The continued journey to recovery

February 2012
Greetings my friends! Wow, it has been awhile since I've written......the problem with blogs is that you have to keep blogging....and if most of you are like me, it's a challenge to keep any one thing going! Mea Culpa!

Many of you are keeping up with Makenzie via Facebook. She posts often. It has been a challenging year for her in her continued recovery. I did say continued. Yes, she is still recovering. Like for many thousands out there who have survived a traumatic situation, recovery is a part of every day life. Let me just share with you some of the highs, lows, and current challenges she has.

WINTER 2011
In January 2011, Makenzie had extensive surgery on her left foot. In the months following the accident, her foot began to turn inward, almost 90 degrees, due to the extensive damage caused by the accident. The procedure included placing a rather large fixator on her foot/leg. This apparatus included rods that were attached to her bones in her leg. She had to turn the screws several times a day for months. After a couple of weeks we began to see the foot begin to straighten. This whole ordeal was VERY painful, very tedious, and included a lot of trips back and forth to Texas Orthopedic Hospital. Makenzie could not place any pressure on her foot, so she could not stand. The fixator was also very heavy. There were several days that the pain was almost unbearable. Keeping the posts cleaned was a daily ritual. This was at times also very painful. Honestly, I am in awe of how much suffering this girl has endured.

SUMMER
In August of 2011, the fixator was finally removed. Makenzie began physical therapy to build up stregnth in her legs from being basically sedentary for the previous months. She and her family also decided to postpone college for another semester so to be more physically prepared for the college transition. She did take an online government class and did very well. She, being her mother's creative daughter, had begun making jewelry while recuperating from the fixator surgery. Her new interest gave her the opportunity to make a little side business for herself called "Chuncky Junky Jewelry".

FALL
Physical therapy, studying, and jewelry making. That's pretty much what Makenzie was doing throughout the Fall. However, in mid October, it became apparent that her left foot had started to turn inward again. Of course, not to the degree it had been previous to the fixator, but turning just enough to make the gains in learning to walk more painful. So, back to the doctors at Texas Orthopedic they go, to know why this was happening. After a few meetings with the limb restoration doctor and the foot doctor, the conclusion given was that she would need another surgery. Not the news anyone wanted to hear. Very dissapointing for Makenzie. Very concerning news for her parents Pam & Chuck and brother Kaleb. The family decides to postpone any decision until after the Christmas holidays. Makenzie still has to finish the online class, make jewelry, and get ready to be in a wedding. Deciding on the present tasks at hand was something better to dwell on...

In December Makenzie began to increase her physical therapy. I saw her take steps at Christmas for the first time in two years. One week later, she walked down the aisle with a walker in a friend's wedding. Here she is looking so beautiful.....

WINTER 2012
In January Makenzie had a consult with the foot surgeon as to what to do about the foot. The solution for the current situation was difficult to hear: more surgery, very risky, extremely complicated, larger fixator, more serious complications, surgeon very reluctant to do it, not guaranteed success..... The other fixator doc was not at this meeting however. So, here we are.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
It is now late February. Both the foot doctor and fixator doctor have met together and have called the family in for a consult. That meeting is Friday, February 24. Chuck has asked for prayers for this meeting, for wisdom, and most of all for healing of her left foot. I ask you my friends for your prayers.....
Let me just say how much I appreciate all of you. This has been a long journey for everyone, most especially for Makenzie and her parents. We have celebrated with the highs and wept with the lows, and we're still recovering. Many of you out there are doing the same. Never before have I been so aware of it. Many of you are on your own journey to recovery. For many of you it is still going on.

Scripture for the day to dwell on..... Hebrews 12: 12-13 "Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed". Thank you my friends.... Mary

3 times a day.....

Good evening my friends!

Well, the first step of a long journey for the next 4-6 months has been taken. Makenzie's surgery on her left foot went very well yesterday, better than expected say the the docs! One prayer that was answered is that the fixator apparatus that had to be placed on her leg was not as big, burly and heavy as was expected. If you look at the picture on this page you will see what it is.....honestly, it's big enough! And, extremely complex! To think they were going to put a bigger one on....I yi yi!

This Ilizarov fixator is a relatively new procedure in the U.S. I was so fascinated after seeing it in person I went to look up some information about it. It is named after the Russian orthopedic surgeon Dr. Avram Ilizarov. Dr. Ilizarov grew up in the peasant class in the back end of the Soviet Union. He attended medical school and became an orthopedic surgeon in the 1940's. He got the fixator idea from looking at how a wagon harness fits on to livestock, specifically horses. His first fixator for healing crushed and deformed bones was made of bicycle parts. So here's a guy who grew up around poor peasants like himself, looking at horses and cattle and wagons....to one day by trial and error design an apparatus that helps so many patients become mobile after trauma or deformity. It took an idea and intestinal fortitude to make something.....something that could change someone's life.....wow.

No matter where you are and where you are from, you can do something to help others in your life, and maybe everywhere else. You never really know the impact of your existence, whether your a world reknowned surgeon, or a checker at Walmart, or a school teacher, or just being the best parent you can be. Never underestimate what YOU can do.

So, Makenzie will adjust this fixator three times a day. With each turn, her foot will become more straight, with the goal of walking on both feet. It's going to be a while, but it will be. Lots of cleaning, pain meds, discomfort, etc, ahead....but ultimately the end is walking. We look forward to that day!!

So my friends, pray for continued healing, pray for no infections! Prayers have made such a HUGE difference already. We cherish each one of you for being there!

Mary

A new year, time to get on with it!

Happy New Year Everyone!
Hope you all had a peaceful holiday season spending time with family and friends. As much as I love Christmas and all of the things the season brings, when January comes I'm ready to get back to routines; kids back in school, husband back at work, me back to whatever's required at that moment....

We have some updates and some things to pray about. Like today. For tomorrow.

First off, after having a pretty difficult time with illness in October, Makenzie gained stregnth and weight in November and December. Thanksgiving this year was a time of true gratefulness as my sisters and I and our families came together and camped out! Yes, camping at Thanksgiving.... a tradition the Hines family had for many years growing up. And Makenzie came out too! It was a milestone of sorts for us, and a time to just be together and enjoy family, fellowship, and great food!

In early December, Makenzie went in to consult about her feet at Texas Orthopedic Hospital in Houston. She and her mom & dad have decided to have work done on her left foot. This procedure is very tedious, and the recovery/rehab time is 4-6 months. It will involve a halo/fixator around the lower leg/foot, so to rotate the foot to a straight position. It is not a procedure for wusses, as it involves lots of maintenance. The surgery is scheduled for TOMORROW! This is where you, my friends, come in. We have been praying about this procedure for awhile now, and we need prayers as we enter in the actual surgery and recovery time. Please pray for a good result, for complete healing, and for speedy recovery. Makenzie wants to go to college next fall walking......that it her goal. Honestly, right now she is dreading the procedure. However, she knows it's the way to the road to recovery for her. Remember the goal.....

I thank you my friends for all of the encouragement and prayers that have been said for my niece. The further we get away from April 29, the better we can see that it is truly a miracle she survived such and accident. Ever since then, I read in the Houston Chronicle every week about someone hitting a tree of power line with disastrous results.....not very many survive these kinds of accidents.

Pray without ceasing.....
Mary

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Early Thanksgiving! Wow, it's November. I know, it's been awhile since I've posted anything. I now know why I don't do this for a living.... I have missed you my friends, and many of you have asked how things are going for Makenzie. She is progressing nicely, and I will give some updates. Makenzie might even chime in on this blog!!!

We are now at the 6 month mark....Can you believe it? It was hard to imagine six months ago what life was going to be like in November 2010. We were literally living day to day back in May. Many scary moments....the kind that change your life, the kind that make you look at things differently....

After having a real difficult time back in early October, Makenzie is finally starting to make some real progress. She became very ill in late September with pancreatitis that sent her to the hospital for a week. A couple of weeks after that, she became ill again and spent another week at Methodist Hospital in Houston. This all the while both Pam and Chuck were working....Very difficult and exhausting days....The good news now is that Makenzie is eating better and has starting to gain weight! Yea! I told her I would gladly sacrifice some of my own body fat and give it to her via transplant....She is also going to physical therapy again and continues to make progress. Often she goes to the school with Pam and helps her with her Kindergarten class. She even went to visit her brother Kaleb at Texas A&M! So, she continues to heal, continues to move forward.

A few weeks ago, she posted about the happiest day of her life......the day she could get a boot on her right foot (pic on here somewhere). While this activity might be mundane to you and I, it was a huge deal for her, as she hasn't had a shoe on her foot since April.....it was a big milestone for her. Most recently she got ahold of a sharpie and colored here wheelchair, naming it Wandette.....Wandette??? Well Kenzy, I'm glad you have a sense of humor!!!

My children pray for their cousin each day. She is ever on their minds. I know many of you pray for her too. This has made a huge difference in her recovery. God has worked through so many of you to help her and her family. Pam told me yesterday about a card she received in the mail. It was from someone she didn't know, a hand made card, beautifully done, very inspiring. She told me who it was from, and I actually knew the sender. Pam has placed this card next to the family pictures, so that she can see it. It encourages her and Makenzie. It figures that the sender's name is Grace....It is the little acts of kindness, done each day, that mean so very much. Never forget this, never give up in doing random acts of kindess, never give up on praying...

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I just want to tell you all how thankful I am for you being out there, praying for Makenzie. I am thankful for healing, thankful that my niece is here, thankful for my family, thankful mostly to God for bringing us through this. Many of you know what I'm talking about. Have blessed Thanksgiving my friends....
Mary

Happy Labor Day My Friends!
Some good news this evening: Makenzie went home today from the hospital after being there for almost a week. She has had a severe bout of pancreatitis and had been in an extreme amount of pain. She has been resting and trying get her diet regimented. It's been an exhausting week for her, Pam & Chuck. Hopefully going home will bring on more rest and healing, as you know you never really sleep in the hospital unless you are unconscious! Been there and done that already......

Throughout this latest ordeal and actually since this journey started back in April I am continually reminded how much we need to pray.....not for just Makenzie, but for all of our friends and family for we are in contact with each day. There are countless "Makenzies" out there: some have broken bones, some broken hearts, some broken lives altogether. We are all signifigant to someone out there. We all know at least of a couple of people who really need to be uplifted. Just think of the difference it could make. Sometimes we don't see it, but things do happen. A kind word, a smile for the checker at Walmart, a casserole for someone who is recovering, a phone call or note on Facebook. A kind deed never goes un-noticed in God's eyes.

Makenzie continues to improve because so many of you think of her and pray. Many of you have called her, sent her notes and cards. Some of you have gone way beyond the call of duty and helped my sister. Some of you don't even know her or my family personally! Again, prayer changes things. So does love. Thank you again for being there!


Hope you all have a terrific Labor Day!
"We can do small things with great love".....Mother Teresa
Mary

August 31

Good Evening My Friends,
It is now the last day of August. It's been four months since Makenzie's accident. She has made tremendous improvement over the past several weeks: walking with a walker, standing, beginning to work with crutches. Just like any journey you take, old issues resolve themselves and new ones crop up. Her left foot skin graft has healed very well, but it has turned inward. Decisions on how to best deal with that are being discussed currently. Another thing that just came up today is she has come down with pancreatitis. Often trauma/accident victims get this and sometimes it comes after a long period of intense medication. So, today we have some things to pray about.

Please pray for continued healing and for relief from the intense pain. She is currently in the hospital for treatment. Pancreatitis is extremely painful and the recovery is long. Pray for strentgh for her mom Pam.
When I know more I will post. Thanks my friends for always being there for my family. We are struggling, but we will prevail with God's help....
Good night!
Mary

new milestones....

Good evening my friends!
Been out of town off and on for a few weeks. In the meantime, some new milestones have ocurred. Makenzie stood up for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and she took her first steps last week via walker! Of course, the air is thinner up there when you're as tall as Kenzie! So, she was a bit tired after the first couple of times. However, every day gets a little easier.
As well as things are going thus far, there are always new things to come up and lift up in prayer. Her left foot has progressed nicely with the skin grafts. However, the foot is turning inward by several degrees. Her right foot is better, but it has issues as well. As most of you know, Kenzie's feet were the most damaged in the accident.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) Pam and Kenzie will be seeing a specialist about her left foot. Please pray tonight and tomorrow that there will be a solution to the current problem. Pray for other issues concerning surgeons and hospitals to be worked out as well. Finally, keep praying for my sister, Kenzie, Chuck, and Kaleb. Kaleb leaves for college next week. Pam returns back to work at Big Sandy School. These are some hard days around the McLaurin house. Pray for stregnth.
Thank you my friends......
Mary

3 Month Mark

Good Morning My Friends!
And yes, even though it is the "dog days of summer", I hope you are going to have a great day. It's been a little over 3 months since Makenzie's car accident. Life has changed a lot for her since that day, as she has spent most of the summer at home healing from her injuries. She has good days, a few great days, some crummy days, and days that contain all of the above. The pain management is better overall too, and we are thankful for that.....

Things are beginning to return to a normal pace. For Pam and Makenzie there is a "new normalness" for now. Chuck returned to his business McLaurin Welding after being off almost the entire month of May. Kaleb finished his term as Vice President of Future Farmers of America for the State of Texas. He gave is final address at the state convention last month in Corpus Christi, and had Makenzie introduce him! He is in the process of getting ready to enter Texas A&M later this month as a Freshmen! Kenzie & Kaleb are very close, and she's really going to miss him this fall!
Makenzie was supposed to enter college this fall at Sam Houston State University (her mom's and mine alma mater!). She has decided to wait to attend school in January in order to be in stronger condition and allow more time to heal. Huntsville is hilly you know! Pam, who is a kindergarten teacher at Big Sandy ISD, is supposed to go back to work in a couple of weeks.

Makenzie's physical recovery is coming along pretty well. She has had many doctors appointments over the past few weeks. The doctor for her face is amazed how well she has done so far. Remember, she had a major nerve in her left cheek that was severed and had to be re-attached surgically. This affects how she smiles, and it was predicted that this could take many months. She is smiling better and better each time I see her, and her physician couldn't believe how well she had progressed when seen last week! Her wounds on her arms and legs are healing nicely too. And thankfully, she is beginning to put on a little weight.......I told her she could have mine and we could do some kind of body to body fat transfer......

With stages of healing come new issues (or new dimensions to old issues...). Makenzie saw the orthopedic docs this week. She just now got cleared to begin bearing weight on her right foot and leg. This is going to be a an exciting and frustrating period, as she has not stood up in over three months! A lot of muscle mass has deteriorated due to being bed-ridden. Gaining stregnth will be her next goal.
Then, there's the left foot.......this is the foot that really sustained a lot of injuries. Makenzie just was referred to seeing a foot specialist yesterday to deal with the new issues with this foot. The skin grafts are healing nicely. There are some new details to deal with now, mainly with tendons, muscles and bones, and nerves.
So, the next focus of recovery will be to gain stregnth, begin to stand on her right leg and foot, and to figure out a plan for continued healing of the left foot. It's been a while since I have asked for your prayers. When you see her picture, think of her and lift a prayer about these recovery issues. It has made a tremendous difference so far. I thank you in advance for it!

My sister Pam has been overwhelmed by the love and support you all have given her and Chuck these past months.....she has said several times that she doesn't even know what to say......these kind gestures of love have really helped her and Chuck come to terms with so many things. We still have a pretty good long road ahead, but your love and compassion has kept all of us going. Thanks so much my friends for reading this blog and praying.
You all have a blessed day!
Mary

Change....it's a good thing

Good Evening my friends!
I'm writing on the eve of a big weekend for the McLaurin family. Many of you know that Kaleb, Makenzie's brother, has been the FFA State Vice President for this past year. He has been traveling all over the state visiting almost every FFA Chapter there is! It has been a great experience for him, and he has grown tremendously. He looks forward to beginning his college life at Texas A&M this fall. This week is the annual FFA STATE Convention in Corpus Christi. He will be giving his farewell address on Friday. AND, who will introduce him to the convention? Makenzie! Of course! Yes, the girl is going to the convention!

It has been a long summer, but things are getting progressively better. She has begun home physical therapy a few days a week. She will begin to walk in August. This will probably be a big challenge at the beginning, as she has not been on her feet since April. Remember her in prayer for this. Also, we hope that the end of the IV anti-biotics will be soon, and that her appetite will return. Needless to say, going to the convention is a big deal for her. I'm glad she's going to be there!

Yes, and finally, the new doo! Yes, she had beautiful long locks. However, those locks became a HUGE tangled wad in the hospital. A couple of hair stylists have worked and worked on it, trying to untangle it. It was a mess. Finally she said "cut it"! And so, she did! It looks great! Very college girl looking! I never imagined Kenzie with short hair, but it is a great change!

Change is hard sometimes. Change is inevitable. We either make the change, or change makes us. This whole experience has been a change. Time to move forward. Time for a new haircut, time for college.
Change is a good thing!
Take care for now my friends!
Mary

friends, neighbors, and other unknown people

Good Morning my friends! The picture posted today is of my friend Dawn and her daughter Lillian. They are my friends and neighbors. Our little girls are best friends. Dawn has been keeping up with Makenzie, just like so many of you! She has never met her. Dawn is a true crazy cajun woman! She has a huge heart, and recently decided to help Makenzie and her family. She is an extraordinary seamstress, and has recently started making Coolbands for Kenzie. These bands are great for summer, and she and Lillian are wearing them at a swim meet! She has sold over $220 worth, and her goal is $1000! She is crazy!!! She is crazy with love for someone she doesn't even know. But, she knows her story. She knows of God's infinite mercy and grace. Pam stated to me that she is in awe by the goodness and love that people have showed her throughout this whole ordeal. I wish I could post pics of so many of you who have been there for my family. I don't know who many of you are, but know that we love you.....

Makenzie has had a few doctor appointments this week. Her skin grafts are doing very well! She will still have to remain on IV antibiotics for about 2 more weeks to clear any infection. The ortho docs said she can begin physical therapy next week. She still will not be able to do any weight bearing activities til August. This is mainly because of the right foot injury. This particular injury takes a LONG time to heal. Please pray about this....Again, the biggest issue at the moment is eating. The antibiotics really make her sick to her stomach. This will probably get better when the IV treatment is over, but for the time being she needs to gain some strength. Pray about this also....

Thank you for being there my brothers and sisters......Have a great July 4th!
Be careful out there!!!
Mary

week 1 at home....

Good evening my friends!
It's been a little over a week since Makenzie came home from the hospital. She and Pam are grateful to be home and sleeping in their own beds. Over the weekend she was excited to actually wash her hands by herself! It's the little things in life that make it! She is doing better and her feet are healing. Keep praying about this.

The dog days of summer will soon be here. Things are moving slower, not as many people around, not as much activity going on. The heat of the outside and the long days seem to last forever. It's hard to be 18 and stuck to a wheelchair. It's hard to be somewhat disconnected from your friends and their activities. Pray about this too!

Finally, the biggest issue to overcome is the eating. Makenzie's tummy is very sensitive now from all of the drugs, etc. It's hard to eat. Guts hurt a lot. Please pray about this especially, and that she will begin to get more stregnth. Muscle stregnth will be important in rehab.

Finally my friends, thanks for your continued support. There are doctors appointments tomorrow. Will post things as I hear.
Love to you all,
Mary

Taste good to be back home again.....

Good evening my friends!
Makenzie went home yesterday!!! She rode in a car too! The entire family is relieved to be home and ready to begin to put things back in order.
Chuck said that they even went to Sonic and ordered food! This is a real good sign that Makenzie is improving. We are thankful to God for her return. As hard and difficult as things were these past weeks, it could have been so much worse. She has another chance. Going home is a huge step in recovery.

There is however, more recovery. These next few weeks will seem like they are moving more slowly. Physical therapy will be the next phase. There will probably be days in this that will not be too much fun. It's a good thing that the girl is hard headed! It will serve her well in the next few weeks. Keep praying for my niece. And thank you for all of your prayers, your encouragement, your cards and emails. I will keep you posted on her progress, probably a couple of times a week. I am committed to letting you all know how she's doing throughout her complete recovery. I look forward to that day. I know you will too!
Good night for now!
Mary

Outside......

Happy Fathers Day my friends!

Yesterday we were at a 7 hour swim meet. Remember how hot it was? We were out by the pool watching our girls race from 7am to 2pm. It was blistering. We went home to sit in the AC for awhile. Then, went to Hermann to visit Kenzy, our new usual Saturday evening routine. Only thing is, Makenzie wasn't in her room when we got there! Her stuff was there, but she was out wheeling around the hospital in a wheelchair. We went to the lobbies, Cafe Hermann, all of the pavillions, etc. Finally called Chuck, and he stated they were outside! OUTSIDE? That was the last place we wanted to go. Sure enough, we went out and there she was, looking at the fountains in front of Hermann! You see, it didn't matter how hot it was to her. She's been in a small room of sorts now for almost 8 weeks. She just wanted OUT!!
Today is Father's Day. Makenzie will probably be getting out of the hospital today. Chuck said her going home was the best gift he could get. She woke up from her coma on Mother's Day, and maybe go home on Father's Day. Praise God!
I hope you all have a great Father's Day! Will give an update later!
Mary

please standby..

Good evening everyone!
Remember when you used to listen to the radio or watch TV and sometimes the antenna or tower would just fizz out and some voice would come on and say "please stand by"? Well, I've been trying to download some video stuff for you all to see to no avail! Ugh! Maybe someday I'll get it on here!

Makenzie had surgery yesterday and they closed her right foot. They did have to use a small graft on her foot, but it isn't the real complicated kind that's on her left foot. At any rate, the pain has subsided and she is feeling much better. Today was a good day for her and Pam. Kaleb was there today and I have some pretty funny video of him and Makenzie doing some dance moves (bed dancing!). Very funny! My sister was laughing like she hasn't done in a long time. Fun visit today.

Probably got another trip to the OR soon for a final cleaning or sorts on something. You know you've been in the hospital too long and been to the OR too many times when they know your first name and say "welcome back!".

Ok, so keep praying! I'll try to get those videos on here soon!
Mary

Chocolate cures all kinds of ills.....

Hi my friends!
Makenzie is finally starting to eat a little more! She even ate some of this chocolate bar! Yeah! We are grateful for the tissue that is healing nicely too!
Tomorrow is another day of surgery for her. The good news is that the plastic guru of the universe will be taking over her case from now on, and Pam, Chuck, and Makenzie are thrilled! Dr. Minosnos is a fantastic surgeon and a wonderful human being. He has been on her team since they arrived at Hermann on April 29. He is terrific! Another prayer answered!
So, pray that the best decision regarding the left foot can be made. Pam & Kenzie want to go home! Pray for more recovery. We're looking for the day we can check out! It's hard for them to believe that sometime, as Thursday is the beginning of the 8th week!
Have a great evening my friends!
Mary

Monday June 14

Good evening my friends!
Mackenzie went into surgery late this afternoon. The worst thing about going later in the day is that you haven't eaten since the night before. So, one tends to be crabby. I know that the worst thing for me is not having any coffee! Ugh!
Surgery went pretty well. The docs still did not close the wound on the right foot up yet, but stated that it looked very good. Will go back in Wednesday with hopes to close it and be infection free. We are still praying that there will be no skin graft as well.
Mackenzie is starting to eat a little, although nausea still comes and goes with the meds she's on. Pray that this subsides and her appetite returns. I told her this past weekend that I would donate my body fat for a body to body fat transfer if she wanted......
So, hopefully we're beginning to see a teeny tiny light at the end of the long Hermann tunnel. Keep praying! We know you already are!
Mary

I recently received this pic from a friend. It's Makenzie giving her Valedictorian speech from her stretcher. I really like it, it says a lot.

Tomorrow Makenzie has surgery to check the wound on her right foot. There are some concerns about the way it is healing. We are praying for the best outcome, and that is no more skin grafts. Please pray about this, that the tissue is growing properly and that there is no more infection. Makenzie is in her 7th week at Hermann. I thank you already for your sustaining prayers. It really means a lot to Chuck & Pam that you all are praying about these things.

Thank you my friends,
Mary

Saturday....

Good evening my friends! Just got back from visiting Makenzie at Hermann. She seemed to be feeling better today. Pam stated that today was the best day she's had in a while.
Just a couple of updates and prayer request. On Monday Makenzie will return to the OR to check the infection in the right foot. We are praying that the wound is clear of infection and that they will close the wound totally. We heard some news today that wasn't in the plan. Don't want to go there. Just pray for healing in her right leg, that it can be sown up and healed. Thank you my friends. Keep praying! Pam said today she might see a little light down at the end of the tunnel. Let's keep it that way!
Peace to you all my friends....
Mary

If it's not one thing, it's something else....

Good Evening my friends,
I have been out in the sun a lot this week. The heat index has been horrible around the coastal areas. Lots of canoeing, and now lots over brain fuzz to go with it at the moment. Hopefully I'll be coherent this evening.....

Makenzie has another trip to the OR tomorrow morning to examine her right foot and change the dressings on her left. The decision will be made as to whether or not they will sew up her right foot, indicating that the infection is not within the tissues. If they feel they need more time to treat it, they will leave the area open with a wound vac attached. If things go well, they will stitch the area together. That would also mean the possibility of going home soon is around the corner. Hopefully that will be the case. Pam & Makenzie are terribly homesick right now. Please pray about this.

The pain in her foot is now more controlled, but she is experiencing terrible pain in her gut. This is causing some serious problems with eating pretty much anything. This must be resolved before leaving Hermann Hospital. She also needs to eat to gain some stregnth. This has been a trying week with this matter. Please pray about this as well.

Thank you again my friends for being there. My eyes are crossing so I'm going to bed.....
See you tomorrow!
Mary

June 9d

Today is Wednesday. Tomorrow is Thursday. Aren't you glad I know what day it is? Hey, I've been at Girl Scout Day Camp this week and I think the heat is getting me!

At any rate, tomorrow marks the beginning of the 7th week at Hermann Hospital. I get weary thinking about it. And for sure Pam, Chuck, and certainly Makenzie are tired of being there. Currently there is another trip to the OR on Friday to possibly close the incision on her right foot. This is the area that has an infection. It is the foot that also gives Makenzie a lot of grief, as it is in pain much of the time. Her left foot is looking better and better, praise God. It's the right foot we're concerned with. Please pray about this when you think of it.

Since Makenzie has had pain issues pretty much the whole time she has been in Hermann, she has been on some pretty stiff pain medication. One of the side effects is nausea and loss of appetite. This is beginning to be a big problem as she has lost a significant amount of weight. It is very difficult to eat when all you feel like doing is hurling your guts out. Please, please pray about this, as we don't want it to become more serious than it is. The spirit is willing, but the flesh wants to hurl.....

Finally, Makenzie & Pam are tired: tired of being in the hospital, tired of the seemingly endless pain, tired of being separated from their family and friends, tired of the OR. Chuck is tired too. There are lots of concerns about other things too. Ever spent one night in a hospital? Remember what it cost? Please pray about this too.
Admittedly, I'm tired too. I want them to be able to go home and begin putting their life back together. I wish I could make things so much better. Thank you my friends for being there. Thank you for your prayers....
Mary