It's bittersweet...

Saturday Jun 26, 2010

It's bittersweet...

More sweet than bitter
Bitter than sweet
It's a bittersweet surrender
Big Head Todd & The Monsters, "Bittersweet"

News comes slowly these days. We finally heard from the folks at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia yesterday. The hospital is affectionately known as "CHOP" - I'm trusting the nickname comes from their acronym rather than a reflection on their surgical skills. They didn't tell us much that we didn't already know: he does really need surgery, and they think it may likely be a replacement valve as well. That's the bitter part.

The sweeter part (or is this bitter too?) is that they are able to do the surgery and that our cardiologist said if it were his choice to make for his child, he would go there. So, we're Philly-bound. We've had enough "God-winks" in the past 2 weeks - lots of people we know with connections to CHOP - that we really trust we're going the right direction. While I've been in higher ed long enough to know that US News rankings don't mean everything, the fact that CHOP is the #2 rated hospital in the country for children's cardiac surgery means Jay will be in really really good hands there.

Here's where it gets bitter again ... we don't know when surgery will be. It's likely going to be late July or August.

But that's sweet as well. Dr. M gave us clearance to go back to living a semi-regular life, meaning that the Foster quarantine can be lifted somewhat. Still no daycare for either of the boys, but we are free to go to the mall, restaurants, church, and to visit with other (healthy!) kids. We are grateful that we have another month or so of time that we can enjoy.

The last sweet thing is all the love and support that we have received from our friends and family. Thank you all so much--you remain one of our happy thoughts.

Posted at 12:38PM Jun 26, 2010 by Jen Foster in General | Comments[4]
Comments:

Along the lines of "CHOP," my mom's cardiac surgeon's name was Dr. Bladergroen...they called him "The Blade."

Thanks for continuing to post and keep everyone updated. There are so many people to support you all!

Posted by Lisa on June 26, 2010 at 02:58 PM EDT #

I like to think of Philly as the "City of Brotherly Love" and know that love will carry us all through this!! Thank goodness Dr. M gave the OK to enjoy the summer outside the confines of the Foster house....one more little thing to be thankful for!! LYTB - AJ

Posted by jeannette johnson on June 26, 2010 at 06:19 PM EDT #

I love Jay.
I love Luke.
I love Jen.
I love Derek.

Posted by TOJ on June 27, 2010 at 12:42 PM EDT #

My OB's name was Al Killam. Seriously bad name for a human.

Posted by Gabby on June 28, 2010 at 03:30 PM EDT #