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When I write these updates, I'm mindful of the fact that many people who read them have gone through (or are going through) incredibly hard experiences, and without the expanding and multi-faceted support network that has sprung up for our family. I'm sorry if that has ever made anyone feel isolated, or unnoticed, or less loved. The truth is, we often don't know about the hard things…

The HICU (Huntsman ICU) doctors have been allowing me to participate in their rounds on Kendall's case each morning. While I have learned a great deal of medical terminology and what different types of numbers might mean, there is a lot that I don't completely understand. And so much of it is discussing the many serious conditions and failing organs and problems that his body is fighting…

Kendall was put on a ventilator today. Have you ever been in a room when they have to intubate someone and put them on a ventilator? I did an internship in a hospital in grad school and was exposed to ventilators, but it is a completely different story watching someone you love going through it. He had to be sedated and paralyzed. It was heartbreaking realizing that…

Kendall was moved to the ICU today. He has been getting progressively worse each day. Today his breathing was much more labored, and he was very agitated and the encephalopathy (confusion) was a lot worse. As the doctors had feared he was starting to fight against breathing and keeping his oxygen mask on. Kendall's kidney numbers were also a lot worse today, so the decision was made…

I've dragged my feet a bit in writing this post. In my last update I mentioned some things that were looking more promising, and it was true. Kendall was able to go off oxygen for a few hours, he got up out of bed a little, and he was more alert for a while. Things since then have been very difficult, though. All of his numbers are…

Again, not sure why Meal Train often lists the wrong date. It's only 7:00 p.m. on the 18th, so it's not like they're based on the East Coast....no idea. Yesterday's update was pretty grim, and led to some difficult conversations with the kids last night. I really didn't know what I would find when I got there this morning. So I was pleasantly surprised to find Kendall…

Kendall's liver numbers are much worse today (over 2,000), which means that this is severe VOD. He has also gained 31 pounds in the last few days from fluid retention. He did have a paracentesis today to drain some of the fluid, so hopefully he'll be more comfortable and in less pain. It should also put less pressure on his lungs. Kendall was not moved to the…

I know I was awfully cryptic this morning, so here are a few more details about what is going on with Kendall right now. Kendall still has pneumonia and breathing is more of a struggle for him now. He has a staph infection and the active CMV that the doctors are trying to keep under control and treat. He is still not eating well. But the most…

I just got a call from the hospital saying Kendall took a significant turn for the worse last night. Heading up there now. Would appreciate prayers for him and that I can make there safely after all the snow we got. Will update more later.

Kendall engrafted this morning. Best. Valentine's Day. Gift. EVER. I haven't talked much about what Kendall's odds were that the transplant would be successful, but there weren't very high at all. This really is a miracle, and I credit everyone's prayers and fasting for making this possible. We also learned today that Kendall does NOT have VOD/SOS. Again, there are a lot of things that don't make…