Wednesday's Surgery

Katie's surgery on her back went well yesterday. The doctors would like to have her up and moving in 2 weeks! Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. Katie is making great progress.

Surgery Update

Just wanted to let everyone know Katie did not have the surgery today. She had more MRIs done over the weekend and they wanted to consult with another surgeon before the surgery. She will have the surgery on Wednesday instead.

Also, Katie now has a laptop so she can read her facebook page. So feel free to leave her messages there because she will be able to read them. I'm sure she appreciates the support everyone is offering her there.

P.S. This is Katie's Aunt Julia posting now while Sarah is traveling in Japan.

Surgery Date Moved Up

Since Katie's pneumonia has cleared, the surgery has been moved up to Monday now. Thanks again for all of your prayers.

The doctors decided that Katie will have surgery next Wednesday on the vertebrae in her back and neck. She has a very slight case of pneumonia, so they want to be sure she is over that before she goes in to surgery. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Progress

Here's an update from my mom, who spent some time with Tara in the hospital today:

Katie is having more awake times. She is just coming to know what has happened, so it is difficult for her and her mom at times. She can't speak because of the tracheotomy, but this morning the nurses showed Tara how Katie has been communicating with them by writing on note paper. Her handwriting is a little shaky but she plainly wrote;" ice chips". Then at another time "suction, there's moisture around my lungs - it makes me cough it away." And also, "I'm hot and sick of being in bed". She also looks so much better now that the swelling has come down. We are so excited about this progress.

Katie had a follow-up MRI today to see if the fractured vertabrae in her back and neck are stable enough to heal with a brace or if she needs surgery. The doctors are eager to get Katie sitting up.

The family is so grateful for all of your prayers and support. Katie's progress has been truly miraculous.

Saturday

Katie moved out of the trauma unit and in to the lower level group ICU today. Also, the doctors say there is no bleeding in Katie's brain--another piece of fantastic news. Way to go, Katie!

Friday Report

One correction to yesterday's post: Katie is not in an induced coma anymore, as she was only in a coma for the first few days after the accident. She is heavily sedated and the doctors will start slowly taking her off the heavy medication as things progress. She is, however, responding to her parents and people she knows by moving her hands and feet.

On to the report for today. The swelling in Katie's head and face has decreased. Also, because Katie's response time is so good, the doctors are saying it appears she doesn't have any brain damage. This is, of course, fantastic news for everyone! The doctors also put a back brace on Katie today, so that she can sit up.

The care at the hospital has been phenomenal and Tara and Jimmy also cannot say enough good things about the care they are receiving at the Ronald MacDonald House.

Thanks again for all of your good thoughts and prayers. Great to have such a positive report to post today!

Thursday Report

Katie had a number of procedures done yesterday and she responded well. The focus yesterday was on reconstructive surgeries to her head. Her left eye is not responding and the doctors think she may have some sight loss in that eye. Her nose will require more surgery in about 6 months. She will require further reconstructive surgery and eventually plastic surgery down the road. Katie is still in an induced coma.

The family has been very impressed with the hospital and doctors and nurses who are working with Katie. Tara continues to stay at the Ronald MacDonald House close to the hospital. Masie is doing well and has been staying with Tara's aunt. The family is very grateful for everyone's love and support.

Surgery Update

Katie's surgery finished tonight and went very well. Thanks for all of your good thoughts and prayers!

Surgery

Katie will have her first major surgery tomorrow morning. The doctors hope to make bone structure repairs to her skull and forehead and look for signs of any other head damage. The surgery is expected to last approximately 10 hours. Please keep Katie in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow.

Katie and her daughter, Masie, were in a serious car accident on February 23rd. Masie is doing very well and was released from the hospital the same night. Katie sustained serious injuries to her head and neck and is currently at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. This blog was created to keep friends and family informed about Katie's recovery. Please email me or leave a comment if you have information or links that would be good to include on this website.