October 13, 2014- Stars Can't Shine Without Darkness

I know I haven't been good at posting this weekend but it's because things have been really good and stable so I don't get any updates really to relay to anyone. 

Heidi and I went in to see Kel on Saturday with Mila.  She was in bed but when we walked in jumped up and got right in her chair to hold Mila.  She moved so fast I almost missed it all and didn't expect her to be moving so fast.  We sat and talked for awhile, laughed, and Kellie educated Heidi and I about things we weren't too clear on.  It's amazing to me how much she remembers and actually knows of what went on.  I did learn she got two new tears that Tuesday when she had another heart attack and that is why when they put the stents in two worked but one didn't take.  If I had known more about it I would have caught on to that meaning she had three tears now.  The doctors said it would be okay that the one didn't take because a lot of times your body and other parts of your heart can figure out how to get what needs to go to that part of the heart.  Isn't that amazing?

J came shortly after we were there and joined in on our conversations saying Kellie has a few years on him after this because it took it's toll on him :) At one point we were laughing so hard I was thinking this has to be good on her heart :) She also told us that when she was out walking the halls one of the doctors that was working on her the first few days she was in the ICU was there and she said "hi" to him and she said she could tell he was looking at her like who are you?  And she goes "it's me Kellie".  She said his face was in complete shock that she was out walking around like nothing had happened.  Hearing that shows how amazing it is where she is at right now.

Today my husband Shea went up to see her on his lunch break and she told him she had done two 1/3 mile walks and would do one more this evening to reach one mile!  Like I said my sister is a rockstar! She is so determined and isn't going to give up or miss a beat to get right back to where she was before. 

The only kind of update I have, is they are determining when they think she can come home! :)

To sum up this post my quote does have a meaning to it for me at least. 
First off, my sister is one of the brightest stars I have met.  I knew it already but now having this small dark time she has become even brighter in my sky than I ever thought. 
Second, everyone around my family.  We have said thank you a million times and will continue to thank you all.  People have been so supportive and helpful that  you guys have added to our sky of stars and we will never forget you and what you have done for us all.  So continue to shine bright and just remember at times of darkness you will shine brighter than before.

October 10, 2014

There isn't a lot to write today because things are still going great! Kel got to see two special little girls it's been almost two weeks since she has seen them.  I wasn't there I have my little friend for the weekend :) But my dad was able to send me a couple pictures of this happy reunion!

 

enjoy :) I know they will bring a smile to everyone's faces!

October 9, 2014

So basically my sister is a rockstar!  She is doing awesome and even walked 15 yards today!  My Dad emailed last night and said all her "hardware" is out according to how the nurses put it.  She showered and was able to sit in a chair.  If you haven't noticed she has been laying flat for a week and a half now so this is a huge step and probably feels so good for her!  She had told my mom over the weekend that she had a plan and it was she needed to eat to gain more strength so she could get out of there sooner than later.  If you know my sister that shouldn't shock you.  Out of all of us siblings she is the one always going to the gym and eating healthy and I feel like makes things I have never even heard of (because they are healthy :)  They talked to a doctor about what the next steps were and he said they will get her on medication to regulate the heart.  Kellie is in great spirits and of course is very positive. 

 

Mila went and visited last night as well and Kellie got to actually hold her.  And as you can see she is sitting up like I said she is awesome!

 

 

October 8th, 2014

I had a busy night last night so sorry I didn't do an update.  I had work and then picked up Mila for the night so when I got home I had miss Mila to get ready for bed :)  All I can say is this week has been SO much better than I expected which I am so grateful for!  My nights with Mila are just like they were with Zola.  I would watch an episode of Private Practice then go back to bed.  So with Mila it's Pretty Little Liars, probably not the best middle of the night show if you watch it you probably know why it can cause you to be a little jumpy :)  J sent me a update and message last night from what happened yesterday so I will finally get to the updates you are dying to read!

Today was an action packed day but good.  Here is the latest:

Today they successfully removed the impella pump from Kellie's left leg.  Following the pump removal she had blood clots in her femoral artery that was restricting flow from her left thigh to her toes.  Four hours of surgery later they restored flow and also removed the balloon pump (#2).  She is now pump free and her stats are currently stable.

In true Kellie style she was able to get local anesthesia instead of being put all the way out.  She is awake, sharp and ready for a good nights sleep.

If her stats hold tonight and no further issues arise they will have her sit up for the first time tomorrow and she will be able to bend her legs.  We are hoping for more boring days for the rest of the week.

One more step forward that we are so blessed to take.  The power of prayer and a mother's will is truly amazing.  Please help us keep up the prayers and let's get this mama home :)

Thanks for your love and support,
Jason and Kellie

This morning has been a little crazy at my house well I guess now it's almost afternoon.  This little lady wants to be held after sleeping so good for her aunt Jod last night :)

 

 

Isn't she the cutest?  She is also now Two weeks old!  Did great getting her pku at the doctor the other day and is almost back to her birth weight.  So growing like a champ!

 

It's a little hard to tell but she has forehead fuzz that is so cute!  Defiantly has her moms hair!

 

 

I got a text from my mom just now since she is up with Kellie while J gets some rest and she said that they have taken out what they call the swan (tube that went in her neck and down to her heart) she still has the catheter in her neck, but not as much hooked and hanging from it.  They sat her up in the bed and let her legs hang, she got a little light headed so she didn't go to the chair.  She is rest after those big steps today and it is only getting better from here!

October 6, 2014

Fortunately we had a non eventful weekend which gave Kellie's heart a chance to rest which is just what it needed.  The doctors have still been reducing medication and pump dependency and in doing so her heart is performing well.  If all goes to plan, they will remove one of the two heart pumps tomorrow morning then monitor her longer.  If her heart isn't too weak without the pumps she might make it out of the hospital without open heart surgery and a heart pump.  Praying and hoping that is the outcome!

From J:
We are so grateful to be surrounded by so many amazing people helping us through this!  We can't say it enough Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Remember to keep Kel in your prayers tomorrow that taking out the pump will go smoothly and her heart will remain to gain strength without it.  This is another chance to make another miracle happen!

October 5, 2014-Quiet weekend

This weekend has been a really good one.  Kellie has been doing great and the doctors are very impressed with her.  Today they had a meeting with the doctors and she is continuing to make good progress despite lowering the pump out put and her medicine.  We are continually praying that her heart will continue to strengthen to a level where they can remove the temporary pumps. 

Continue to pray and keep her in your thoughts as they continue lowering the pump this week.  We are so blessed to have such caring people around us that are willing to do so much.  We are in awe at how many people have came to our needs and are so happy to help. 

October 3, 2014- A Update and Note from J

I talked to J last night about what has been going on and we decided that I would do a post every night with everything that happened that day hoping it helps the amount of texts and calls of people confused or with more questions to him and family so we can concentrate on what's going on at the time.  Things change so fast that 8 hours later the outcome can be completely different than what we thought was happening.  So J is having me give a current update and make some stuff more accurate and add a few more things.

From J:

Yesterday was supposed to be a boring day, but in the AM Kellie had another heart attack, successfully received 2 stents(a huge feat given the location and possible complications) and received another temporary pump (2 total).

Although the day started off rough, it ended with happy tears, smiles and laughter (both Kellie and I).

Today her stats look very good.  The pumps are doing their job and allowing the heart muscle some time to rest and hopefully gain strength.

It's a constant roller coaster with some harsh curves but we are doing well.  Kellie is coherent, talking and sharp as can be.  All the doctors, nurses, and U of U med team love her.  She has a great attitude and if it is up to her she will get better.  She is my rock!

There is an article(that we have shared with our family) we would like everyone to read that does a great job summing up our thoughts and beliefs regarding trials and life in general:
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/09/the-healing-balm-of-hope?lang=eng

We can't explain how grateful we are for the prayers and infinite service that is done on our behalf.  Miracles have been and are happening on a daily basis.

Again, we are so grateful for all the prayers and amazing people in our life.  We are hoping for a boring Friday and weekend!

-J