to make sure she was good to go. So we will see them in another month which again I do not mind.
She also is going to see a dietitian in a few weeks to try and get her weight back up since she lost a few pounds while we were out in Colorado.

The miracles that has happened in Colorado

2007 we arrived in denver for Kenzie's heart transplant we waited a month for the call and we got the call on May 16th, it was such a roller coaster we felt happy but sad for the other family who lost there child. We didn't know what to expect but it turned out great.
I also got purposed that same night before we got the call so I was engaged the same day my daughter got a new heart.

2009 Kenzie went into rejection got life flighted back to Colorado she went into Cardiac Arrest and the doctors and nurses saved her and brought her back after 15 min, with no brain damage.

2011 Kenzie needed a pace maker put in to help her heart it was suppose to be a simple surgery in and out but she had complications during the surgery and went into cardiac arrest for a total of 17 min and again she managed to have no signs of brain damage.
We also found out that Jerica was pregnant the same day Kenzie got released from the hospital.

You always hear the Lord give's you what you can handle and knows your trials in life and what you are going through. I am so thankful that the Lord is on my side and knows our fears and pains and is always there for us even if it's not the way you are hoping for.
He has defiantly been there for my family watching and protecting us especially Makenzie. Such an amazing girl who has endured so much in such a short period of her life but she is still with us happy and healthy and love's life. I am so thankful for another day with Makenzie and the lords hand for watching over every step of the way.

Driving back home

We decided to wait until Wednesday to leave due to the weather. This was the first time Tyler didn't fly back to drive home so I got to drive the 8 1/2 hr drive. Luckily Jerica stayed the whole time and kept me company and waited on the kids.
The drive went by pretty fast the kids did really good staying occupied watched movies almost the whole way but seemed to be entertained which was good for us, made the trip a lot smoother. We arrived home at 7:30 p.m. It was nice to be back and have Kenzie with us.
Life is such an amazing journey, it's full of ups and down but when you see those miracles it makes the ups so much more amazing. Life is so short so live life cherish every minute with your family, your kids are a blessing from above so don't take them for granted they are your treasures so hold on tight to them and love them with everything you have. I know I do.

Last Clinic day in Colorado

March 7th today Kenzie's check up went great everything looks good. The Pacemaker nurse came in and talked to us and showed Kenzie what a pacer looks like the identical one that she got put in. Kenzie was able to hold it and ask questions if she had any.
Carrie came in and checked her to make sure she looks good and told us that we get to go home that she looks great and they are not concerned. I love coming home but I get nervous leaving when events happen like this I get comfortable being there and entrusting in them for the care of Kenzie, even though we have a great hospital back home close by.

Out of the hospital

Feb 26th was another big day Kenzie got released from the hospital she was sent out with oxygen which she did not like she wouldn't take naps or anything while she had to have it because she new she would have to wear it. We also found out the Jerica was pregnant YEAH. What a good day. That night we celebrated by going to Boston Market I asked Kenzie when we get out where is the first place you want to eat and she choose there it is so yummy.

March 3rd we went to the aquarium it was nice to get out and do something it was pretty empty so we walked through it pretty fast at the end they had sting rays and Braxton touched one so brave.














While Kenzie was out patient she had to go to clinic Mondays and Thursdays to see Carrie to get echo's EKG and check her vitals. and every visit she looked and sounded good, Kenzie also got off the oxygen which she was very excited about and off her meds that she got released from the hospital with, so now she is down to Cellcept and Prograf (anti rejection meds).

2 weeks after her surgery

Feb 16th she got the right chest tube out. She also was able to go on a wagon ride out to the waiting room to see Braxton for the first time. At first the kids were nervous but Braxton gave her the sweetest softest kiss ever it was so sweet. Carrie also gave each of them a present Braxton got a toy story ball and kenzie got a blanket and a princess sticker book. When we went back to the room they were already to take Kenzie to the 9th floor CPCU (Cardiac Progressive Care Unit)

Feb 17th today was super special I got to hold Kenzie for the first time in a week the joys of being able to hold your child for the first time is such an amazing feeling like holding your child for the first time they are born it felt like that. We snuggled in the chair for who knows how long but it was such a great feeling. We also got a package from Kenzie's favorite cousin and best friend Kira she was so excited when I gave her the package she ripped it open and dumped everything on her lap and looked through everything. Such another wonderful day.

Feb 18th Kenzie got to go to the cafeteria and eat with us Braxton wasn't able to go into her room
due to the flu season so Jerica and I switched off so we could spend time with Kenzie and Braxton. She also walked to the playroom and did arts n crafts.

Feb 20th they weaned down on her oxygen, took out the last IV which Kenzie was excited cause she didn't have to walk around with an IV pole anymore and she was able to use both hands. She also got a sponge bath and got her hair washed she loved it. Braxton made many friends while we were there in the waiting room playing with his toy story toys. He said the sweetest prayer for Kenzie for he is bed time prayer it was short but sweet. Heavenly Father please bless Kenzie and I love her amen.
The bond between siblings are amazing they are defiantly best friends and love each other so much that it makes a mommies heart proud.

Week after her surgery

The next day they did a CT scan to check her brain to see if there was any damage considering she was gone for 17 min. Thankfully it came back normal, again.

Feb 12 she got the chest tubes out the drainage from her lungs has slowed down.

Feb 13 today was a step forward then a step back. today they ended the study early because the blanket wasn't really working and Makenzie was alert and the nurse didn't think she needed it. They also decided to take the breathing tube out to see how she does with out it. At midnight they had to put the chest tubes back in cause her lungs where filling up with fluid she started breathing heavy for a few hours so at 4 am they put the breathing tube back in to help her breath her oxygen levels where dropping so they wanted to get it in before something worse happens, it was another long day and night.

Feb 14th they decided to do another CT scan to check for blood clots in the brain and lungs another miracle there was no signs of anything. Also that night Jerica came to help out with Braxton Because the next day Tyler flew back home so he could get back to work someone has to still pay bills.

Feb 15th today Tyler flew back early to get back to work it was hard to let him leave. It was also a big day they took out the breathing tube I was really nervous about that but she did good they also took out the left chest tube. She responded well and was alert and new who every one was so that was some good signs of no brain damage. She also walked a little and even went to the potty it was so nice to see my little girl.
It was an amazing week to watch her improve everyday and slowly come off machines and wein down on her meds. Just to see her eyes open may be taken for granted but when your child goes through something like that and you call her name and she looks at you, your heart rejoices to know that she remembers you and knows your voice is a miracle in its self.

Pace Maker

Feb 10th we had to check in at 930 her surgery was scheduled at 11:30 so of course they had to get her vitals and make sure she was well to go into surgery. She also had a Holtor put on the day before and it came back that her pauses increased to some 4 second pauses and with 100 plus pauses all together, so she really needed the pacemaker put in. I was so nervous and you could tell that Kenzie did not want to go she was fighting to go back with Carrie who her carried her back because I couldn't go with her this time so I gave her a hug and a kiss and told her that Mommy loves her and will be waiting for her when she gets out. Its always hard to see your child cry and just want to hold them.
About 45 min into the surgery I had to go to the bathroom I come back and Tyler looks sad and concerned (just writing this makes my stomach ache) I asked whats wrong and he told me the nurse came out and said that she is bleeding a lot and her sats have dropped and they cant get her stabilized this was suppose to be an easy surgery in and out in a day or so. Not my Makenzie she needs to keep the doctors on there toes I guess.
About 5 min later the same nurse came out and said that they cant get her pressures up and she went into cardiac arrest. They took us into the private family room where no family ever wants to be. She then went back to check on Kenzie and came back and said they got her sats back up what a relief. So she left and about 5 mins later she came back with the social worker and shook her head I thought I lost my little girl she said her sats have dropped again and went into Cardiac Arrest again I was shacking and crying and didn't know what to think. She left again to check on her and walked in a few minutes later with Carrie and said they got her on the bypass machine and she is doing good and she is still with us. My heart was in such agony but when I heard they got the Pace Maker in and she is still here with us it was a little more of a relief but I knew we were not out of the woods yet they had to wait to get her off the bypass machine get her sats stabilized and finish the surgery she was gone for 17 minutes total. I guess she just wanted to say hi to her Grandma M that we lost last July. From start to finish it was 35 mins the longest 35 mins of our lives. They were able to get her sats up and off the bypass machine and got done with the surgery I honestly cant remember how long the whole surgery went but it felt like eternity.
They finally got her back into the CICU and got her stabilized so I was the first one to see her. I didn't know what to expect, when I walked in I started to cry. I held her hand and kissed her. But I was so ecstatic that she was still here with us she defiantly has a purpose her. This is the second time that she went into Cardiac Arrest 2 years ago when she went into rejection she went into cardiac arrest that time she was gone for 15 min and came back to us.
The doctors didn't know what to expect when she woke up. but Tyler and I put her in a study it was a hot or cold study randomly drawn and she got the cold study were they put her in a hypothermia state to slow the blood down to her brain so it doesn't swell. when they started that it was so awful to watch she was shivering and shacking so they put her in an induced coma until the study was over. Also with the study they put electrical leads on her head to watch the brain waves.
It was a rough long day but I can not express how thankful I am that she is still here with us it is such a blessing to no that there is a higher power up there and angels watching over us.
(The pace maker that they put in her)

The day of the Cath

Feb 8 We had to check in at 7:15 to get Makenzie's blood drawn before until her Cath we checked in got all her vitals done and waited around until about 12 before they took her back I was able to carry her back and watch them put her to sleep she fought it and didn't want to fall asleep it was so hard to watch it made me cry watching her struggle to go to sleep. It took about 1 hour for the Cath everything went well after the Cath she had to lay flat for 4 hours that was a long day so we watched movies. About 5:30 p.m she got discharged and we went back to the RMH.
The next day we actually spent the day at Grandma Judy's house who we meant 2 years ago when Kenzie went into rejection we ate dinner there Kenzie's favorite is having smore's there they have a fire place so every time we visit we have smore's for dessert. The kids played while we visited, it was nice to see "family".

Trip to Colorado

Feb 7 we left early to start the drive to Denver for Kenzie to get a Cath and a Pace Maker put it. We were only suppose to be there for a week for Kenzie to recover and get a check up before we come back home.
The drive was a little bumpy at first the kids were tired and didn't want to be entertained at all. But when we got about 4 hours into the drive the kids got better and watched movies and played with each other.
When we entered into Vail it got messy the roads were snow packed and covered with snow going 25 mph for 2 hours. diesels chaining up for the roads the check engine light comes on but we made it to Denver safe and sound took us 9 hours to get there but we got there, and checked into the Ronald McDonald House around 7.