Finally… the end is near

After eight years of trips to Salt Lake City Shriner’s Hospital, including 7 weeks of traction two rod surgeries and countless rod extensions, it appears that we are ready for the final surgery – spinal fusion. All previous treatments have been leading to this outcome which barring complications will be the end of surgeries for Kadence. This one will involve removing the rods with attached screws and clips and inserting permanent screws and rods on either side of most of her thoracic vertebrae. Dr. Belaire was so thorough in explaining the surgery and expected recovery but the following animation shows basically what will happen.

Because Kadence’s condition is more complicated than the one shown (kyphosis and a few deformed vertebrae), the outcome will be somewhat different. Dr. Belaire’s goal is to straighten what she can, trying to reduce the kyphosis, straighten her shoulders and allow her head to rest at a more normal position. In the end she will have 22-24 screws in her spine.

She will need at least six months of limited activity to recover but after that time she will be free to engage in many of the activities she has been denied during the nearly five years of rods. She has her mind set on skate boarding with her friends. 🥰

The plan at this time is for Katelyn, Lee and Kadence to arrive in Salt Lake City on May 17 for the Monday, May 19 surgery. Lee will stay through the next couple of days and he and Katelyn will stay in the hospital with Kadence. Jayden will be in Mesa with Mimi and Papa. Lee will go back to the Valley on Wednesday or Thursday and Mimi will come up to help with the trip home. Kadence is expected to get out of the hospital on Friday or Saturday and will recover in an AirBNB until the trip home on Monday.

While we all are a bit nervous about it all, we are confident in our surgical team, the support of the Shriner’s staff and Katelyn’s project management skills.

We continue to be profoundly grateful to all the medical and support staff as well our family and friends – for your kind thoughts and prayers. We will keep you posted. ❤️❤️