Like a surgeon..
So little Jay is continuing to do well here at Duke. His surgery has now been scheduled for early tomorrow afternoon (3/ll/08), but we are a little unsure of the exact time depending on how long the first surgery of the day lasts. The surgery will take 2-4 hours depending on how much they have to do to repair his aorta. The plan is to make an incision on his side between his ribs instead of through his sternum like in adult heart surgeries. After surgery, he will go back to the pediatric ICU for recovery and stay 1-3 days. From there he will likely move to the pediatric cardiac section of the hospital and stay for another 7-10 days healing from surgery and learning to do all the newborn things--like eating and pooping. He's already pretty good at the pooping part even though he isn't eating anything orally. He showed Jen his skills while she was holding him today. Being a Foster, he'll probably pick up the eating thing pretty quickly too!
After talking to three different pediatric cardiologists (Drs. Millazzo, Weschler, and Delaney who are all wonderful), his prognosis is good after surgery. They expect that he will be a normal kid, but will have to be monitored his whole life by a cardiologist. It is great that everyone here is so upbeat about his prognosis, but it is still really scary to imagine them operating on our little guy's heart--that's God's country according to the surgeons.
We've enjoyed getting to spend time with him in the PICU, and have even been able to hold him most of the day. It does take several people to move him from his bed because he is hooked to so many lines and monitors, but the nurses are incredibly helpful and caring. One of them even spent part of last night rocking him. He seems to already be a ladies man and won the hearts of several of the female staff.
Our moms have established a camp in the waiting room anxiously awaiting any news, since only parents are allowed back to see him. They keep reminding us to eat and rest which we try to do, but there just doesn't seem to be enough time for all that we want or need to do.
Here are a couple of pictures. The first is soon after he was born, and the second is in ICU here at Duke. What a cutie!
Posted at 11:07PM Mar 10, 2008 by Jen Foster in General | Comments[4]
Jen,
Please know that I'm thinking of all of you ... and that Jay is most certainly in my prayers. I know that he will be home soon and in your arms. Baby Jay is adorable! I can't wait to meet him.
Marion
Posted by Marion Zanga on March 11, 2008 at 08:02 AM EDT #
Hello young Jay, How wonderful to see you! Just pretend that I am gently pinching your cheeks!
Good luck today and don't squirm too much! Those
nurses will keep you in place! Just a warm squeeze from the crazy lady your mom works with!
Ms. Jen, I miss you! I have no one to tease! I have not raided your chocolate stash either!
From the bottom of my heart, know that I am thinking of you and yours.
Jay is in safe hands. Then he will be in your arms again.
Just standin' in your office doorway.....
Teri
Posted by Teresa D. Carpenter on March 11, 2008 at 08:12 AM EDT #
I have the whole state of Colorado sending Jay happy, healthy thoughts and prayers. He is so stinkin' cute! I can't wait to meet him next weekend and give you and Derek a huge hug. I wish I could be there with you right now but I am there in spirit. Love love love to all three of you.
Posted by Aunt Jamie on March 11, 2008 at 09:46 AM EDT #
Derek and Jen- Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about all of y'all. Jay is a handsome little fellow and I know he is in good hands.
Posted by Paul Arfmann on March 11, 2008 at 01:34 PM EDT