Another Setback

April 24th, 2022 | EP. 8 – Another Setback – Narrated by Abby Taylor

Gracie was moved back to the moderate care floor on Thursday, April 21st. Tommy arrived for the weekend on Thursday evening and immediately was able to hold Gracie. She loves cuddling and she loves her dad! On Friday morning, Gracie had routine weekly physical therapy. On Friday afternoon, we were introduced to a new therapy, music therapy, where mom and dad were able to sing along with the music therapist and his ukulele. It was a very good experience. On Saturday afternoon, Tommy and I decided to take a break for a few hours and enjoy the beautiful weather outside.

We arrived back in the early evening and Gracie’s numbers were still looking very good.  Tommy did physical therapy with Gracie and was able to show me some of the stuff the therapist showed them the day before.  We even were able to do some tummy time with Gracie. All of her numbers were still looking very good.

That all changed Saturday late evening when Gracie‘s blood oxygen level started dropping rather quickly. The nurse called in the doctor on call who decided to turn Grace’s oxygen all the way up, and she began to respond well and her numbers jumped back up. Due to the rapid change, they decided to give Gracie a viral swab to make sure she did not have a virus, and unfortunately, it came back covid positive.
Throughout the night, the nurses were able to wean Gracie‘s oxygen back down to the level she was on originally and she was responding very well. 

Fortunately, Gracie is still showing no symptoms of Covid and is doing very well. Unfortunately, this will push her much anticipated Norwood surgery back for at least a month.  The surgery is pushed that far back because of anesthesia concerns with the lungs. With Gracies positive Covid test, Tommy and I had to check out of the Ronald McDonald house and move our belongings into Gracie’s small hospital room, where we are quarantined and not permitted to leave.  We normally spent most of our time in Gracie’s room anyways, but it’s a lot different being told you have to stay. 

P.s. – with the increased time here at the hospital, family members have set up a GoFundMe for Grace Elizabeth to help with medical bills. Many of you reading this have already donated, we just wanted to share a link to the GoFundMe below for others to share. Thank you to all who have helped support us through Grace’s Heart Warrior Journey. Thank you so much.

We are sad to share this update as we were ready for our strong little girl to have her surgery on May 2nd. We would appreciate continued prayers for:

• Gracie to continue to show no symptoms of Covid and heal quickly
• Gracie can continue to grow bigger and stronger before surgery
• Tommy and I to be able to get back into the Ronald McDonald house in a few weeks

As always; thank you for your continued love, support, and prayers.

Sincerely,
Abby