After dropping off Cooper's images last week, we've been waiting to hear what's next. While we scheduled surgery, Dr. Gus and Dr. Einzig were still contemplating whether to order an MRI or a CAT scan.
We now know that Cooper will have an MRI late next Monday, Sept. 24. He will be under an anesthetic, but hopefully, because of the small dose, it will only take about 30 minutes to recover.
When I talked on the phone with Dr. Gus, he was still unsure whether he would be able to cut out the narrow section and suture the top and bottom or if he'd have to put in an artificial graft - the unknown being the reason for ordering the MRI.
We are continuing to hope and pray that in three weeks from this moment - 7:30 PM of Oct. 8 - Cooper's surgery has been a success and he is resting comfortably with his issues fixed. Thanks to everyone who is doing the same.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Let the Countdown Begin...
Our long wait is over. Cooper has a surgery date. We found out that Cooper will have his surgery the morning of Monday, October 8.
After the saga of the picture CD, Dr. Gustafson's PA, Tammy, called us this evening to let us know that both Dr. Gus and Dr. Einzig reviewed the disc. She said that it appears that Coop's coarctation is long, which means that they will more than likely have to insert an artificial graft instead of simply cutting out the narrowed section and attaching the top to the bottom.
Dr. Gus and Dr. Einzig are supposed to meet again to discuss if a MRI or CT scan is necessary. Tammy said that an MRI will provide much clearer images, but a CT scan will allow them to view pressures.
We let her know that, for our own peace of mind, we would be on board with either to ensure a clear plan is in place before surgery and there aren't any surprises in the operating room.
Although the thought of him being put under is scary, if that makes his surgical team more prepared, then we are ok with that.
After the saga of the picture CD, Dr. Gustafson's PA, Tammy, called us this evening to let us know that both Dr. Gus and Dr. Einzig reviewed the disc. She said that it appears that Coop's coarctation is long, which means that they will more than likely have to insert an artificial graft instead of simply cutting out the narrowed section and attaching the top to the bottom.
Dr. Gus and Dr. Einzig are supposed to meet again to discuss if a MRI or CT scan is necessary. Tammy said that an MRI will provide much clearer images, but a CT scan will allow them to view pressures.
We let her know that, for our own peace of mind, we would be on board with either to ensure a clear plan is in place before surgery and there aren't any surprises in the operating room.
Although the thought of him being put under is scary, if that makes his surgical team more prepared, then we are ok with that.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
It's Not About Me
As I sat in front of one of the sweetest people we have dealt with through this entire process, I had the heartbreaking realization (no pun intended) that this is not about me anymore! I keep saying - suck it up and get on your big girl pants. By the way, my pants are getting tight from all the chocolate deliveries in the past week - I'm certainly not complaining. In fact, I received a one-pound Reese's cup last week - how do you even begin to eat that???? It looks like a birthday cake sized Reese's cup.
ANYWAY. . .back on track. . .
Have you ever received news you didn't want to hear, and immediately following you just shut down and feel like you're in some tunnel with voices echoing around you. I almost picture myself sitting there shaking my head as if to clear something from my ears like I didn't hear this woman correctly when she told me I wouldn't be able to hold my baby for two to three days. WHAT???? I never signed up for that part, come to think of it, I never signed up for ANY OF THIS. How does a mommy just accept the fact that she can't hold her baby. The crazy thing was, in that moment, as I sat there dumbfounded crying, I looked up at Perry and he had tears in his eyes and he said those tears were for me, because at that moment he felt my sadness and I know it hurt him. I've always known how incredible my husband is, but at that moment we connected on a level far deeper than anything we've ever experienced. We know that we have to be strong for our baby, and we also know that we have to hold each other up. There is no doubt in my mind that we will do that.
I heard so many things I didn't want to hear today and I'm still processing what they mean: tubes, IV nutrition, 48-hours with no "ba-bas" or his favorite food (what we call "squishy, squishy squash"), blood pressure medication, pain medication, a three-day sedation, and the list goes on and on.
SO - we wait for tomorrow or maybe Thursday. . .
ANYWAY. . .back on track. . .
Have you ever received news you didn't want to hear, and immediately following you just shut down and feel like you're in some tunnel with voices echoing around you. I almost picture myself sitting there shaking my head as if to clear something from my ears like I didn't hear this woman correctly when she told me I wouldn't be able to hold my baby for two to three days. WHAT???? I never signed up for that part, come to think of it, I never signed up for ANY OF THIS. How does a mommy just accept the fact that she can't hold her baby. The crazy thing was, in that moment, as I sat there dumbfounded crying, I looked up at Perry and he had tears in his eyes and he said those tears were for me, because at that moment he felt my sadness and I know it hurt him. I've always known how incredible my husband is, but at that moment we connected on a level far deeper than anything we've ever experienced. We know that we have to be strong for our baby, and we also know that we have to hold each other up. There is no doubt in my mind that we will do that.
I heard so many things I didn't want to hear today and I'm still processing what they mean: tubes, IV nutrition, 48-hours with no "ba-bas" or his favorite food (what we call "squishy, squishy squash"), blood pressure medication, pain medication, a three-day sedation, and the list goes on and on.
SO - we wait for tomorrow or maybe Thursday. . .
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