This summer has been full of milestones and surprises. In spite of the rough patches we experienced, we are so thankful for both the challenges and the blessings this summer held. We are now approaching the 3-month anniversary of Maliyah's kidney transplant. This accomplishment is particularly important, as it marks the date Maliyah can begin to go to indoor public areas. Recently, an antibody test was performed on the kidney-- and there are no signs of rejection whatsoever! No antibodies are trying to attack the new kidney. Thank you for all of the prayers and support that were offered during the process of the transplant and during recovery.
Kendra has recovered from the infection in her rod. This infection happened in mid-June, following a surgery to repair the broken VEPTR (Read this post to learn more). After several days in the hospital, Kendra was able to go home with a PICC line. This PICC line provided a direct path for antibiotics to travel directly into the outgoing arteries. Kendra became very skilled in the art of entering antibiotics into her PICC line. The PICC line was removed a few weeks ago, after successful treatment and removal of the infection.
These past couple of weeks, both of us were able to swim together for the first time in over two years. Maliyah's dialysis catheter had restrictions on swimming to avoid water entering her heart. As soon as she got her dialysis catheter out, however, Kendra had surgery for her rod and then infection. The stitches, coupled with the PICC line, made swimming a restriction for Kendra as well. Since the removal of the PICC line, we have gone swimming together multiple times, and have had lots of fun with friends and family!
Along with the summer coming to an end, school starts next week. We have made the decision to attend public school this year, rather than continue with online school. This decision came after much thought and many conversations as a family. We are nervous to start a new school year, but are thankful for all the adventures this summer has brought.
Check our YouTube Channel for another video this Wednesday! In the meantime, watch this week's video to see some of the preparations we are making for this new school year.
Thanks for Reading,
Kendra & Maliyah
~The Herrin Twins~
Note: Upcoming Blog Posts will be published on Thursdays
