Sunday, August 23

Here's the latest on Taylor.....

Hello all! Lots are happening in the Whitehead house! Taylor has seen the cardiologist, neurologist, gastrointestinal doctor, had a swallow study, and also had a 6 hour EEG performed on her in the last 6 weeks. Tanner turned 4 yesterday...and Jeff and I started back work on Monday!!!

At her visit with the cardiologist, Taylor had an echo that showed slight improvement. Her numbers were up from 35% to 41%. She doesn't see the cardiologist again until mid November. Taylor also traveled to Duke to see the GI doctor and the neurologist. The GI doctor changed her barb button to a Mickey button. She was very sore for a couple of weeks, but now her tummy is finally starting to heal.

During her visit with the neurologist, she had multiple seizures so they set up a 6 hour EEG to determine what kind they are. We went back and had the EEG and they determined that it was abnormal and she is having seizure activity called Infantile Spasms. So, they increased one of her seizure medications(topomax). She continues to have seizures, however they have decreased.

During her swallow study, Taylor was able to swallow the thicker liquids (such as the level 2 baby foods), but aspirated the fine liquids. They gave us the green light on trying to feed very small amounts of baby food. She typically takes between 6-12mls of baby food per day. She does not initiate eating by opening her mouth so we use a small syringe to put the food on the back of her tongue. You can definitely tell she moves it around with her tongue and she is swallowing it. We will continue to take baby steps and hopefully see progress overtime!

After a lot of notes from our doctors and documentation on our end, CAP-C decided to give Taylor back her nursing for a two month trial basis! We have them 5 days a week 10 hours a day. THANK the LORD!! They will look at her nursing notes again in early October to determine if she can keep her nursing or be given back a CNAII. This has been a big hassle trying to figure out who can best take care of Taylor. Personally, Jeff and I would much rather have the nurses we have now. They really do a phenomenal job stretching her and giving her lots of cuddling time. They are on the ball and constantly assessing her needs.

Well, that's it in a nutshell! Jeff and I are back at work and look forward to the year ahead! Thanks for continuing to pray!

Love,

Tammy

God Bless

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Wednesday, August 12 - Message from Jeff

Saturday was a smashing success. We are all amazed by the love, support, and Prayers that Taylor continues to receive.

Below is a message sent by Jeff... We cannot thank you all enough for your support. God Bless.

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Words cannot properly describe the gratitude my family feels toward all of you who worked so hard to make the Taylor Whitehead benefit a success, and to all of those who participated and donated so that Tammy and I can best take care of our baby girl. Your efforts and contributions have made it possible for Tammy and me to leave "no stone unturned" in regard to getting our baby girl better. You all have given Taylor a chance at a better life. We are truly humbled and have been lifted by the love and kindness we have received. It is not enough to "thank you", but on behalf of my wife Tammy, my boys Tanner and Tate, I, and most importantly Taylor, I say THANK YOU! Your love, support, and prayers mean the world to us.

Taylor is a miracle child. The doctors were amazed that she survived her collapse when they realized how sick her heart was, and how long she went without sufficient oxygen. It is a miracle that she is now home, breathing on her own. She still has a long road ahead. Her heart is still very sick; she is still being fed through a G-Tube. Furthermore, she still suffers from the brain injury she received when she went without oxygen for so long. But she smiles everyday! She is starting to taste food on an occasional basis (in very small amounts) for the first time. Her latest heart ejection fracture is 41%, up from 35% on May 29th. God is good, keep the prayers coming!

Even though this has been a very difficult time for my family, there have been so many blessings that have taken place over the past several months. Taylor has brought so many people together in prayer and fellowship. Her life has glorified God, and is a testament to the power of prayer and of God's love and mercy. My family has been strengthened from this experience. We have a new perspective on life, and will never again go another day without thanking God for the many gifts we have received. Our relationship with God has strengthened, and as a result every aspect of our lives has been reinforced as well. Tanner and Tate will grow up knowing the true meaning of perseverance after having been witness to Taylor. Personally, my love, respect, and admiration for my wife has never been stronger, and my appreciation for family and friends has never run deeper. Thank you God for blessing us with Taylor’s life, and for blessing us with such wonderful family and friends. Thank you all for answering our prayers.

In the name of Jesus we pray: heal her heart, mend her mind, and restore her body. Amen.

Love,

Jeff, Tammy, Tanner, Tate, and Taylor

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God Bless