Schedule of Events

I am sorry it has taken so long to update. Things have been a whirlwind since Landon's appointment on Monday. His echo showed no improvement and, therefore, surgery is needed to replace his pulmonary valve. Shortly after the appointment, probably due to stress, I became a bit ill. Thank goodness my mom was around to take care of the kids so I could rest up for the rest of the day, that night, and the following day.

Of course, one can't help but think of all the scary things that go along with open heart surgery. It is just frightening to think of my 4 month old son having to go through so much. However, after I started feeling better, I started planning for the event. Buying outfits for him to wear at the hospital that would allow access to his chest but still keep him warm, new socks, finding care for kaitlyn while we are at the hospital, etc.

I was able to talk to a wonderful nurse about the whole procedure. This isn't going to be a permanent fix. The valve will have to be replaced as Landon grows. No one is sure how long Landon will have between surgeries but she said to count on years instead of weeks. Even after Landon stops growing, there is a chance of it having to be replaced since the valve can calcify (harden) and need to be replaced. Depending on what size they need for Landon, the replacement (for now) will either be bovine (cow), pig or human. After he stops growing he could possibly get an artifical valve.

Landon is set for surgey on August 5th (this coming Wednesday). He is the first case of the day so he should be in the operating room around 7:30 or 8:00 am. I was told to expect 4-5 hours for surgery where the first hour is getting him all set up and the last hour slowly taking him off the bypass machine. His heart does not need to be stopped for the surgery ( I didn't even think of that until the nurse mentioned it). Landon will be in the cardiac ICU for 2-3 days before being moved to the progressive care unit where he will be for another 3-4 days. So it looks like, if all goes well, about a week stay in the hospital.

To top it off, Landon had an urology appointment this past week. He has what is called a hydrocele (fluid around his testicle). Usually it goes away on its own but Dr said that it is commuting ( I dont' know what this means, I should of asked) so will most likely need corrective surgery. Not as big of a deal, it is same day surgery.

Phew. There is the update. I promise to have constant updates the day of the surgery as we are updated on Landon's progress. And, of course, we never would turn down a prayer for our litle man :)

And now, some pictures