News Flash!!!

After a 1 ½ years of “no significant changes”, Dr. Heflin told us today that it is time to start the process of stabilizing Kadence’s spine. The curve has grown by about 5 degrees and Kadence has grown enough that he is comfortable moving forward. Here is the plan as we have it:

• Early summer – back to Shriner’s Hospital in Salt Lake City for Halo Traction . The installation of the halo is a relatively minor surgery as is recovery. Weight will gradually be added to the traction device over the next 4-5 weeks with the hope of straightening the curve. During this time, she will be staying at the hospital with a family member present at all times. While the whole family will make the trip for the procedure, Mimi will be the “resident family member” during the week with Katelyn, Lee and Jayden coming up for weekends.
• After the halo, they will install one or two Magnetic Rods depending on her size. This is a much more involved procedure and will be done either at Shriner’s or Primary Children’s Hospital – also in Salt Lake City. She is expected to need less than a week to recover from this surgery… then back home.
• Every 8-10 weeks we will be back to Shriner’s for extension of the rods. This is a non-invasive procedure which involves the use of a magnetic device which is placed strategically on the rods.
• When she is around 11-12 years old she will have spinal fusion surgery which will further stabilize her spine.

While we have sort of gotten used to the “no change” report and were a bit surprised at the turn of events, our minds were put at ease by the kindness and professionalism of the staff at Shriner’s hospital. We, of course met with her surgeon, Dr. Heflin, the anesthesiologist and the support staff. Kadence met her personal nurse, Walter, who is also a magician. She was impressed with his expertise and is looking forward to learning a few magic tricks so she can impress her brother.

We expect to be busy over the next few months getting everything in place for the surgeries and our extended stay in Salt Lake City. We continue to be deeply grateful for the Shriner’s organization and to Ronald McDonald House for their commitment to the health of these children and their families.

We are also so grateful for the prayers and support of our family and friends. We will keep you posted.