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   It's just a lake applet for effect!  Two months later Katie~Rose began to have sudden collapses leading to a number of spells in hospital, no reason was found for the collapses which continued over a period of 8 months. Eventually an MRI was ordered and a huge swelling was found in the back of the brain (4th ventricle), it was pressing on the brain stem and causing her heart and breathing to stop. Katie~Rose was admitted to hospital as an emergency in June '97 and a 4th ventricular shunt was put in. The wound became infected and Katie~Rose had to have an emergency laparotomy and removal of the shunt, during which Gary and Tania were told that she was not expected to survive the operation. The surgical team hadn't figured on Katie~Rose's phenomenal fighting spirit! She spent the next 14 days on life support again contracting meningitis which, it soon became clear, had left Katie~Rose blind, paralysed, and unable to eat or drink. She was operated on 1 or 2 times a week for external drain revisions for weeks and weeks until all the infection had cleared. Very slowly Katie~Rose began to regain mobility and after about 3 months her sight. Katie~Rose then suffered a bout of ventriculitis for which she had to receive even more antibiotics. The constant bouts of infection had taken their toll on Katie~Rose and as a result she became neutropenic. Which means, even to this day, Katie~Rose has no immune system to protect her from infections. A new VP shunt was fitted on her 3rd birthday, 9th September. The Hambly's returned home at the end of September, Katie~Rose was just like a new-born baby, unable to hold up her head or sit, etc. Over the next few months Katie~Rose again fought to regain what she had lost. Her speech returned, she was able to eat small amounts of food and learned to walk again. As Christmas '97 approached the pressure returned to the 4th ventricle and as the pressure built up, all speech, walking and eating abilities were lost. Gary and Tania were told on Christmas Eve that the condition was inoperable and that Katie~Rose would only live for a matter of weeks. They were devastated! Once again Katie~Rose fought back against all odds and gradual improvements were made over the next few months, despite the devastating prognosis. In March '99, the VP shunt failed and Katie~Rose was rushed to hospital again where a new shunt was fitted. Surrounded by prayers Katie~Rose made a quick recovery and was soon home again. Just a couple of weeks later though Katie~Rose was readmitted to hospital after an epileptic seizure. It was later thought that this could have been as a result of the procedure to fit the new shunt. From April '99 there has been a gradual deterioration on Katie~Rose's abilities, she now does not talk, or eat or walk. On the 27th September Katie~Rose was again rushed to hospital with suspected epilepsy or raised pressure in the head. After EEG and MRI tests, raised pressure was found to be the problem. The neurosurgeon spoke quite extensively to Gary and Tania explaining things and telling them that they had two options. The two options were: 1. To do nothing which would lead to further deterioration in Katie~Rose's condition and certain death. 2. That they could put their hopes in the hands of the surgeon who was willing to try and fit another 4th ventricular shunt. A very tricky procedure given Katie~Rose's current condition and with no guarantee of success. If the procedure is successful then the chances are that Katie~Rose may have the chance of leading a near normal life, but the risks are that she could suffer brain damage or die as a result of the procedure.
THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH!!! Please add a prayer to the prayer book below and ask that through the Lord Jesus, God guides the surgeons hands and makes it possible for him to successfully carry out the procedure which will allow Katie~Rose to become stronger and healthier than she has for years.  down on my bended knees. Asking you to protect Katie-Rose, Lord do this for me Please. She is just a child Lord, with so much life ahead. We need her with us daily Lord, like we need our daily bread. She lightens the life of many To all that she can touch. She's loved and needed Lord, Yes we need her so much. So Lord, please help this child and the ones that she knows. For all have been affected, Lord, by this precious, Katie-Rose. Love, Kaye Des'Ormeaux Copyright 1999 Kaye Des'Ormeaux Dedicated to Katie-Rose & all of those whose life she has touched.       we have prayed, and wondered how Our God of love can watch a child suffer so much. And we have turned to look at the man on a cross, and know that He too is suffering at the pain of His child. And Lord we ask you, To send your power, your love, your healing your grace on this family, and as we pray, words fail us and we weep with you.               She is doing really well and is as cheeky as ever! Her Dad and I are going to have a go at updating this page, so WATCH THIS SPACE! |
