Surgery

holding Emmie before her surgery

Emmie had her first surgery this morning. She was a trooper and was very feisty. The ventilation tube clearly irritates her and she was constantly trying to spit it out. This morning Liz and I arrived to visit Emmie at 0500. Emmie was taken to the OR at around 0730. This was a very difficult time for us. We kissed her goodbye and watched as they rolled her into the OR. I felt totally helpless. Throughout this ordeal, I am constantly reminded of sweet Lawson Finch and his experiences under similar circumstances. My heart breaks all over again for Angel, Hunter and their respective families. Fortunately, we have been blessed with a defect that is less serious and a medical team that is far more personable.

Emmie did well during the surgery and we were given multiple reports by Dr. Mello's NP Sherry. She started all reports off by first telling me she was fine. Those 3 words made the rest easier to deal with. Unfortunately, they were unable to correct the VSD and place a conduit because of the placement of her coronary arteries; therefore, they placed a shunt and will do the second portion of the operation between 4-6 months of age. We are disappointed about that but are hopeful that it will all work out for the best. She'll continue to be "blue" until the next surgery but the doctors assure us that she will grow and thrive. Tonight she is doing well - squirming and kicking around. That feisty spirit is what's going to carry her through these trials of her young life.

We are thankful for all of the thoughts, prayers, calls, and emails.