Quick update: we had an unexpected occurence last night. Kenzie was shaking in her left leg and one of the nurses said, "I can't stop it, I think she's having a seizure." Nurses and doctors surrounded her for the following hour, trying to determine what was occuring and how to treat Kenzie. They noticed that she wasn't moving her left leg or arm, even when the doctors tested her reflexes. The ICU doctors and Neurologists got involved and after an MRI, results came back that Kenzie had two strokes, which caused some damage to the right side of the brain, which effects motor skills on the left side of the body. As you can imagine, this came as shocking news. They mentioned that these kids are resilient, and can easily bounce back from these events if they aren't reoccuring, but there wasn't any certainty of that taking place. Text messages flowed out, and many people were praying for our sweet little girl.
Through the night, Aunt Shell and Dad Joyce kept an eye on her until 6am to make sure she wasn't seizing anymore (Tiff and I were exhausted in every aspect). Praise the Lord that she didn't!! More doctors came to visit us early this morning, which brought additional updates on Kenzie's diagnosis. They mentioned that although there's no way to tell what Kenzie's final outcome will be, the liklihood of Kenzie having more episodes would be less than her having them (Praise the Lord)!!! They also mentioned that cognitive function comes mainly from the front part of the brain, and the damage was mainly in the back (Praise the Lord again)!!! One other thing they shared with us was that the brain bounces back in these situations if further damage doesn't come through addtional strokes, meaning that the brain relearns how to function and do the things the body requires it to do. The last bit of good news is that her left side is functioning today. Her left leg seems completely functional (unexplainable, yet awesome), and her left arm/hand has improved but is still not quite where it was before surgery (Praise the Lord)!!!
Despite the unexpected (and extremely scary) circumstances, there's a lot to be thankful for! We are thankful for the hope we have in Christ, the hope of Kenzie healing in her brain and heart, and are so appreciative for all the prayers that you've sent up to the Lord on her behalf!
We want to ask that you continue to do so! Please pray for the following:
- That she wouldn't experience anymore strokes and seizures
- That the additional tests wouldn't reveal more medical issues inside her brain/heart
- That she would continually improve motor functioning on that left side
- That she would be able to start doing normal baby things (eating, smiling, laughing, communicating, etc.)
- And lastly, that God would continue to demonstrate his healing power through Kenzie's medical issues, revealing to the world what He alone is capable of doing (for His glory sake)!
So thankful for all of you, and your prayers for Kenzie (and us)!! Love ya!
-Ryan & Tiff
We are so grateful to hear of Kenzie's improvement today. Prayer requests were sent out for her around the world and God is indeed so very faithful. Know that we love you so much and are continuing to bring all of her and your needs to Him. Heidi and Mike
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers were going up for that sweet little girl last night. Shelley has done an awesome job of sending your prayer requests to us all. We've been gathering as a family to pray with each new text and throughout the day. Praises to God for the blessings, and prayerful days to continue her healing. Love to all of you, and we pray for your rest and God's comforting arms wrapped around you still.
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