Saturday, January 10, 2009

Saturday, January 10

Good evening.

Let’s start with some good news. After sleeping the majority of the day Taylor decided to wake up and provide a highlight for the day. She moved both arms and legs and was fairly agitated by all the IV tubes and respirator. They finally had to sedate her more because the tubes were bothering her so much. I think Jeff and Tammy were glad to see their baby awake and alert. She has pretty much slept the last three days since the load dose of meds to control her seizures. The comfort of her responding was a much-needed lift.

One thing to note here… The nurses have assured Jeff and Tammy that Taylor can hear them, even when she is heavily sedated. So everyone that visits spends the time stroking her head while they either talk to her or sing her songs. I’ve heard rumor that Jeff’s dad sang, “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog” so many times they finally had to ban him from that song. He has since switched to “You Are My Sunshine”. :-)

One area of discouragement from today, the Cardiologist visited again and voiced some disappointment that Taylor’s heart doesn’t seem to be responding to the medicines. Her vitals are still up, but apparently the valves are not pumping as hard as they should and her heart is still enlarged. They are going to continue to monitor this situation. I’m confident all our prayers will turn this into a positive very soon.

At the time I received this update, the Neurologist still has not discussed with Jeff and Tammy the results of the CAT scan.

On the bright side though, her vitals are looking good and the feedings through the gastrointestinal tube is working. They should be able to start using this to deliver meds as well. So hopefully they can start reducing the number of IVs that are currently in Taylor as they have a higher risk of infection.

To finish up this post, I was asked to let everyone know that Jeff and Tammy have been reading through the Prayers and kind comments that you all have been posting to the blog. They find them very uplifting. Overall, they are remaining strong and keeping a positive outlook. And above all, leaning on their faith during this trying time. Continue to keep Taylor and the family in your thoughts and Prayers. God is at work here and our Prayers are being answered. God Bless.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Baby Taylor, today you are 4 mo old... so much to be going through for someone so little... You are a fighter and God is with you, and so many people love and are praying for you... Keep fighting. Love to your family you are all in our thoughts... Love Aunt Cheryl

Kelly said...

Whitehead Family,

You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. We have added your link to our blog and passed this link to our friends and family to be connected to more prayer circles. I am sure baby Taylor is just as strong and dedicated as her mommy and daddy and is fighting to pull through. "Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful" 2 Chronicles 20:20 (NIV)
Love, Aaron and Kelly (Vandersee) Augustine

Anonymous said...

Jeff, Tammy, Dick & Donna and family
We have been keeping abreast of Taylor's progress;she appears to have the fighting spirit of the Whiteheads. I know when Angie had our granddaughter Molly with all her complications, you just wish you could take their place.
Everyone at CPU has been praying for Taylor and I'm sure the support from Jeff'a colleagues/students, friends, and Tammy's family, makes a very difficult time a little easier to bear. Also, the donation of sick leave days from Jeff's school and surrounding schools has to be very heartening;they obviously have much respect for Jeff and his family. Jeff, Drew mentions you everyday and I know when we attended church this AM, that his prayers centered around Taylor and your family. Our thoughts are with Taylor and the Whitehead family.
Bob & Pat Dillon

Anonymous said...

Whitehead Family

We are saddened to hear of Taylor's illness. God can perform miracles. Faith and love with God's power will see you through one of life's storms. We are praying for you.
Rick and Mary Jessen

Anonymous said...

Hello from Colorado,
We have been praying for little Taylor, getting out the word and have kept a watchful eye on her progress. May each day bring brighter tomorrows. We cast all our cares on Him. You are all loved and in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and keep the faith. Sending a sweet kiss to Taylor and the boys.
Love, xoxo Aunt Kay and family