Tomorrow is the big day! The surgeon came by yesterday to talk to us - Fairfax Hospital has two very experienced pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons - and they will work on Abby together tomorrow. One came by to see us and explain the procedure and recovery to us. The consent forms we had to sign were easy because next to "Alternatives to Surgery:" the doctors had written in "None".
Today Abby had some blood drawn so they could "type and cross" her blood. (Don't really know what that means - but we hear it all the time on Grey's Anatomy, so it feels very official to say.) They've also put in an IV so they can give her fluids tonight after they stop her feeds at midnight. In order to protect the IV (on her right wrist) she has a splint built around her arm. That made it so she could only wear a hospital gown - which frees up her left arm for feeding tube removal. She's amazingly quick at that - so she has a "No-no" on that arm, keeping her immobile (in theory... however, in reality, she can sneak her arm out of that thing too!) Her nurse is going to try taping a sock around her arm.
Linzy and the nurse gave Abby a special anti-bacterial bath tonight at 9:30 to make sure that the skin near her incision is germ-free. She'll have another bath at 5 AM - and be taken down to surgery around 6:30 AM.
We really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers on Abby's behalf - for her, for her doctors, and for a quick recovery. Oh... and for us, and our unbelievable nerves and anxiety right now.
2 comments:
Dear Chris, Linzy and Abby,
I can't even imagine what you must be feeling as you walk through this valley, but have been lifting you up in prayer for days to experience the peace of God which passes all understanding, and for the surgeons to be given the mind of Christ and abilities far beyond their skill and training, on behalf of this precious little one who has been placed in your care. As I've read your blog, it has been with tears in my eyes, as I've "gleaned" that you are the perfect parents for Abby...full of love, tenderness, humor and a special brand of nurturing. I thank God for the gift that you are to her and that she is to you both, and will continue to pray for you. Waiting with you through this long day, Janice & Jake
Linzy & Chris, we couldn't have said it better than Jake & Janice. Know that you and Abby are prayed for by MANY. Trusting God to love and care for your Abby beyond what you can hope or dream of - with love, Brian & Laura Smalley
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