Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Mino'aka

Carly's newest shunt appears to be working, but her seizures continue to stick around. During the last few weeks we have made a few changes to the flow settings on her shunt (a simple and painless 30 second procedure) in the hope that it would help alleviate the seizures but we have not found a fix yet. We decided that a trip to Hawaii might be just the trick to help her, or at the very least help us recharge, so on November the 5th we headed to the Big Island for 10 days of fun in the sun.

Carly enjoyed her relaxing days on the beach, and she definitely liked eating fresh bananas (picked from our own tree,) pineapple and papaya.  We got home late last night after a great trip but the seizures are sticking around, occuring 5-6 times a day now. We are following up with neurosurgery and neurology at UCSF as well as some second opinions in hopes of finding a way to help Carly past this hurdle. We'll keep praying for, and envisioning, an end to these episodes and peaceful days ahead for Carly.

Love, Brad

11 comments:

Michele said...

I was wondering what was up? I love this picture of Carly. She looks so relaxed. Hope you 3 are recharged!
Will keep sending positive thoughts.

Susan said...

I printed this photo and it's replacing an old one I have of Carly on my office wall. Beautiful pic! She looks sunny, happy and relaxed!

Michelle said...

So glad to hear you all were able to enjoy some time in a beautiful place and hope the seizures slow down real soon. xoxo

Maya said...

Thanks for the update. I was beginning to wonder if there was anything new - I'm glad to see that you were just taking time to recharge. I love the picture - she has so much hair now! I don't know how you guys do it - a trip to Hawaii sounds so wonderful!

The Hallers said...

I want to crawl in that photo and smooch that little cutie! I love her hair. (It's all you, Brad!) Your vacation sounds like it was perfect for you all. Still praying...

Anonymous said...

Your mom and dad gave us a personal Carly update when the four Nelson siblings and their spouses met for lunch last Sunday. (Somehow, we have joined that generation.) It is fun to have a new photo--from your Hawaii trip!
Love,
Greg and Gail

Lani said...

she looks so precious here! i miss you guys and am so so happy you got to take that trip to hawaii. it must have been just what you needed. i hope your awesome team can find out what is going on with the seizures.

love you xo

sheila and keith said...

so cute! glad to hear you all got some much needed R & R in beautiful Hawaii. sounds like a perfect way to recharge. Hoping and praying that the seizures are figured out soon.
Sending you lots of love always.

Anonymous said...

Christa and Brad,

I haven't written a note in a long time. But, I'm so glad to hear that Carly's newest shunt is doing its job and that you were able to enjoy a family vacation. I can't believe how big your sweet girl is.

I'm continuing to think about you all and send good thoughts and healthy vibes for your princess.

TylerP said...

Glad to know #12 is working well so far and praying for Carly's seizures to go away. Sounds like your trip and stay in paridise was a good time for all three of you.

Evie said...

Carly must have the strongest constitution,internal will to continue her fight to heal. She draws strength from all of the loving, caring,prayer support she gains from her precious mom and dad and the rest of her family. Also, from what seems like a fine team of medical folks committed to working for her highest good. My prayers continue for healing and exra faith and strength for Carly and parents and family and physicians.
Evie