We finally got the call from the Children’s Heart Center at UVA. Jade’s pre-op appointment will be the afternoon of October 16th and her surgery is scheduled for the 17th of October. The average stay for open heart surgery for a child is 5-7 days, depending on how well recovery goes.
We were hoping for a surgery date that was a little sooner than that, given that we were told within 2 weeks back on the 5th, but I found out the surgeon our cardiologist would prefer to have do the surgery will be out of town the rest of the month, and won’t be back till October, and he is of the mind that Jade is not in any immediate danger that would require we find another surgeon to do the surgery early.
At least we have a date. We will be getting a packet of information on the procedure, on guidelines and a list of local lodging facilities (including the Ronald McDonald House) near the hospital.
Kind of disappointing to know that we’ll be waiting and continuing to deal with the eating and weight struggles for (over) another month, but at least theres a definite date and end in sight.
If you would, just continue to pray that God would have His hand on Jade (and our emotions and state of mind) during the next month while we await her surgery date.
This is wonderful to hear. I will continue to pray for Jade, you, Alvin, and Dylan.
Jade’s health issue has been in my heart and mind constantly these days. I have been praying throughout the days, praying that the Lord who created her would take care of her and us all in going through this. Oh, merciful God! we put our whole heart of trust in you.
Thanks Heidi and Mom Chao!
I know I say it all the time, but we really do appreciate all the prayers. It means so much to us to know just how many people are thinking of and praying for Jade and the family.
I know she’s in God’s hands and am just reminding myself of that fact one day at a time.
Mike and I are praying for your family, although we have complete faith that Jade will pull through like a trooper! I had an operation very similar to one of hers, and that was back in 1980 when I was about 4, so you’re lucky they caught it in her so early, and that it’s a procedure they’ve been doing forever. She looks great in that picture!
Thanks for sharing that Ro! I didn’t realize you’d had a similar surgery as a kid. That’s very reassuring – you did just fine and I can imagine they’ve only improved the surgery over time. Thanks for the the prayers as well. 🙂
Brooke
Dear Hearts,
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (Jn. 14:27)
All our love,
B,B,M & K
Jade will be in my thoughts and prayers as her surgery date approaches. I can’t even imagine what the wait has been like for you or what it is like watching her struggle until that date arrives, but I know exactly what it is like to watch your baby go through open heart surgery, and what the relief feels like once it is all over and done. Gabe is now 2 months post surgery and you would never know what he has been through excepting the scar down his chest…a scar I love and hate. That scar signifies his fight for life, which I HATE that he had to go through, but it also signifies that he won his battle. That is his life saving scar, and without it, I wouldn’t have him anymore.
For Gabe’s specific defect his team of doctors estimated a recovery time of 7-21 days. He was discharged from the hospital on the seventh day following his surgery at 7.5 lbs. 6 weeks later, at his 2 month checkup his was 10 lbs, 12 ounces and is growing like a weed. He has a 3 month respite from the cardiologist, and for him, he will always remain in the care of a cardiologist.
I know everyone says that nothing will prepare you for seeing your baby after OHS, but for me, it was fine. I barely even saw the equipment and bandages…all I was was that heart line steadily beating away on the monitor. All I saw was that he was still alive.
I can’t wait for this all to be a memory for you and Jade as you cuddle with your plump baby girl.
Aunt Babara – thanks for your constant encouragement and prayers. I always look forward to your notes. (hug)
Emily – Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Gabe’s surgery and your words of encouragement. I also very much enjoyed reading about precious Emma Jayne. Both of your children are absolutely beautiful! I love Gabe’s dark wavy hair. 🙂