UPDATE: Oct 27th, 2014 – Kennady is going in on Thursday, Oct 30 for a third try on this surgery. The surgeon failed to complete the second try because Kennady’s back was too curved for the procedure. The third will involve more technology and tactics. Read details below on why this is happening.
We would love your prayers this week as Kennady is going in for a major surgery on Tuesday. She had this same surgery last year and it was unsuccessful. Actually, the surgery was very successful and the treatment was going quite well, but she developed staph infection in her spine and 6 weeks later the procedure had to be reversed.
For the last several years, Kennady’s muscles have gotten really tight. So much so, that they are contracting her arms and legs completely and creating scoliosis in her back (curvature of the spine). This causes a lot of pain and difficulty in bathing, getting her in and out of her chair, and basically all movemnent. We have given her medicine (baclofen) in hopes of reducing this tightness. It has worked some but it has a lot of negative side effects with little success.
After a lot of prayer and stored up energy, we are retrying a surgery that will insert a medicine pump in her abdomen, with a catheter into her spine, that will automatically put the medicine directly in contact with her nervous system and muscles. This will allow the medicine to skip the ‘blood brain barrier’ and not cause the side effects. It will also allow us to use lower doses with a greater reward.
It will take around 4-5 days for the complete recovery to happen and we can go home.
We appreciate any prayer you can lift up for us. If you want to visit, it would be best to visit after Wednesday. We will be at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin, TX.
On my knees!
I appreciate that, Mike!
Robin, we’re praying for Kennady and for you and Erica as well.
Thanks, Judy! Erica and I might need it more than Kennady. 🙂
Lord we thank you for the Steele family and the mighty example they are for all to see. We pray that you would give them strength and peace as Kennady’s surgery approaches this week. Please be with all of the doctors and nurses who will play a role in this procedure, move through them so that all may go according to your pefect plan and that Kennady can find some much needed relief from her pain and discomfort. We claim a successful surgery as well as a speedy & complete recovery in JESUS name, AMEN!
Thanks, EDUB!!!
Amen
Praying for all of you. Please let me know if you need anything.
Wow, Kristi, you are too sweet. Thank you!
Praying for Kennady and the whole family.
Thanks, Lori. Very thankful for the Cypher Tribe!!
We are praying!
Praying for all of you!
Thanks, Alisha. I love seeing you and Stephen in your spot on the back left side of PSM! 🙂
We love being there!! We really feel like we are home!
Praying for you guys!
Hey everyone, Kennady is ok, but the surgeon was unable to complete the surgery because her scoliosis is so bad now. They will have to regroup and try a different method next month. WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL for all of your support and prayer. Wow! We are blown away by your thoughts and prayers.