2nd surgery day 3 post op

11:53 am

Mason had to head back to Michigan today. He left at 10:00am. 

Well she isn't going home today.  She is experiencing nausea.  Still very tired so they would like to keep her here another day. So we are hoping to get home tomorrow.  

3:03 pm

Kenz is resting and sleeping a lot today. The nausea is better this afternoon.

5:14 pm

Dr. Hriesik came to visit Kenz today around 4:30. She feels Kenz is doing good. Any concerns that we had she assured us it was all normal stuff going on. Kenz is now allowed to have mashed potatoes at dinner. That was exciting.

8:53pm

Since Mas had to head back to Michigan I will be spending the night with Kenz at the hospital. So we are watching cheesy girl TV.  I have to say this room is huge and very nice. I even have my own bed!

2nd surgery day 2 after surgery

7:19pm

Progress has been made today. Low grade fever gone, catheter out, no more IV. She took a shower today and has been doing a great job walking. Still not sure if she can go home tomorrow.

Mason is a great support and seems to be able to handle " for better or worse, in sickness and in health"!!!!

Tony, Marissa and Dominic do such a great job cheering Kenz up. Tonight they set up the room to play Mario cart.

2nd surgery day 1 after surgery

9:19 pm.

Well Kenz is sleeping well at night and most of the day. After surgery number 1 she didn't sleep at all day or night because of the high dose of prednisone. She is in more pain this time. There was some blood in her urine so they ran a UTI test but it came back negative. She has had a low grade fever all day but they are not concerned. They tell us that is very common. Her stoma is having output, so that is great news. Sometimes it can take awhile to wake back up.  She was told she had to get out of bed and walk three times today. She met that goal of walking, and each time she extended the walk. She is very determined. I admire her strength.

Dominic came to visit Aunt Kenzie!!!

2nd surgery today!

Today is the creation of the Jpouch.  We got to the hospital at 5:45 with surgery starting at 7:30. I was told the surgery was 7 hours however,  everyone that checks in with us is saying she is signed in for a 10 hour surgery. UGHHHHH!

CHECK BACK THROUGH THE DAY......

2:38 - Just spoke with Dr. She is very pleased with how everything went. We wont see Mackenzie for about an hour to two hours.

4:10 - Mason and I were able to peek in on her for a minute. She was sound asleep. She wont be out of recovery for another hour or so.

6:12 - finally in her room. She didnt get one of the new rooms this time. She is very sleepy.

7:06 - So her room is in the older section of the hospital. Last time she was in the brand new suites. After talking with my niece Amanda, who worked on this floor for 5 years, she encouraged me to request a room change and to explain they live in Michigan and this is where Mason will be staying while he is in town. Well.....a room is available and they will be switching her within the hour!!!!! Thank you Amanda!!!

9:55 - Kenz walked at about 9:35. What amazing strength. She is so very groggy still. Much more than the first surgery.  We are wondering if its because she was on prednisone for the last surgery.  Just our guess.

Six weeks after 1st surgery

Well, we are six weeks out from Mackenzie's colon removal.  She has been progressing wonderfully.  She met with the surgeon last week and everything's looks great. It won't be until May 16th that she is completely off prednisone. Therefore, her 2nd surgery won't be until the prednisone is totally out of her system.  She is thinking the end of June or beginning of July is when it will be.  Kenz's dr. is so amazing, she told her that when she decides to have a baby, she would be able to be in the delivery room and help deliver the baby and make sure the J pouch wouldn't get damaged. 

Mackenzie is officially moving to Michigan tomorrow and will only come home for Dr. Appointments and surgeries now. Oh, and of course for her wedding in September. Originally her wedding was set for July 11th, but because of the decision to remove her colon, she and Mason changed the date to September 19th. This will be after the second surgery but before her third take down surgery. 

I have mixed feelings about seeing her go. Of course I will miss her, but her leaving means she is on her way to getting her life back. She can finally officially live in her new home. I'm so thankful for how well she is doing. I admire her strength. 

One week after 1st surgery

I really can't believe one week ago today was surgery day. This past week has really flown by. When I look at how wonderful Kenz is doing today, it's hard to imagine where we were last week at this time. God has answered so many prayers. Thank you to everyone who has given us support through this phase. We couldn't have done it without family, friends, co-workers, and now, new social network friends.

I don't plan on posting again until after our post op with the surgeon.  Before I close tonight's post, I wanted to show you how far she has come in one week.  Just 7 days..............absolutely amazed,  one determined girl right there!!! I love you Mackenzie...........my Goo xoxoxo

 Thank you so very much, Rhonda

Day 6 after surgery! Words from Mackenzie

Hi everyone! This is Mackenzie posting today! 

First of all I want to send out a huge thank you to everyone for all of the love/support/prayers/calls/texts/visits/cards/flowers/care packages/etc. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it and how much it has helped me get through the start of this journey. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life <3

Today marks the 6th day since I had my colon removed and got to meet Colleen! I have to be honest and say that I feel GREAT! I still have a lot of soreness from the incisions but I can already feel my health improving by having this ulcerative colitis removed from my body! Like my Doctor said, "your colon is like a boyfriend who isn't treating you right and you need to dump him." This made me laugh, but dumping my colon was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Every day since surgery I am getting better and feeling stronger. Also, Colleen and I are getting a lot more comfortable with each other (I might even miss her a little when she is gone, because she is taking very good care of me). Starting yesterday, my goal is to get out of the house at least once a day, even if it's just something quick.  Today mom took me to target to pick up a few things. Other than having to walk really slow, it was great!  It actually did tire me out a bit, but I'm glad I did it! 

I am on a mission to be myself again as soon as possible! To my fellow UCers who are going through this surgery or considering it.......if I can do it, I know you can too!

Again, thank you all so much for for helping me through this!

All the best, 

Mackenzie 

P.S. I want to thank my mom for creating this blog. It's been a great experience to share this story through her eyes for family/friends/fellow UCers. She truly is the best and I am so lucky to have her.