Surgery Update

Surgery was successful and Kamryn is sleeping peacefully right now! It has been a pretty anxious day but Stef and I are feeling much better having the scariest part behind us.

The surgery started around 8:00am this morning and lasted about 2.5 hours. After talking to the surgeon, it appears the original patch she received 2 years ago had mostly dissolved. Her original patch wasn't goretex, but another material that was supposed to encourage scar and new tissue to basically grow over it. Once that happens, it wouldn't be an issue when it dissolved. Clearly, that growth did not happen and when it finally dissolved, it left a hole for her intestines to move through. This time we used a goretex patch that was left intentionally longer and wider than the hole so that it can grow with her as she gets bigger. The hope is that we won't need to do this again but there are no guarantees.

Everything went very well with only one notable issue. Kamryn's spleen isn't in the correct location. This doesn't cause an issue as far as function but it is located in the front instead of in the back. This means that it isn't protected by anything. We have to be mindful of this as she grows because if she gets an impact to the stomach she could rupture her spleen. For those of you that have spent any time with Kamryn, you know she is our fearless child who is always testing her physical limits. Doctor said we might need to look at enrolling her into the chess club instead of football which won't sit well with Kamryn.

Kamryn did have a small issue with keeping her oxygen saturation up without supplemental oxygen. It would dip into the 80's (like this to be 94 to 100) without aid so she is still on oxygen. I think this should be resolved by tomorrow. She also hasn't been able to pee so we are getting a little concerned. They have given her lasicks meds to try and fix that problem. We will see how that works out. Option B is a catheter which we would like to avoid.

We had a lot of visitors up here today which has been great and so meaningful to us during this incredibly scary time. The visits today and messages on our blog, facebook, email, and text really gave us the strength to get through all of this. Stef and I just can't believe how incredibly lucky we are to have the family and friends we have. All of you are nothing short of amazing and we appreciate your kindness, generosity, and support more than you will ever know!

Kamryn getting ready for surgery:


Kamryn going to surgery:


Hollie taking care of Kamryn:


Resting comfortably:



Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers over the past few days. It worked and our little warrior princess is doing remarkably well!

Shawn and Stef