a healed heart

For me, the most delightful way to outline the sequence of events that took place over a 24 hour period and lead up to ‘a healed heart’ is with a timeline of pictures, so here we go……

:: just before leaving for the hospital. he and brother sporting camoflauge (a fav of Buck-a-roo’s), in Stellan-esque style ::

:: brave Buck-a-roo, Synera patch on hand, just before receiving his IV ::

:: angiography picture taken during the procedure. I have traced the PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) {in red} with the contrasted blood flow ::

PRE-COIL

:: angiography picture taken during the procedure. I have traced {in red} the coil that is now in place ::

COIL IN PLACE

:: angiography picture taken during the procedure. I have traced {in red} the coil in place, now minus the contrasted blood flow (as seen through the large Aorta) ::

POST-COIL

(did any of that make perfect sense?)

* I did not take any pictures of my baby while he was intubated; the surgery (originally slated for 3-4 hours) was complete in 1 hour and 10 minutes and was a complete success; skip ahead to post-extubation pictures….now, the rest of the story *

:: resting peacefully following a bit of a battle during extubation ::

:: he woke briefly to notice that he had flowers/balloons delivered, requested a balloon be tied to his hand, and then swiftly went back to sleep for several more hours ::

:: still snoozing and being monitored as Dad and I treat ourselves to Copeland’s of New Orleans takeout in the hospital room ::

:: awake, alert, and smiling FINALLY ::

:: having Dad read him his new book (Thanks Aunt T) just following a minor setback of some nausea and vomiting after eating a handful of Goldfish. he later tolerated Sprite and several popsicles and we were discharged from the hospital and headed home shortly thereafter ::

:: playing early Saturday morning, with Frank-o and his {new} GI Joe (Thanks Uncle Buck and Aunt G) as if nothing ever happened. the only evidence of heart surgery are the EKG electrodes still present on his back ::

From the initial shocking diagnosis, the days leading up to the surgery, the prayers and well wishes from our friends and family, the remarkable success of the surgery, and the impeccable strength of our son have all been slightly OVERWHELMING.

We do not/did not ever lose sight of the fact that God is our Savior and without him….we are nothing.

We have been awed and amazed at our incredible son.

We are ever so grateful for the team of physicians and nurses {MY dear friends} that treated Buck-a-roo.

We are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family that continuously prayed for Buck-a-roo for this time period that spanned exactly one month and one day.

This has been a 32 day rollercoaster ride that has come to an end and following a one week, one month, and six month check-up it will be all but a memory, or in the words of our fine pediatric cardiologist, “discharged…..goodbye…..have a nice life!”

VAUGHNfamily

August 21, 2009

Today, I took Buck-a-roo to the ENT for a follow-up visit and to receive clearance for anesthesia tomorrow.

His right ear remains infected, though much less than a week ago. Nonetheless, she insisted on “vacuuming” it once more before he goes nighty-night tomorrow. It is like tackling a ferocious tiger in the wild and holding it down against it's will while dangling fresh red meat in front of it tough, to say the least, to “vacuum” his ear out; but, we got it done and received the all clear two thumbs up go ahead for his surgery tomorrow morning.

This morning, of all mornings, Frank-o complains that “sumphin is in my ear”. {fantastic!} Anyone who knows this kid, anyone who has heard of this kid, or anyone who had read about this kid, knows that he is ‘the kid’ that would put something in his ear! So, needlesstosay, accompanied us on the visit to the ENT as well.

Come to find out, he had NOT put anything in his ear; however, his tube that was supposed to be in his eardrum had made its way out and was embedded in the side of his ear canal. Next ensues my holding down another ferocious wild beast during feeding time a second kicking, screaming, flailing child while the doctor removed the embedded tube from his ear canal.

The three of us left the ENT’s office a mere 17 minutes and a $100 later, two wailing and one distraught. A hour-long commute back home and I am removing the boys from the carseats as they are both zonked out and I touch Frank-o's forehead and feel that he is warm; I take his temperature to find out that it is 102.5. A phone conversation to the ENT leads to the verdict of, it’s either a fever virus or an infection that has mustered itself following the removal of the embedded tube in his ear. {fabulous!}

Later in the evening, I receive a phone call from the cardiology nurse informing me that the PICU (where we are to be admitted in the morning) is full…….you know, like, NO VACANCIES AT THE INN. {frickin incredible!}

Tired of that talk…….me too!!!!!!

Since it completely goes against my grain on this blog to publish a post pictureless…….feast your eyes on the two collages below of the boys, fancily dressed and plaid-clad, for their Fall School Pictures!!

OOOH…..AHHH…..AWWWW!!

Ok….back to tomorrow!! August 21, 2009!

GO Day!! Game faces on! {following a phone call to the PICU in the morning to ensure bed availability}, we will report to the ICU at 1000 for surgery at 1230.

[Need I remind everyone, that exactly 1 month and 1 day ago.......Buck-a-roo and I planned on a day to consist of a trip to the pediatrician for a 4 year old checkup with shots and a lunch date with Dad. Geesum Pete's!]

Goodnight.

I will rest tonight knowing that it ALL rests in the hands of the Lord tomorrow!