Test Results

Got a call from the nurse today about Kendell's culture and chest x-ray.
Each time we go they culture her sputum, (basically like a strep test swab) to see if she's growing any bacteria. Well, all of us are always growing some kind of bacteria, so I guess I mean dangerous ones. Some of the bacteria out there can be harmful for a person with CF, but wouldn't even cause symptoms in a healthy person. Also, a little know fact: kids with CF can pass certain bacteria between the two of them which is very hard (not to mention, very expensive) to kill.
Anyway, her culture came back normal, Growing lots of things, but nothing dangerous.
Good news
Kendell also had a chest x-ray, which came back with minor changes in her right lower lobe. They didn't go into much detail, because they weren't extremely concerned at this point but I'm guessing the x-ray was cloudy which means there is most likely some damage being caused by that darn thick sticky mucus. This is nothing new and nothing we are extremely surprised about, but the fact that is shows minor changes from last year is not the best news to me. I don't like the fact that even though it's slow progressing, it IS progressing. Her PFT's (pulmonary/lung function and capacity test) is still really high, so it doesn't seem to be causing any issues as of yet and we will continue to pray that is doesn't. Her PFT's have always been extremely high for someone with CF, probably even higher than a lot of healthy individuals. We consider that a huge blessing and hope they continue to stay high since that means the lungs are working properly and adequately.  Basically we value every breath she can take on her own. A breath without struggle, without the use of oxygen and with lungs of her own that for now are healthy all things considered.

Checkup and Chad Lewis

Monday was quite an eventful day for us. We had one of Kendell's routine checkups at Primary Children's then we were able to go sit at a hole at the Chad Lewis Golf Classic (which benefits CF) as an ambassador to raise awareness. We missed some of the golfers because of the appointment, but we were able to talk with and see a lot of them.
Kendell's appointment went pretty good. The only concern was her weight. She had pretty much gained nothing from her last appointment 3 months ago. They really monitor these kids' weight and height because studies have shown their lung function is better when their BMI is higher on the charts rather than low where Kendell is and always has been. This is something that Kendell has battled with her whole life. We've been threatened over and over that they'll put a feeding tube in if she doesn't gain weight. (maybe threatened isn't the right word, but sometimes that's what it feels like). Miraculously she'll always have a massive weight gain for the next appointment, then the pattern seems to repeat itself over and over each time we go. I'm not sure this battle will ever end for her. I could just let them put a feeding tube in, but at this point I feel like even though she's small, she's IS healthy. If she was sick all the time, lethargic, etc. I would most definitely consider it, but that's not the case with her. The doctors know that also, so that's why it's never gone further than just "threats." She also had to get her yearly chest x-ray, so hopefully the results of that will be good.
Back to the golf tournament. I've been really proud of Kendell's willingness to help raise awareness at these fundraising events each time she's been asked. She has really impressed me. She is knowledgeable and does a great job talking to people and even a few times to the camera. I'm sure proud of her! Chad Lewis has sponsored this golf tournament for years, and sometimes there are some local celebs that come golf in it. We didn't see too many this year, (or at least any that I recognized) but did see Kyle Whittingham, Reno Mahe and heard Lavell Edwards was there but didn't see him. Kendell was interviewed by Rockwell watches while we were there (they are a big sponsor), so that was kind of neat. Best part of the day was that we got to have one of the legendary J-Dawgs!
Kendell and Chad Lewis (this is a picture of a picture, so not the best quality)