Follow Up and Homecoming (for Dad)

I stopped by to say goodbye to Brooklyn this morning (I was heading home to see the kids today) and the neurologist happened to stop by during that time, which I was grateful for.  He did a quick check and seemed to be pleased that the shunt was working.  He also indicated that Brooklyn would have a "quick" MRI (he said about 45 seconds) this morning to check on the shunt placement.  Given this short duration, the doctor indicated she should not need to be medicated during her time in the MRI.  She was also going to get an X-ray to check on the placement of the shunt in her chest.  I'm not sure whether I've described it previously, but the shunt basically runs from the top of her head, behind her ear, and empties in the stomach cavity (all run under the skin).  The tube is coiled at the end so that the shunt can grow with her.  Jenny just called and said she was at the X-ray location and had already done the MRI.


I spoke with the nurse and she indicated the following need to happen before Brooklyn can be released:

1. She has to be off of the ventilator.  We hope this happens today as she continues to wake up.
2. She has to be eating on her own and eating well.

Given her progress in both of these areas pre-surgery, we hope she can conquer these issues soon.  It sounds like the safest timeline is to plan on a week or two, and we will be excited if she is able to come home before Christmas.

I was also able to get home to Providence today and it was so much fun to see the kids.  I have not expressed enough gratitude to them and Jenny's parents, who have kept things running so smoothly during our absence.  Things have gone so well and, along with some help from the kindest neighbors, the kids have had a great week, filled with good food (thanks to local and far-a-way neighbors!), good activities (including cookie making at the Palmer's home), and fun with grandparents (see the picture below).  Jenny and I are so grateful to her wonderful parents for making our time in Salt Lake worry-free about our other children!  Granpa Young could not stop talking about our wonderful neighbors and friends and we couldn't agree more!