Lainey Johnson Lainey Lee Johnson

Lainey was born February 24, 2017.  Shortly after birth a mass on her neck was noticed.  With no pediatric ENT in Fargo to consult she was taken to Children's in Minneapolis for an appointment and a  plan was made to treat and remove the cyst at around 6 months.  Shortly after returning home, the cyst on Lainey's neck grew larger and began to obstruct her airway and made feedings more difficult.  At 2 weeks of age her parents brought her back to Children's for more immediate treatment.  
At 2.5 weeks she underwent surgery to remove the cyst and remained in the hospital for recovery and to regain strength and the ability to swallow and eat on her own.  About a week after surgery the mass reappeared and breathing noises and difficulty again become apparent.  On Thursday March 23 a second CT scan revealed that the site of the old cyst had filled with air compressing her airway and a second surgery (March 24)  would be needed to repair a small hole from the esophagus to this cavity.  Recovery from these surgeries is not easy as muscles and nerves important for swallowing and speech are all in this area.