Stickel update, Saturday, 1pm

New information from Fairbanks:

 

 

Kaylee was discharged from the hospital yesterday (Friday, August 12). She was glad to head toward home. She is becoming more mobile every day. Not fully cleared with solids yet, but little by little she is getting closer to the dairy ice cream she has been hoping for.

 

It became a little lonely for Jesse when sister left.  He is progressing as best he can. Pediatrics Doctor looked him over today and explained that a new IV (pike?) is needed so he can get more nutrients to keep his weight up. That will occur on Monday. Doctor has asked him to get up and walk some more.....he wishes he could play some ball.

 

Tim Stickel

 

Saturday, 12pm

A little earlier this morning, they removed Brittany's breathing tube!  She did wonderful and exceeded everyone's expectations.  After they removed the tube, she asked, "Where's Erika? Where's Kaylee?" and on down the line.  She recognized the familiar people, including Roxanne and Beth, and had several more conversations like how long have I been in the hospital. Jennifer told her she loved her and Brittany responded, "I love you" back.  She has so many questions from looking at her expression and its a little harder to understand in full sentences. Her voice will come back in a couple days. She asked to text and about facebook.  Our Brittany is coming back!  It will be a long road with many setbacks and there are sill many unknowns but we believe the Great Physician and Healer is working!

Brittany's biggest job right now is to cough so her lungs can be cleared. She is doing a great job following directions from the nurses. The dr. has said Brittany is "doing so much more than she hoped for." To Him we give Glory and Honor! Prayers are powerful and God hears all of them!

I called on Your name, O LORD,
Out of the lowest pit.
You have heard my voice,
"Do not hide Your ear for my prayer for relief,
From my cry for help"
You drew near when I called on you;
You said, "Do not fear!"
                             Lamentation 3:55-57


Beth Reichel
Michelle Mondelli

Friday, 4:15pm

Wow!  Brittany had a break-through while we were in the cafeteria eating lunch.  The doctor turned the ventilator to an "assist mode".  She is breathing on her own with assistance from the machine.  Best case scenario is Brittany will be taken off the ventilator tomorrow.

Erika doesn't know the fever war is supposed to be over.  Her temperature has risen again.  She did get her hair washed today and looks so cute in her braid.

We have decided we're going to be away from the rooms eating a lot because that's when positive things happen!

Michelle Mondelli

Friday, 1pm

Both the girls and Don and Jennifer had a restful night.  Things are pretty much the same as when we left Brittany and Erika last night.  The doctors are keeping them under sedation and probably will for several  more days.  Changes should be small and incremental at this point.  For now, we will update the blog only once a day unless something monumentious happens.

Thank you for the bundle of cards and pleuthra of prayers.  You all have been very encouraging.  The Northern Lights (Fairbanks), Anchorage, Rose Street (in Anchorage), and Valley (Wasilla) Churches of Christ have been great at meeting our physical needs.  Thank you so much.

ps. Erika is no longer the "epi-princess".  YEA!

Michelle Mondelli

Thursday, 11:45pm

It was an interesting day, full of ups and downs. Not only did the fever wars continue (although at a lower temperature), the girls began another competition which we'll talk about later.

Brittany had the left chest tube removed.  She reacted in a way that caused the doctor to exclaim, "Fabulous!"  It is a good sign.  Later in the day, she began coughing  more and more.  She made it plain she didn't like to be suctioned.  She flailed her arm and even pulled out of the restraint it was in! Our ornery Brittany was showing!  So ornery that when the Respiratory Therapist was called to help bring Erika back to her room, he had to call someone else.  Brittany wasn't done with him yet!

Erika's surgery went well. We need to pray for infections to stay away. 

Over the next couple of days, the doctor want to wean the girls off of the sedation.  They will have their good hours and bad.  Improvements will be made in small increments. Please continue praying.  Good nights.

Michelle Mondelli

Stickel update Thursday, evening

Fairbanks Update:

Kaylee had a CT scan this afternoon on her mid section.  She was hoping to be discharged today, but the Doctor gave her some grim news.  He wants her to stay put until at least Sunday. Her scan showed that she still has a lot of blood in her abdomen (Doctor says she lost about 4 units) - a slow bleed internally that they are hoping will heal itself. She was bummed about that, but the Doctor did give her the go ahead to eat some pudding (NOT JELLO!) and she was excited about that. Only one small cup, but she licked out every bit. A GI scan soon.

 

Not much change for Jesse. Still feeling uncomfortable with the NG hose down his nose and being fed intravenously. As they hooked up a new bag of nutrients to feed him, Dad joked that it was steak. Kaylee chimed in..."yeah, tube steak."  We all had a good laugh. He is scheduled to have another CT scan tomorrow or Saturday with hopes to see improvements. Doctor indicated he may be able to have his NG hose removed in 3 days, but then he still will not be able to eat for a while.

 

Donald and Briana (and many others) came to visit Jesse and Kaylee. They have all been great.  The Great Physician continues to work on all these kids. Praise God for all the prayers, thoughts and support.

 

Tim Stickel

Thursday, 8:45pm

Erika is currently in surgery on her right femur.

Before she left, the adults were treated to a wonderful dinner, courtesy of the Anchorage Church of Christ. Unbeknownst to us, while we were eating dinner, a strange thing happened to Erika.  She got a cast on her left foot!  She has several fractures on her foot.

Thanks for prayers!

Michelle Mondelli