We could tell you about our cardiology appointment today, the last one before the surgery. Where we looked at that big gap in the center of her heart on the echocardiogram screen for the last time, and looked forward to that same screen showing us four distinct chambers very soon. Where we learned of the many possibilities that could happen during and after the surgery, and what is normal and what not to freak out about, even though it sounds scary. Where we learned that Grace is at the beginning of heart failure, but that that doesn't mean anything near as bad as it sounds, that it just means she's ready for the surgery and the timing is good. And where we were reassured we had chosen a good surgeon and were given a big hug by the talented and compassionate Dr. Geiger.
We could tell you about our physical therapy appointment today, where Grace did well with her tummy time and showed that there are some neck muscles in there somewhere. Where we learned that in addition to her hip helpers, she may benefit from a helmet worn 23 hours per day in order to help her head shape develop more symmetrically so that it is not so hard for her to lift her head one way. Where we celebrated the fact that she made it through an entire 30 minute session awake.
But we'd rather tell you about our favorite part of each day, the part of the day that makes all the worries and concerns just fall away. Actually, we'd rather show you:
What a delight to see this sweet girl! She's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm writing to encourage you through the heart surgery next month. I found that the waiting was the most excruciating part (aside from handing our daughter to the surgeon). My imagination was far more worse than reality.
And yes, I wonder why they call it "heart failure". It's so gloomy. I love how you've explained it (and how your cardiologist did as well).
Please know that the stage was set for Grace to have this amazing lifesaving surgery by many generations before her. My own uncle was instrumental in perfecting the heart-lung machine, and doctors before his time were laying the foundations for medications and surgical techniques for Grace's successful surgery!
I'll be following along, and can't wait to see Grace grow stronger. There are a legion of Ds Mamas who are rooting for all of you!
I am thinking of all of you and wondering how things are going. I love your pictures and updates. God Bless You!
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