7.09.2009

Gathering Info

I first want to say thanks to Bethany for updating for us. Beth is a dear friend who so sweetly volunteers to pass information when Shane and I are unable to do so. She has been down the CDH road and has been an absolute blessing to both Shane and me.

Both tests, the echo and renal(kidney) ultrasound, were done today. The kidneys appear to have some calcium deposits but nothing to be too worried about. They are understandably "diseased" due to all of the things Avery has been through, but that is to be expected. The damage at this point does not seem to be permanent. The kidneys are functioning correctly at this point. The echo shows that the heart function is good. The valves are working correctly and blood is getting to Ave's lungs. All of that is positive information. So, we are still left with the questions about why Avery is puffy. When Avery was born she had two superior vena cavas. Normally, we only have one. This is a common variation of veins and normally not a huge deal. Now during the echo one of the SVC's could not be seen. This could be for numerous reasons but long story short, this may be contributing to Avery's swelling. The plan for next week is to put a catheter in (not too sure about how all that works) and possibly clear up any obstruction in the SVC that may be contributing to the swelling.

So that is where we are at with everything. It is all extremely overwhelming and please forgive me if I have not called back or responded to emails. I love all of you and we feel all of your love but I am just low on energy right now. Shane and I are only able to get through all of this because of the support of ALL OF YOU! I (or Beth) will pass along any changes. We love our precious girl and are holding her hands as she fights for her life. Thank you for holding our hands as we support her.

Carissa

22 comments:

  1. Thanks for the update. I'm so glad that her kidneys and heart look relatively good. I'm going to continue to pray that the doctors can find the exact reason for the swelling and easily correct it. Love you all.

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  2. So glad her heart and kidneys look fairly well. Her and your family will continue to be in my prayers as the doctors continue to search for the cause of the swelling.

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  3. God bless you for your honesty in your blog. We are loving on you on the other side of your computer.

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  4. AnonymousJuly 09, 2009

    That's good news - keep fighting little Avery. We are praying for all of you.

    Robin Gaspard Cosenza

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  5. Mommy_of_YaDaJuly 09, 2009

    That's my girl. Go Avery! You are so blessed baby girl. We all love you and we all will continue to support your mommy and daddy as best we can! You have some powerful prayer warriors giving thanks to the lord for all the good news!

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  6. AnonymousJuly 09, 2009

    So glad to hear that Avery's heart and kidneys look okay. She is one little girl with lots of love being sent her way from all over the world! Keep fighting precious girl!!!

    Shauna Curtis - Mom to Addisen (LCDH 12/10/03)

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  7. Yea, Avery! Still praying for you guys in Ohio!!

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  8. I'm so glad her kidneys look okay! Prayers that the catheter procedure goes well and clears up the swelling!

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  9. AnonymousJuly 09, 2009

    Avery is such a Champ... Keeping you all in our prayers and tell Shane I'm here if he needs help tomorrow! Missing you! Holli

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  10. That is good news her kidneys are functioning and her heart is functioning like it should. Hopefully, the catheter procedure helps with the swelling...we are praying for you Avery, keep fighting!!

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  11. AnonymousJuly 09, 2009

    Our prayers are with you.

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  12. AnonymousJuly 09, 2009

    I've been praying for Avery all day. I don't know you, but found Avery's blog accidentally. I think it was an angel's way of getting more prayers. I asked my family to pray for Avery too. I have 2 girls that are the same ages as your's. My heart is breaking for you - - but it looks like you have a real fighter! Go Avery! Prayers will continue from Pittsburgh.

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  13. Continued prayers for Avery's healing and for your peace of mind and heart and your strength as you stand by your little fighter. May God Continue to Bless your family! Hang in there, God is good!!

    Sissy
    Nashville, TN

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  14. I have so much hope and love for all of you, and because I am living the roller-coaster ride with my granddaughter, Kamryn Hope, I have some idea of the frustration and pain you are feeling. This seems to be such a long process ....getting their little lungs and other organs to a point that they can sustain life on their own. My prayers go to you. Like Kamryn, Avery is a fighter. Just know that others care so much about your child and about your family. God bless you and keep your faith in your hearts.
    Gammy

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  15. AnonymousJuly 10, 2009

    First of all I want to let you know that we are praying for Avery and the rest of the Keirseys. I don't know if you know about baby Ella West or not but she had a tough time with swelling and fluid through her journey with CDH. I just wanted to give you her web site and maybe her mother could be able to give you all some support since Averys case is sorta similar. Her site is http://ellawest.com. Hoping for sweet Avery to start felling better soon!

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  16. AnonymousJuly 10, 2009

    My prayers are still with you and Avery. Your family became precious to me during the time we spent at ACH. Hang in there, God has heard of your family. Lilly's Nannie

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  17. AnonymousJuly 10, 2009

    PRAISE THE LORD!!! Praying that the catheter procedure goes well next week. We will keep a watchful eye on the blog for further updates. Thanks of letting us share in this journey with you.

    Love DeLynn

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  18. AnonymousJuly 10, 2009

    We will continue to pray for sweet Avery and for your family! Praise for the good news and we pray for continue healing!

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  19. AnonymousJuly 10, 2009

    Praying Praying Praying for sweet Avery Mae, and you guys. I'm so glad that the kidneys are functioning correctly, that is so much of a relief.I pray that they find the reason for her swelling, and get it corrected. May god give you strength and energy during this time with your little fighter. God is on your side! Love and Prayer, The Givens

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  20. Continuing to pray for Avery and your family everyday!

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  21. Praying for Avery and you family, always.

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  22. AnonymousJuly 14, 2009

    Will be in pray for GOD's WILL.
    Love and peace be with you all.
    T

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