Update November 4, 2007

Dear Friends,

Here’s the latest information regarding Sierra Rose. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I’ll try to respond within a reasonable amount of time (if I don’t reply within a few days, please ask again).

--MK for the Family

THE PREVIOUS UPDATE
In the last e-mail update, we reported that Sierra had an infection at the incision site for her surgery. We also mentioned that Sierra was drinking 15 cc of milk every 3 hours. Today’s e-mail will bring you up to date on Sierra Rose.

CC
“What’s a cc?” Everyone asks; no one knows. “CC” is short for “cubic centimeter,” a unit of volume used in medical and automotive terminology. It is equivalent to a milliliter. For comparison, a fluid ounce has about 30 milliliters. A typical 12-ounce can of Dr Pepper has about 355 ml. For more information about the cubic centimeter, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubic_centimetre.

INFECTION AND MEDICATIONS
Sierra Rose has been receiving anti-biotic medicine through her PICC line (intravenous line). The medicine has helped her body to heal from the infection. She will be coming off the anti-biotic medication soon. Previously, Sierra had also been receiving her seizure medicine intravenously. A nurse tried administering it orally (in her milk) and Sierra took it without any problems.

IV TUBE
Because Sierra will not need the anti-biotic medicine and because she was able to take her seizure medicine with her milk, she could have the PICC line removed this week.

MILK AND WEIGHT
This evening, Sierra drank 71 cc of milk. She should be drinking 75-120 cc of milk every 3 hours. Read the above section called “CC.” If my math is correct (not often the case), Sierra Rose is drinking roughly 2 cans of Dr Pepper in a 24-hour period. All this food is making her fill out—she’s a pleasantly plump baby who tips the scales at 8 lb. 9 oz.

AREAS OF PRAYER
-Sierra Rose still has some abnormal physical movement. We’re not sure if this is due to myoclonus or something else. Pray that these movements would cease permanently.
-We’re still not sure how well Sierra can see, if at all. Pray that Sierra Rose would have vision.
-Pray for J’s health. He has been sick for several months.
-Pray for R’s endurance. Going to the hospital to see a sick baby every day is wearisome.
-Thank God for all of Sierra Rose’s caretakers. Doctors, nurses, receptionists, and many other people are all contributing in one form or another. They have tough work, but they do it well.

Thank you for your prayers! We keep saying this, but we really are blessed to have praying friends. Read some of the early e-mail updates to see how far God has brought Sierra Rose.

--MK