Just a note to update everyone...

 Alexis was brought to Seattle on 20Apr08 for a day surgery...adnoid and tonsil removal.

In recovery from the surgery...her airway closed up and an emergency team was brought in to get her breathing again.  Aunty Monica was there with Barb to help out and eventually Alexis was taken to the PICU (Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit).

Alexis' fragility wasn't properly assessed and she was moved too quickly from PICU to the General Recovery ward.  She developed several infections while there (trachiaitis, kidney infection, bladder infection with some new strain of stomach bacteria, etc.).  She got very sick, very quickly.

Barb begged and pleaded all day on the 23rd (Apr'08) to have her re-admitted to the PICU...but wasn't taken seriously about her concerns.  After Barb left to get some rest, Alexis got gravely ill again, was re-intubated, and was transfered back to the PICU.

There, for over a week, she was considered the sickest child in the PICU.  We were very scared but were hopeful she'd rally.

After this initial week...she start showing enough improvement with her breathing that they planned to wean her off the ventilator...unfortunately...her bowels impacted and she bloated up like a beach ball with gas.

We spent three long, uncomfortable days trying to help Alexis move the stool through and get rid of the gas.  Mommy was there to witness the pressure release event and everyone cheered for Alexis.

The next day (2May08)...she was extabated and is recoverying well now.

They are planning on removing her kidney-to-bladder "stent" on Monday as they believe it is allowing too much colonization of bacteria in her renal tract...leading to infection and fevers.

We are hoping by Wednesday or Thursday that she might be well enough to travel back to Alaska.

Sorry for not getting an update into the system sooner and unfortunately we can't get pictures onto this site until we return to Alaska where our camera adapter chord currently is.

Thanks to Joel and Lorena for coming down to offer comfort, entertainment, and comedy relief last weekend when things were looking pretty gloomy!

Thanks also for the thoughts and prayers...our little girl wouldn't be here without them...

 Xxoxo

Barb & Dave

907-590-1970 / 907-440-9421 cells (have to be turned off in PICU)

rm 311 / Quality Inn - Aurora Ave downtown Seattle (206-728-7666)

Rm 4142 PICU (206-987-2000)