Karyn and I were able to visit with Faith and Makaila for a few hours this evening. They are both on oscillators, which is the setting on the respirator I mentioned in my last post. Both girls are heavily sedated so they don't fight the oscillators and remain comfortable. The oscillator breathes for them with very quick little puffs, so quick it looks like they are trembling. Their oxygen saturation is also being assisted by the oscillator, however, they are able to provide roughly 60% of their own oxygen at this point.
The fact that Faith and Makaila are on oscillators is not the our primary concern at this point. In fact, being on oscillators can actually be better for them then the ventilators they were on before because an oscillator doesn't apply as much pressure to their lungs making it possibly less damaging. The real concern is that both of them are showing signs of infections. Faith has a blood infection and Makaila has a lung infection. The medical staff are not sure what the infections are specifically but they are able to treat them with what they believe are the right antibiotics for the types of infections they are. They hope that early treatment will mean a faster recovery for both Faith and Makaila. This is crucial, because these infections take away the resources their bodies need to grow their lungs, brains, and organs and right now, their lungs are being hit the hardest. Out of a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the worst state their lungs could be in and 10 being the best state they could be in, Faith and Makaila are at a 3 right now.
The doctor we spoke to tonight said that it could be up to 2 weeks before they get closer to a 10. It is their hope that the combination of oscillators, antibiotics, blood transfusions, blood pressure medication, and sedation will get them there. There were some signs today that this treatment strategy is starting to work because they have settled a little, their oxygen levels are up, and their blood pressure is better. Karyn and I will be going in again tomorrow morning for another visit before I head back out to Abbotsford to work (Karyn will be staying at the apartment in Vancouver and my Dad will be coming to help her take care of Isaiah). We hope that tomorrow will bring more reports that things are looking at least the same as today and hopefully better.
Thank you for your prayers and continued support. Faith and Makaila need them especially now, as do Karyn and I and Isaiah (who has come down with a nasty cold).
Blessings,
Graham
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15 comments:
Again Heavenly Father we come to you. We are told to come to you with our burdens and so we fall before your throne, asking for your protection and healing hand to be upon Makaila and Faith. We praise you Lord for advanced medical technology and how as a result of some of their treatment, there has already been signs of positive change. Lord, we are at your mercy. There is nothing we can do in this circumstance but fully trust in your sovereignity, your faithfulness, your compassion, your healing touch and your will. Give Karyn and Graham ultimate peace, comfort and rest during such a stressful and anxious time. Protect Isaiah and heal him quickly from his sickness, as this can also be "too much" to deal with during a time like this. We thank you for the amount of support Karyn and Graham have been receiving through loved ones, and ask that you will bless each and every one of them, and continue to support and strengthen them so they can continue being there for them! We pray right now you will send your tender mercies their way, wrap them in your protecting arms, and bless them all as they lean on you. In Christ's name we pray,
Amen
All I can say is Amen. Melissa, that prayer was perfect. I can't add anymore.
Know that you Graham, although you don't know me, Karyn, Isaiah, Faith and Makaila are in my prayers. Have sent out prayer requests as well.
God is amazing. I have faith. As I am sure we all do.
Blessings.
Misty
Praying for you...May you feel God's nearness today. Love you.
Ben
Karen & Graham,
This post is long overdue - I have been checking your website almost daily for updates on your two little wee girls. In such a time of turmoil you have done an amazing job at keeping this blog updated. I can't even imagine how this last couple of weeks has been for you - please know you are always in our hopes and prayers. Sending you all our love from the island.
Erin, Brian & Brendan Harris
Hi Karyn and Graham:
You've been on my heart every day and we are praying for you both. It was so good to see pictures of your little girls. Thanks for sharing them on your blog. I'm also glad that you are able to find some humour in the midst of such a heavy time. It's good to read what has been happening and I pray that God will continue to sustain you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you...OK?
Tina Strutt
Karyn and Graham
Terry gave me the site and I now read daily. You both are amazing. If I can help you out in any way ask Larry to give me a call. You are all in my thoughts.
Love
Marty
Good Evening Karyn & Graham,
I just wanted you both to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for the blogs - they are very informative.
Love from Rose & Dave
Dear Family,
We are with you in prayer.
love from the Hansen family
Hi Karyn and Graham: I'm glad to be able to read your updates. I agree with Melissa's prayer and add my Amen to it. You are being thought of and prayed for often. Thank you for keeping us informed. God bless and hold all five of you very closely right now. Kathy Moodie
We are praying for your family of 5. Thank you for sharing your lives, news, and Faith and Makaila with us through this site.
Love,
Danny and Beth Gray
Praying that the peace of God would guard your hearts and minds during this time. May you find it as you rest in the Shadow of the Almighty.
Alex Kirstiuk
Hi Graham & Karyn. We've been reading your blog regularly and are longing to be of some help. When you're ready, we'll do whatever you need. We're here for you 100%. We continue to pray and believe with you. Lots of love,
Kevin & Angela Krikke
Hang in there. Our prayers are with you too.
Cheers,
Dave and Danaya MacDonald
Dear Karyn & Graham...
You are never far from my thoughts. I am praying...may you know God's peace, presence and comfort enveloping you.
Much much love & hugs, Jennifer
dear karyn & graham,
i know lance & aimee odegard, so i have been praying for your family for the past little while, even though i thought i didn't know you. today i found your blog and realized who you are...i read every entry as tears streamed down my face. i feel my prayers becoming more earnest as i now know i have a connection to you both. i live in california & just so you know, i will get word out and many prayers will be sent heavenward from this part of the world as well!
blessings,
-heidi (nee abrahams)
aka the fastest cho girl in kabartonjo :)
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