Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Tap In

Carly was up early today and we headed to the hospital for a belly ultrasound and a tap to remove the fluid that is accumulating in her abdomen. The procedure went smoothly, she recovered pretty quickly from the anesthesia and we are back home again. They removed 450 ml of fluid, nearly a pint! As you can imagine, having a pound of fluid removed from her belly is a big relief for her.

The initial results from the culture of the fluid do not show any infection. It will still take several days to know for sure, but it is looking like this is probably not the problem. It is still a bit of a mystery why she is having the fluid accumulation and the ultimate solution may be a different catheter location that drains directly into an artery instead of her abdominal cavity. This would take another surgery of course, so we are hoping that there is an easier fix. Carly should have many days of relief from this tap which will give the doctors some time to determine the next steps. Thanks for all of the prayers and kind words, it is comforting knowing that we have so many wonderful people supporting us on this journey.

Love, Brad

16 comments:

bridget keenan mcelroy said...

Thanks for taking the time to let us know how Carly is doing. She is on all of our minds and we check often for updates. She is a special little girl and has stolen the hearts of many. So glad she is feeling better.

Love
Bridget McElroy

The Hunts said...

Wow!! That is a bunch of fluid for Carly to carry around. I am sure she is feeling much better just getting that out. I hope they can find a solution for your little fighters fluid.

Rob

Anonymous said...

Wonderful that Carly has parents "on top of it" and know when to get help and have doctors at hand to assist. Love and pray for you all...D

savannah said...

Thanks for keeping us posted - that little girl sure is full of mysteries! Thankfully she has you guys to figure them out. Hoping she's feeling better and you can all get a good nights rest tonight.

Love,
Savannah

Anonymous said...

We just want to echo michael/bridget's comments. Carly is on our minds and in our prayers and we check often for updates. Such big eyes!
Love,
Greg and Gail

Anonymous said...

thanks for the updates. saying she's the toughest person i know is an understatement and i'm sure she's getting a great deal of her strength from the both of you. our continued thoughts, prayers and vibes for carly's healthy 100% recovery,

keith, sheila and dylan

Marybeth said...

So glad to hear that Carly is feeling better, that the procedure was quick and that you are back at home. Hoping for a quick and easy resolution to whatever is causing the fluid to build up and for her continued full recovery. Lots of love!

Anonymous said...

Im so happy to hear that Carly is doing better. She will overcome this next obstacle just like the rest of them and she will do it at full strength. I will be thinking of you three.

love you all so much,

Kate

Anonymous said...

To the wonder trio...your patience, courage, and determination is inspiring! Go Team Nelson...love you guys! Big hugs all around.

Shuman said...

Glad to read there was no infection. I have been thinking about Carly but also thinking about the both of you. I continue to send you strength and love and I hope you can feel it all around you.

Love ya - Shuman

Anonymous said...

Hey guys --
Thanks for the updates. Carly sure is in good hands--at home & at the hospital. We love you all so much & can't wait to see you three next Saturday. We'll send good vibes all next week & hand-deliver some by next weekend.

Love,
Mark & Lance

JerseyGirl said...

Carly is an amazing little girl with an amazing set of parents. There is a good force watching over to help you all through this. Continuing to send love your way.

Becca Wright said...

good news. hope you rest a bit this weekend...

becca and brian
xo

Lani said...

as always we're sending much love to the 3 of you. you guys are an inspiration. miss you-
xo
Lani & Chris

Anonymous said...

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that we think about you every day. Hope you had a restful weekend and that this week brings good news.

hugs,
Cathy and Matt

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking about Carly. I hope all is well with your little fighter.

Love, Abbey