October 14, 2009

What a great day! Larisa was in surgery today from about 9:30am - 3:00pm to repair her elbow, forearm, wrist and knee. All areas were successfully repaired. The Doctor indicated that the elbow was really damaged and required a plate and 8 screws. Her wrist was a little tricky because the bone was broken and slightly shaven, but he was able to fix it. Her knee was broken into several pieces. Chantel was not completely sure what all was done to repair it - plates and screws were put in. Despite the amount of damage done to each area, the doctor feels confident that everything will heal well. Everything is wrapped in soft casts.

Also during surgery today, they removed the ventilator from her mouth and put in a tracheotomy. The reason for that is staying on a ventilator for more than several days through the mouth, increases the chance for infection, pneumonia and mouth sores. Also, over time as she becomes more conscience, it will make it easier to talk without anything in her mouth. They repositioned the feeding tube from her mouth to go through her nose. At this point, there is nothing in her mouth.

The doctors will most likely not perform any other surgeries this week. They are going to allow her body to rest and decrease in swelling. Next week they will repair the foot and ankle. The last surgery to be done will be the pelvis. She also has several fractures in the lumber part of her back. That will require a brace once she is up and moving around more.

Chantel said Larisa looked sooooo much better today. She woke up and opened her eyes briefly 8 times today. She kept trying to move her arms and trying to take things out. The nurses have tied them done at this point, to avoid any problems. She is able to lift her one good arm about 10 inches. Chantel said that she was more wiggly today than she has been, even trying to move her shoulders and head. The movements were more like she was trying to get comfortable.

The nurses are vigilant about cleaning her up. They brush her teeth every 2 hours. This helps to avoid infection. They also use a special powder for her beautiful hair that keeps it from getting oily. They wash her off every night. Chantel told me that Larisa's first word as a baby was "stinky." I am sure should would not want "stinky" to be a word describing her right now. I am also pretty certain she appreciates being as fresh as she can be under the circumstances.

Chantel and Sergio have been extremely overwhelmed at the out pouring of love on behalf of Larisa. Some friends have bought 600 bracelets to sell for Larisa. One friend who is in a band is putting together a benefit concert on her behalf. Ward members are providing meals and support to the family in Martinsburg. They are just so grateful and want each of you to know how much they appreciate all you have and continue to do.

Now, there is never a dull moment for the Menendez family. Just this afternoon, Chantel spent the afternoon in the ER herself!! She was on her way to have lunch. Forgot her water bottle, went back up to get it and on her way down the hall, slipped on some water and sprained her wrist. She is fine, but is also in a soft cast.

So out of a potential of 8 surgeries, 6 have been completed in almost a week! That is amazing! Chantel and Sergio are so grateful for having been blessed with a skilled surgeon who has spent many hours repairing their baby. More importantly, they have been reminded so clearly how very aware our Father in Heaven is of each of us as individuals. And that as we call upon Him in the darkest of moments, He not only hears but answers our prayers.