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Please help the Brunn family!!

  • We are off to the pool

      13 May 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Yay finally the all clear to go swimming ! Wow this is a big step, we tested with a soak in the spa . It wasn’t too bad so off to the pools in the weekend.

    This is big for a number of reasons especially being that it will be the most exposed Katie has been for a long time .

    School started a few weeks ago and we have managed to get there by morning tea most days but we haven’t had a full week at school yet with appointments every week.

    We are all feeling ok, we have a new stool to try for band at school so she is not sitting down crushing her lungs and trying to sing and a shower stool .

    All in all we are mostly ok .

    Still haven’t found the lady who helped but I think the most humble just get on and do stuff.

    No signs up from the council either....

    Katie has talked briefly about going to the river , only if it involve collecting rocks and nothing else

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  • Almost School time

      1 May 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    While Katie has made some good physical progress the thought of returning to school is very daunting for her.

    She mixes trying to be funny, silly or grumpy .... or a little obnoxious if you didn’t really know her... these are all coping techniques to protect her from showing her true emotions or weakness. This is a skill that no 12 year old should have to master so young. I know I do it on a daily basis and it’s pretty tiring .Tonight as I lay with her in bed , stroked her head and held her tight as she sobbed in my arms how worried she is about school , I reassured Katie that her pain both physical and emotional will one day be her strength. Every person who goes through experiences in life has a choice with what to do with those experiences, choosing the best choice is never the easiest. We can all just try to support and encourage good intentions and kindness because you never know what is behind another person’s behaviour, so put some effort in and choose kindness .

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  • Happy Birthday To Mum

      26 April 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Lucky me I’ve reached another birthday, I don’t know about other people but I know many feel a bit ho hum about getting older. Not me I’m so grateful for every new day and all it brings , really Katies accident hasn’t been the only thing challenging that’s happened in our family and those close to me in the last 12 months or so and of course last year’s lockdown saw 3 birthdays celebrated in isolation. But this year as I have reached 48 I know that no day or year is ever guaranteed so we must do our best with every day we get. Some days things just go wrong , but tomorrow you get another chance . Make the most of it .Katie stood for about 30 seconds in the shower today ... that is pretty cool

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  • Thank you!!!!

      25 April 2021
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    Thank you SO much everyone. You are all amazing. Here’s two snuggly cats for thanks.Xxxxx

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  • Sometimes it’s just all a bit much

      24 April 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    I think it is fair to say we are all tired and patience is running thin. Everyday has good bits and bad bits.

    Frustration and emotion settles for the Kong road.

    Hopefully this week Katie will be able to share some of her thoughts and feelings with someone that can help her work through her very up and down feelings. She is lucky she has some very patient friends. The nights can be the most difficult and moving between feeling physically uncomfortable to emotionally uncomfortable is difficult to navigate for an 11 year old.... oops no 12 now. With the added dynamics of having a special needs big sister they love each other dearly but their is definitely fractious tension. I am looking forward to Katoe going to school .... more than she is..... find her in the picture..... don’t be fooled by her smiles when you see her... actually it’s all a bit crap right now

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  • Happy 12 Birthday Katie

      21 April 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Well here we are Katie's Birthday, I really can’t say in words how special this day is and how proud I am of Katie and all that she has been through, every day brings new challenges and triumphs and I guess there is still more to come.

    In the last week Katie has performed for the first time , she has gone to the mall , she been to theatre and had extra staples removed . So many ups and downs.

    Our first Give a little payment has come through to the bank and we have tucked it away to use for her when she can fully enjoy some fun, we still have lots to do and I won’t be working full time and will be missing a lot of stuff but I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I go away it’s so hard I miss them. I was in Blenheim when Katie went to theatre, we are just so lucky that William and I can swap places if we need and that our girls can all pitch in.

    This is Katie and Somerset Bear when she was about 4 and the little one made by my Playcentre friend.... and also tonight just before bed. Thanks to any and all support we have received , Katie still doesn’t like to talk much about it she prefers to just get on and do stuff.

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  • Sorry it’s been a while Katie’s first performance

      18 April 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Hi there

    Wow I can’t believe how much Katie has done this week.

    On Friday she was in surgery having some minor touch ups and removing some staples that wet left behind. I was in Blenheim and Dad took her , By Friday night she was in her Performing arts class.

    I just really wanted to say that I am so so grateful to Sophia and Amy for just allowing Katie slip back in with minimal drama and also Charlotte and Mary who have been so attentive to Katie and respectful and kind even when Katie has found things a bit hard.

    I really am astounded at her and while she tries hard to keep her feelings and emotions at bay I think I have enough for us both .She usually uses the opportunity when things are just a bit much and she really just can’t keep it in anymore to really just let rip... I feel like letting rip sometimes .

    Honesty kids are amazing .Apparently I need to make a Billie Eilish cake , that will be interesting

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  • 4 Staples!!! what!!

      7 April 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Well it looks like as scabs fall away and dead skin falls off we unearthed 4 staples ... they are not meant to be there.

    Katie is feeling sad and upset and we are both a little bit mad.

    In better news is was our eldest daughters 25th birthday we all went out for dinner , it was nice but a bit overwhelming for Katie. But she still manages to bring out that sparkler of a smile.... in fact the room was brightly lit for sure with our beautiful family .

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  • Long update !Oh my goodness a staple! And a little thanks

      6 April 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Gosh no sooner than I thought we were heading in the right direction we are hit with a frustrating and avoidable stumbling block that could give Katie a major set back. We have been wondering why Katie has not been able to to clear infection and why her foot is still so sore, she has been so brace and made lots of progress in self management, but a close inspection with her friends found a staple that was left behind, this has set back Katies fear levels a long way and she is now having to decide how the staple is going to come out in the most practical an least painful way without having to go under fully. This is not a decision that is easy to make as both decisions are still not without some pain. Katie is tolerating general ongoing pain but the intense and scary stuff really is hard to handle. It also does not help that nothing is ever easily done and all come with some kind of hoops . Really both of us are over all the waiting and anticipation of something awful every day. This is hard for any person to handle but an 11 year old can be almost unbearable. Katie works so hard to keep her emotions and reactions in check but once we get in the car or at home she just needs to let it out . But in amongst all the awful there are little shining lights that come in the form of sometimes complete strangers .

    Today’s came from a Neighbourly neighbour many thanks . When Katie opened her gift and saw what the book was about she said “ oh my gosh mum this is soooo cool!!” Being that she has recently discovered that she would like to know more about crystals. She sleeps with one that my nephews fiancé gave her under her pillow because it is said to promote restful sleep and healing , just what she needs. Today I went to my first “meeting” for my “community work for EnablingGoodlives “ tomorrow I have a full day one , Katie is not so happy I will be away for the day but the school teacher is coming for a while and she has songs to practice . Hopefully we can get the stupid staple out before the end of the week.

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  • A big week this week up and down and up

      2 April 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Well it’s been a big week not without challenges but the triumphs have been phenomenal.

    Monday saw a whole day cutting through communication and collaboration between Hutt and Palmerston North, finally resulting in going to the Children’s ward to get sorted. Tuesday was band practice and Katie was tired and sore but got the hard word that she needed to practice or else, She visited her class room for the first time and her friends Bailey and Zoe are looking forward to having her back and we had the OT come , she is recommending a come to the house therapist and some other things.

    Her lovely friend Bailey had postponed her birthday for Katie and last night she took all her bits and pieces and went for her sleepover, they put down a seperate mattress in case of bumping , it all wen awesome !! She also has her new zip up compression garment that we thought wasn’t going to get past her toe! But with the magic of some slippy taffeta it did. She is now on her 4th set of antibiotics as her donor site is being stubborn.Also from 1 week not being able to go down stairs to next week getting down the stairs that’s pretty cool! Also we won an Easter egg!

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  • Back and forth why don’t DHBs collaborate?

      29 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Well it’s been a few days since my last update .

    We have been struggling to get the dressings off to wash and moisturise it’s been pretty hard. I got a response back from my communication with the Hospital about our trip to ED that was so much longer and stressful than it needed to be.

    The communication and red tape is honestly so frustrating I would never have thought getting something as simple as some gas and a dressing change would be such a major event! But finally by the end of today we had a dressing change only about 4 days later than it should have been.

    Oh the rain has come and our spouting right where Katie needs to get down the stairs is like a waterfall so I’ve called in the builder to sort that out after a few panicked txts also the in Laws are coming this week and we don’t want to drench anyone . Katie has had up and downs and the OT is coming to see what else she needs all in all not much to report. Still so thankful for support so many unexpected things come up ! This is a bit of a boring photo just as we sit for hours waiting to be seen ... I might hire a wheelchair so we can go on a proper walk, it’s time Katie went to the river before the weather packs up

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  • 2 Shoes!! 1 crutch, self management 😱

      26 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    You know when you get to that point where you think , ok we are ready for the next step whether we believe it on not?

    Katie just doesn’t have a choice , it’s her leg and if she wants to be able to use it, well she has to use it.

    So she is.

    We went to chior and conquered the tall flight of stairs even if she did butt shuffle down ( brainy kid good at problem solving )

    So 2 shoes, this is good as her seisemoid bone has been so sore ( Google that!) hopefully it will have less pressure on it now and she will be able to make faster progress with walking and less pain.

    Also as part of next phase is, self management of the scars , this we did not know we were ready for but actually have no choice , Katie with her ever determined attitude is working her way through this.

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  • We made it up the stairs!!

      25 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    After much protesting we got up the formidable stairs to join the Six to Sixty chior , so proud of Katie despite all the noise,we are both pretty determined !

    It was lovely to hear her beautiful singing with her friend tonight 💖

    Off for a trip to the Hutt!!

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  • Band practice! Long phone calls, logistics!!!

      23 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Goodness me today I’ve been on the phone for so so long and I tell you what the communication between hospitals is non existent!! We had 4 appointments booked on the same day at 2 different hospitals!! Needless to say that took hours to sort out! But we went to band practice again that was good and Katies friends were waiting outside for her.She had a visit from her bestie Lily and then Bailey and Zoe came over. Nights are hard still but I think most of the time when anyone is feeling yuck nights are the worst. Katie had a visit from the Health School teacher and she is going to visit twice a week, ACC are moving her to the complex team as there are lots of issues for Katie that have cropped up. Her cream she needs is not funded and she needs to take extra vitamins that are not funded, she probably will need to see a private physiotherapist and that is only part funded. She has an extra complication in her foot with a presexisting foot problem that has been made worse by extra pressure and this makes walking harder.

    She won’t be back at school this term that’s for certain .

    We go back to the Hutt on Thursday and she will be learning how to manage the skin graft.... neither of us a looking forward to that.

    Again I just wanted to say thank you again your thoughts and kindness is so so appreciated

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  • Time for a Spruce up thanks to Lisa

      18 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Today it was time for a visit to my long time friend Lisa , and the lady who keeps my hair looking fabulous 😁 . Also all of the girls but not William and Lucy they shave their heads.

    I also had an unexpected gift turn up today and I was able to share a hug with a couple of super special people.

    Something I have pondered a lot is that those who have experienced the most challenges are the first to put their own selves out there to lend a hand and offer their generous hearts. It is something I am not used to being on the recieving end of. It is truely amazing .

    If your looking for a hairdresser you can tell all your secrets to and will look after you and also gives amazing Hair washes, look for Lisa Dallow !! She’s on the Facebook!

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  • It’s hard to sleep

      18 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Today we went to the Hutt , we didn’t know that dressing changes were going to be done in the clinic , it was a long walk we thought we were going to the ward. When Katie was getting a bit upset I had to step in and tell them that really Katie was not expedient to be doing it without some calming pain reducing meds and that she has only done it with these, the nurse asked Katie if she would like some and Katie was like “ yes please!yes please “ anyway the rest went fine and the healing is looking good . Still really hard to walk but making progress. Nights are hard despite taking ibuprofen and panadol Katie is fining getting off to sleep hard and prefers me to be close to her... so here I am

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  • Went to band practice

      16 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Wow after an awful weekend we managed to pluck up the courage to visit Monrad and see what’s happening in the band , the songs chosen this year are bang on perfect Katie loves them they will be great to sing.

    They warmed up to last years songs and she sounded great for a first time singing in ages . Back to the Hutt tomorrow for the day . Really trying to work on getting the heel down as her Achilles is very tight. Thanks everyone!

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  • Well the weekend didn’t end well

      15 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Oh dear poor Katie no amount of home drugs did the trick so we are paying a visit to the PN hospital only after being in ED for 6 hours!! Did they finally do something I tell you I was about to lose it! Honestly if they had just put her on some happy has and cleaned her up and redressed the donor site in ED we could have been home! But no that would be far too easy ... sigh oh well ups and downs of healing .... we have a goal to get to school band on Tuesday wish us luck! Thank you all so much for your support it really is helpful and kind and just lovely it means a lot and we are so grateful 💖

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  • Kindness and Thank you Fire and Icing!

      14 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Wow what a lovely surprise that we got today with a visit from Sue, I swear it is so strange how the ripple effect works.

    I have always believed that the places and people who face the most struggle and adversity are the most giving and kind. In my experiences over the years of my life I have never been wrong .

    We are all overwhelmed and grateful for all of the acts of kindness many that have come from the most unexpected places and times . Yes we still have a lot to do and Katie isn’t feeling too good right now ,but every day is a new day made brighter with her smile and the kindness of strangers and friends .

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  • Oh yay Infection 🙄

      13 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Katie had a staph infection in her staples in hospital, so when I see the tell tale signs it’s a red flag for me! By why oh why all the rigmarole !Lucky we struck the dr from our own Health care centre at after hours.... also I don’t need to explain anything anymore Katie is totally the Boss!

    Oh also the article is on stuff I like it it wasn’t too soppy😳

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  • We went out today!

      12 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Katie needed a dressing change today but I had not heard from the Community nurses in Palmy so I rang them, “We don’t have a referral you need to ring the Hutt” I ring the Hutt” yes we sent the referral I have it here it says it’s gone “ Still don’t hear back from community nurses . Get a call from Palmy Children’s ward “ how is Katie today we were expecting you at 12.30” I’m like Geez no one told me that!! So we hopped in the car to go to get the dressing changed . It was pretty sore but Katie is strong .Went to the chemist that wasn’t fun... Later we paid PAC at Helen O Gradys a visit after sitting in the car for a few minutes , off we went. Of course they are happy to see her . Tonight I can here Katie chatting away it’s awesome

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  • Thank you and it’s time to get walking

      8 March 2021
    Posted by: Pip Brunn
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    Thank you so much for your kindness it really means a lot and it will definitely help.

    After a very late night in theatre Katie has been given the clear to start walking more. She has a bit more foot showing. We could be getting home very shortly .

    It’s been 4 weeks of hell so far and there is much work still to be done .

    We are looking forward to being together as a family again .

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