Grace has a tube in her head that drains cerebral spinal fluid which is then replaced. She cannot leave the ICU until it is removed. It will be removed when a certain protein level in her blood becomes low enough to allow her head to be sealed. One out of four hemi surgeries develops hydrocephalus, an abnormal accumulation of fluids around the brain that leads to swelling and requires shunt surgery. Shunt surgery is not considered major surgery, but shunts are problematic at times and are never removed. Shunts are an internal drainage system between the head and stomach. Once the tubes are removed from Grace's head we can then determine if a shunt is necessary and begin to arrange for our return trip home. We are in the early stages of arranging additional physical and occupational therapy for Grace when we arrive back home so that she can regain the limited mobility that she had. Thanks for all of the cards and letters. Every night we do mail call and go through your letters. Grace loves it. She misses home!
Friday, March 12, 2010
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We miss you all too. Prayers and positive thoughts being sent to you!
ReplyDeletexo
Hi Gracie,
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting in Grammy's den showing her how to read your blog. It's pouring rain here - we hope it's warm and sunny in LA. Love to all,
Gram and Beth
Just checking in to let you know we are thinking of all of you. It's raining pretty hard on the East Coast so try to enjoy a little more California sunshine while you're there. We have a leak in our bedroom right above Mike's head! The ceiling has cracked open and I am just waiting for a flood of water to cascade all over Mike! (At least it's on his side!)
ReplyDeleteHang in there Grace. Hopefully, the worst is over and you can continue your recovery. We are all thinking of you!
Love
Janet and Mike
You are all amazing and inspiring! Through your love, sensitivity and devotion, you have managed to create an environment for Grace that offers a daily routine of mail call that brings her comfort and happiness...you are incredible parents...and Grace, what can I say...the most tenacious young girl who has endured so much and pushes forward...I am praying every day that each day offers less discomfort and more smiles for you. Much love, alice kennedy
ReplyDeleteHi Grace,
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing you in LA! I hope you are feeling better by then because we have to go scouting for celebrities. I can not come to Los Angeles and not see some famous folks. So please make sure there is somebody famous around or I will have to make up a good big juicey fake story about how you and I danced with Justin Timberlake when in fact it was just the guy who brings the comic books to your room...
Love, Michele