Ifectious Disease

For those of you that know me well, already know that I hate germs.  Particularly those associated with stomach "bugs".  However, the mere thought of any kind of germ on one of my babies is enough to make my skin crawl.  Our family does a lot of hand washing, sanitizing, and avoiding places where germs breed (like toys at the pediatrician's office...yes, I am THAT mean mom who won't let my kids touch the toys).

So you can only imagine how thrilled I am that Mackenzie has a whole team of Infectious Disease doctors working on her case...bleh!  That just sounds so gross!  During Mackenzie's surgery the surgeon took various cultures of the bacteria in her ear.  The bacteria cultures grew, and they determined that she still has the three resistant strains of bacteria that she came home from China with along with a couple new "super" bugs that have mutated and made themselves even more difficult to kill.

The ID team talked to Jacques and I yesterday at length, and they are currently doing tests on Mackenzie's bacteria to see what antibiotics will be effective at getting rid of her nasty infection.   We should have more answers by Saturday or Sunday.  Until then, Mackenzie will stay in the hospital and receive IV antibiotics (Zosyn) every four hours.  This antibiotic is very hard on the veins, so Mighty Mack had to get a new IV started this morning.  It took five different nurses attempting for an hour and a half before they finally got it.  Oh my heart!

Immediately following the screaming and crying...pure joy!

The tentative thought is that Mackenzie will be sedated this weekend to have a central line placed.  Mommy and Papa will be taught how to care for the PICC line at home.  Mackenzie will be put on a 3-4 week course of IV antibiotics along with a couple oral ones as well.  I worry about what this will do to her little system, as she is already experiencing extreme tummy troubles.  I requested that they start a probiotic, and I will venture out to find some yogurt today at some point.

As I watch my beautiful, happy daughter who always has a smile on her face, my mind wanders back to the terrified little girl with a vacant stare in her eyes that I met only 5 months ago. 

A teeny tiny peanut at only 18 lbs and 32" at 3 years old. 

A child thrown away, and held captive in her crib.

With legs severely riddled with Rickets,

completely deformed and unable to hold her weight.

A child I was told by the orphanage could not speak,

feed herself, and had a 104.5 degree fever.

A child only weeks away from death,

with an infection racing toward her brain.

So many concerned friends and strangers have been so worried about our family.  We love each and every one of you for caring so much!  But rest assured that we are GREAT!  We have the enormous honor of having a front row seat to one of the greatest transformations you could possibly imagine.  

A life renewed...

Mackenzie is now a child who knows 

the love of a Papa and Mommy!

Her vacant stare is gone,

and is replaced by a sparkling smile.

She has gained 6 1/2 lbs and grew 2 inches.

Mackenzie talks, and often will not stop.

She runs, and plays, and is absolutely

full of joy!

Our only regret, is that we wished we named her

JOY!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, 

whenever you face trials of many kinds, 

 because you know that the testing of your faith 

develops perseverance. 

James 1:2-3