Day 1 Post Op Evening

Overall Addison is doing amazing. She is a tough little girl.  This evening they have struggled to keep her blood sugars within the tight range they like which helps to keep the newly transplanted islet cells from trying to work.  It's been a constant back and forth of turning on iv glucose turning it off then again then dextrose bolus etc. This is not uncommon after the surgery just different than earlier today. 

Day 1 Post Op

I can not explain how proud I am of my brave little girl...She's been so strong today...She's been sitting up in a chair 2 times today already...The nurses keep saying how amazing she is...They've started calling her a "rock star"... :) We truly serve an AWESOME GOD! Thank you to everyone who has lifted up a prayer in our behalf...I can tell you first hand, it's working more than you will ever know! The nurses and doctors here are more than I could ask for as well! Addison's been sleeping a lot today. They're trying to find a balance between pain management and keeping her awake and alert. Please keep the prayers going.

Sending ECards.....

For those who would like to send Addison an ECard here is the link.

https://sslforms.fairview.org/ecard/index.asp?campus=umch

Just fill out the form and fill in the room number C3136. They deliver these every weekday. The room number will change when we leave the PICU but that's it for now. Thanks

Update 525am Minnesota time.......

Guess it's movie time lol.  She is obviously very weak and still dozing in and out of sleep but turned on the tv and found herself a movie to watch. :)  Her nurses say she is doing amazing, better than any kid they've had.  Thank you Lord for watching after our beautiful and strong daughter.

Update 230 am Minnesota time......

Extubation a success. Breathing tube out and no longer on ventilator.  She was really fighting the tube in her throat and it is now out! :)  She is breathing perfectly on her own. Thank you Lord for each small step.

Just got to PICU

Update 554 pm Minnesota time....

Surgery is DONE!  We haven't got to see her yet but the doctor just came out and said all closed up and in recovery.  Pancreas looked real bad. He said he could tell she'd been suffering a long time. They were able to get 2500 cells/kg.  Average goal is 3000/kg. We will only know in three months the true diabetes outlook. Some patients have 5000cells/kg viable and still have diabetes and others only have 2000cells/kg and are insulin independent. Results are very patient variable. Thank you all for your love, support and prayers during this trying day. We love you all and are so glad the surgery is over. The next three days are going to be really rough but surgery hurdle cleared.
~April~