Well, as most of you read on Facebook, the surgery is scheduled. Whooooo hoooooo! We are so, so, so excited for this. The surgery has been something that has lingered in our minds since we first found of out Emily's diagnosis 7 months ago. April 17th, COME ON!
The day before surgery, Tuesday, April 16th, we will spend getting to know the surgical team and having loads of pre-op labs done. Emily will have another Echo, chest X-ray, blood drawn, EKGs, and much more. The nurse told us it would be an all day event. We are really excited to meet the surgeon, Dr. Kanter. He is young and in his "prime" as our cardiologist said. We will also meet the anesthesiologist that day and tour the cardiac unit, ICU, and step-down unit where Emily will go after she's released from the ICU.
The nurse said she is expected to be in the hospital for 5-7 days, which is less than we originally thought! She will go from surgery to the ICU where she will stay for a few days. Once she meets certain "benchmarks" she will be released to the step-down unit where we will have a private room and can stay with her overnight. Initially, we will not be able to stay overnight, but we will definitely take advantage for a few days when we have a private room. Emily will be in surgery anywhere from 4-6 hours. A lot of that time is running lines, sedation, and per-surgical work-up. She will have a large scar running from the top of her chest to her belly button (or close to it). It will be a life-long scar, but since she's having surgery early in life, it should heal nicely. We will have to take classes while she's in the hospital to learn how to care for her sutures and other various items before she's released. I am sure it will all be very overwhelming. I probably won't wear any makeup on the day of the surgery because it will all be washed away!
My biggest fear, and I know I speak for Billy too, is making sure Emily doesn't have any complications. Of course with any surgery, infection can creep up and cause complications. I think I also fear of how this will affect Lilly. I want to make sure she has time with us during all this. She definitely senses Emily needs much more and sometimes acts out. What will this do to her- especially given the fact that she won't be in school once we get to Georgia. Friday is her last day and I am deeply saddened. Lilly is a pistol...a fireball...full of energy. She thrives on structure and I know for a while, she just won't have that. We are so happy to be home close to family so that everyone can help and pitch in during this time of transition. We have probably never relied on family as much as we do now and are forever grateful for everyone.
Today Emily weighed in at 8 pounds 4.5 oz. She's still so small. I did get her 4 newborn sleepers today because I just cannot look at the same ones again. It's been 13 weeks of stripes and flowers. We got owls, whales, and hot-colored polka dots today. Thank goodness! After surgery, it is expected that she will lose a little weight and it will be very important for her to maintain body temperature, so she will still be in sleepers for quiet some time. Plus, they are easy to unsnap when we need to clean dressings or check scars. I know all the grandmothers will be happy to buy new ones for her :)
Both our girls are sweet angels. I sometimes think about what I did with my time before kids and I honestly don't remember. What in the world did I do after work? They are our life now. It doesn't get any better than this!
No comments:
Post a Comment