Monday, February 7, 2011

My Bestest is Stronger than the Restest



My best friend recently made a trip up to my part of town, which of course is nice for me, however the circumstances in which she came were not so great.


Her 7 year old son has had some health problems and has had surgery in the past.


Brain surgery to be exact. He was 3.


I know, a 3 year old having brain surgery? Heart breaking.


Here's a little history.....in 2007 JD had a lot of ear issues so he had been going to the doctor which is how the doctors found something they thought was a brain tumor. After further investigation, they found out that it wasn't a tumor at all, it was actually JDs brain growing out of his skull. His skull hadn't closed all the way during development and his brain grew right through the hole in his skull into his ear which damaged some bone and nerves around his ear and caused other complications.


He had surgery to remove the brain tissue that was growing out of his skull and to repair the hole in his skull. His surgery was successful although the doctor had to remove his eardrum so he will never be able to hear out of that ear. There were complications with his spinal fluid leaking so the doctors had to put in a shunt to drain all the spinal fluid from his head to his stomach.











That was when he was three, he is now 7 and has been doing great! Until about a week ago when he started complaining that his neck was hurting. De tells the story in much more detail here. Basically he had some spinal fluid leaking which they think caused him to get bacterial menangitis!





Which can be deadly.


So he was life flighted up here in Salt Lake to Primary Children's Hospital. He was a bit of a mystery for the doctors for quite some time, they had several specialists trying to figure out exactly what was wrong and what had caused the problem. They determined that he will need to have surgery, the same surgery he had when he was 3.


JD is home now after the menigitas got better but he will be coming back up for surgery next month. I don't know how De does it! She seriously is a stronger person than I, you should really read about JD's experiences on her blog here.






Here is De and I at Primary Children's a couple weeks ago when JD was in the hospital. She has two other children, Jordan & Taylor, who as you can see, are adorable!!!









The following pictures are just hanging out at the hospital while JD was sleeping in his room.







I'm not sure who the dude is in the blue & red spandex, but it is NOT De's husband.





I repeat, NOT De's husband.








Who are these beautiful girls? These are De's sister's kids, Tamarah. I don't know why I didn't get a picture of Tamarah!











Next month, when they come up again for JDs surgery, I will be able to give you an update. This cute family is so strong!







21 comments:

brokenteepee said...

I can attest that brain surgery just plain sucks. It sucks bad. It sucks bad two times. I know.

I can not imagine having to go through it as a child. I am sending multitudes of positive thoughts.

Unknown said...

Oh man that is something I don't know that I could handle. Although like any mother I think we can handle way more then we give ourselves credit for. He is a dollbaby. They all are. She is luckyto have a friend like you..

Shell said...

Sending prayers for them!

Rebecca Jo said...

wow.... what a strong little fighter! And what an amazing family. Even in the midst of being in the hospital, they all have smiles on their faces. Inspiring!!!!

Please keep us updated on this little fella so we can keep praying for him!

BTW - the guy in the red spandex is my husband... (he would want me to have everyone think he's Spiderman so I'll play along) ;)

Liz Mays said...

I love that you spent time with your friend, but I just hate what that sweet little man is going through.

Brian Miller said...

oh man...sad about the little man...glad they were able to catch it and work it out...yeah they must be a very strong family...great that you got to spend time with them too.

Megan said...

Wow. Scary and heartbreaking! Prayers that the next surgery is just as successful as the first!! Keep us posted on their status!

Kasey said...

I'm sure it is such a comfort to her to have you there for her. I will be praying for them.

St. Jeor Family said...

DeAnna is so strong. I too don't know how she does it. She really is AMAZING!!!! I am thinking of JD alot and pray that everything goes good next month. We love you DeAnna!!!

Kristina P. said...

Wow, what a strong family. I will keep them in my prayers!

Hernandez Family said...

I knew her little guy had meningitis but I didn't know all the history behind it. I think it would be worse to see your child go through something like that then have to go through it yourself.

Queenie Jeannie said...

Wow!! What a scary and challenging situation! I know you are being a super awesome friend to her, and trust me, she needs it!!!

Hugs all-around!

Bird Shit said...

What an adorable family!!! Good luck to the little guy! hope he gets better soon!

Alexis AKA MOM said...

Sending prayers for the whole family. What an amazing strong young man.

yulz said...

praying that the surgery will be a successful one..

Furry Bottoms said...

Im so glad he survived the bacterial meningitis. I did too. Heres hoping the surgery goes well. that little boy has been through enough!

Nana said...

What a sweet family. Are you sure that wasn't her husband?

Anyway, I sure hope that little guy will be alright. That's a lot of stuff to go through.

Stephanie Faris said...

Oh wow. Those pics are heart wrenching. He's so adorable. I hope all goes well. I'm sure having you by her side is a huge blessing to her right now.

Stacy Uncorked said...

Awwww! That poor little guy! She has a beautiful family! Please tell your friend I'll be keeping her and her family in my thoughts and prayers. ((HUGZ!!))

CLUFF FAMILY said...

Wow, it took me a long time to finally see your blog. Kel- y ya gotta make me cry? You are sooo sweet. Thanks for the post. We can use the extra prayers! People are so sweet. I love and miss ya!

Tiffany Tweedie said...

Wow! I don't know how she does it either. So hard. Nothing worse than helplessly watching your ill child. You're a great friend, looks like you bring a smile to her face when she needs it most! That's what friends are for!