A picture of Caden's chest X-ray. You can see the wire sutures that closed his chest back together along with other pacer wires which are placed in case Caden's heart rhythm becomes abnormal.
Caden Marshall 2 hours post surgery on 5-29-09---------------------------------------------------
It’s not even 3:00 pm and David and I feel like it’s midnight. We have just experienced what no parent should EVER have to see or go through. A code. Not once, but twice. Caden seemed to be doing fine this morning, the morphine that was used to take the edge off his pain was wearing off. Caden seemed a bit “goopy” sounding in his throat (so they deep suctioned him to get any goop out of his airway) and administered his regularaly scheduled dose of morphine. Within ten minutes we noticed his oxygen saturations sharply dropped to 50, then 40, then to 28. The normal rebound didn’t occur, then he quit breathing. His face and arms were blue. I pushed the code button on the wall and in swarmed 15 doctors within seconds. David and I sat speechless in the corner as we listened and watched what was the longest 8 minutes of our life. After another 20 minutes, Caden coded again. We know we are in a critical stage now, and there is a reason we are here in the ICU, but the fear of witnessing such an event is horrifying. Doctors believe his paralyzed vocal cord (which was injured in the Norwood surgery) along with his normal functioning vocal cord went into spasms immediately cutting off all air supply. We can't help but sit and stare at the monitors but we know God is in control and is watching over our son even in difficult times like these.
Love -
Melissa and David
I'm so sorry you had such a frightening experience. I cannot even imagine what that must have been like. Continued prayers for Caden, and for both of you.
ReplyDeleteOh Melissa and David, my heart goes out to you. I can't even begin to imagine the scare of it all. Yes, God is in control and he will take care of Caden in his own way at his own pace. You both are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteBeefing up the prayers in Mundelein.
ReplyDeleteDear David & Melissa, I'm so sorry you had to go through the 2 codes on little Caden. It's something that no parent should ever have to do but God has a plan and I'm praying that it is for Caden's recovery. My heart goes out to you all. Love, Aunt Ginny
ReplyDeleteWe are praying down here in Plainfield. Wearing my Caden shirt as I type. God is in control and keep the faith. We asked Grandpa to have a talk with the big guy up there for Caden. Our hearts are with you guys. Love Ya.
ReplyDeleteRick Nancy Girls
The prayer chain has been started, from Illinois to New Mexico. We will just pray, pray and pray some more. We love you!!!
ReplyDeleteBeerbowers
Standing with you in prayer and faith. May you feel God's tender touch and mighty strength. Blessings, Tom and Gloria
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you all- I think the entire Midwest and beyond is praying for that strong boy! Keep your heads up and stay strong TOGETHER- your love and faith is going to get you through this.
ReplyDeleteMuch love- Meg
Dear David and Melissa - I know I haven't posted, but I have been following Caden's journey and praying for you guys since before Caden was born. We've spent much time in the valley ourselves, but I can truly say that God is always faithful. We will be heading back to the OR with our daughter on July 13th for her 8th open heart surgery. Remember where your hope lies. God has a plan for that precious little guy of yours. He created him with a plan and a purpose. He knows and feels your pain. Rest tonight knowing that "man" cannot add a day or take a day away from his life. We are praying for God's hand of protection to lay on sweet Caden, for His mercy and grace to fall like rain and wash over His child, for God to breathe life into his broken little body, and for His strong arms to wrap around you all and hold you up when the burden feels too heavy. He will carry you through the valley. He hears your cries and He knows the burning desire in your heart for Caden to be healed. We are pleading for His Will to align with the desires of your heart! And boldly asking for God's hands of healing to hold Caden tonight. Praying for angels to hover over Caden and stand guard all around His room. Praying that you would feel His presence tonight and experience peace that could only be possible by resting in His arms during times like these. Praying that His mercies are new in the morning and that God would encourage you in a tangible way. Know that there are hundreds and hundreds of people praying for your little boy. We are storming the gates of heaven and we will continue to do so for as long as it takes. Know that you are not alone. We are all here, family in Christ, walking this path with you and holding up your arms for you when you are weak.
ReplyDeleteSending our love and staying on our knees...
Amy Johnson
(GCHS Nurse)
On behalf of friends at The Chapel, know that WE ARE PRAYING. My heart is heavy for you guys & Caden...but, I have abundant hope & confidence that God will bring him through this recovery.
ReplyDeletePhilippians 4:13 promises that Christ will empower you for anything you must face. He will give you inner strength to face those challenges. Lean on Him now David and Melissa. Caden is a lucky little boy whose parents are fighters as well. You are lifted up in prayer by so many.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Lori
He is with you ESPECIALLY in times like these. Remember, right now there are only one set of footprints in the sand, for it is now that He is carrying ALL OF YOU!
ReplyDeleteHoping and sending you all the positive wishes, karma, prayers, vibes, & peace!
Keep Strong, little Miracle Baby.
ReplyDeleteHundreds of people who have never even met you love you so much. We are all praying for you and will continue to pray through this tough time.
Lots of love to you all.
Please remember that the three of you are constantly in our prayers and thoughts. We love you all very much as do hundreds of others. God is with the three of you as you go through this journey. You are all fighters and we pray that we will get to see you all soon and have the chance to hold your precious little son. May God bless the three of you.
ReplyDeleteLove you all,
Uncle Mike & Aunt Shirley
Just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs, hugs and more hugs,
Tracee
Sending our love and prayers your way! You're always in our thoughts. Mary Jo, Tony & boys
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I can't stop thinking of you guys. I'm hoping today was a much better day for Caden and both of you! Positive thoughts are constantly being sent to Milwaukee!
ReplyDeleteLove you guys!
Chris
You have been on my mind all day. We have been praying for Caden and each of you. We are praying you will feel God's peace that only He can give. In our prayers,
ReplyDeleteKristi