ANTIBODY REJECTION, IVIG

Makenzie has been in acute mild rejection for a while. Usually they don't do anything but watch it closely, since she has been in it for a while the Dr's decided to try IVIG treatment which treats the rejection. It is a 6 time treatment, Once a month we had to go to the hospital and she would get hooked up and get the treatment it takes about 12 hours so we would spend the night. Many movies, games and crafts were played and done, but it keeps her mind off of the hospital life.
We are praying that it worked and that she can finally get a clean biopsy result.

8 years post Transplant

It has been a crazy 8 years, but Makenzie has battled and pushed through so many trials through out her life. She always seems to amaze me. Her heart is doing great her coronary arteries are healthy. Life is such a gift and she is doing everything in her power to live it (even if I scares mom). She is such an inspiration to everyone she comes across. We are so thankful to her Donor, and the family (who every they are) for there selfless act at such a hard time in their lives. Having to lose a child, and then wanting to save a child that they have know idea who they are, are extraordinary people in our eyes. They have given us 8 precious years so far with Makenzie and we are forever grateful for them. Words can not express what they mean to us. 

Every year we like to make a cake, and send balloons up to Heaven to give thanks to them. This year we sent 8 balloons up and it makes my heart melt to watch those balloons go up to heaven, because if it was for them saying yes to Organ Donation, Makenzie might not be here today. 

We love you heart family, may god bless you today and everyday with comfort and love!

BE A HERO, BE A DONOR

www.yesutah.org

G-Tube

I have been dreading this day for many years. Trying to avoid a G-tube was hard work, and we didnt accomplish it. We've been to multiple nutritionist, feeding therapies, power packing, and nothing worked. Kenzie just did not like eating. I tried postponing it for as long as I could, Her Dr's gave us few months to get her to 45 lbs to avoid a g-tube. A month later Kenzie got sick and lost 5 lbs which left her at 35 lbs which is super skinny for a 9 year old. On her cardiology apt, Dr. Lal sent us to a gastrologist Dr. they then decided that it was time for a G-tube. As a parent I felt like a failure, I felt like I let her down.
Surgery day came, and we hate those days, sending her back always makes me tear up, which doesn't help her at all. Surgery went well, she had to stay over night to make sure she could tolerate her feeds. That night she started shaking, and kept drifting in and out. It was one of the most scariest things I witnessed, the crazy thing was that after about 10 mins (felt like forever) she just snapped out of it and acted fine. The night went good but she tolerated her feeds well, but I wanted to stay another night due to the scare the night before. We actually stayed for a few nights so they could monitor and make sure she was safe to go home.
It was a long recovery for her, she could barley walk, and slept on the couch for about a week or so. eventually it got better and she is doing great. NOW TO GET SOME MEAT ON THOSE BONES!

Good Bye Dr. Everitt

Today was a sad day for us. Since Kenzie had her heart transplant we have worked with Dr. Everitt one of her Cardiologist. At first we were very hesitant since she had her procedure done in Denver and we absolutely loved them. It was very hard to transition her care over to Salt Lake City Primary Children's Hospital. But we fell in love with Dr. Everitt and through out the years she became one of our favorite Cardiologist (they will never replace our love for Kenzie's Dr's in Denver though).

When we found out she was leaving we weren't able to say goodbye on Kenzie's clinic day because Dr. Everitt was in a meeting so we were pretty sad.

Thankfully one of the heart Mamma's had a goodbye party for her and we were able to go and thank her for her services and care for Makenzie for the past 7 years.

 We actually found out she is going to be the cardiologist director in Aurora Colorado were Kenzie was seen and had her first pacer placed. So she will meet Carrie Kenzie's favorite Transplant Coordinator!!  Good luck we will miss you!!