They saved our son's life......

Lifesaver's: Dr. Tweddle (Caden's Cardiothorasic Surgeon), and Dr. Nancy Ghanayem (cardiac intensivist) a visit during our clinic appointments on 7-31-09

It has a been a great couple of days. First we had our doctor's appointments up in Milwaukee to do the swallow study in radiology and our cardiology appointment in Herma Heart Center . David and I couldn't have asked for better appointments. The morning started out with Angie our speech therapist who set things up for Caden to do the swallow study. This test is a x-ray /video of Caden as he swallows in various positions. The purpose of the test was to determine if Caden is/would aspirate if we fed him more solid foods. Aspirating (when the fluid goes into the bronchi and lungs) can occur with dysfunctional swallowing which Caden has struggled with since there was some vocal cord damage during the Norwood operation (the operation he had at 5 days old). In order to see the results of this test Angie mixed Barium into his milk and rice cereal and as he swallowed we could see it on the video screen. It was very interesting to see Caden's swallowing pattern and how he isn't as organized while swallowing when more upright but he didn't aspirate. David and I will continue to sideline feed him (on his right side) as he is more organized and doesn't work as hard. However, we we did get the ok to start rice cereal once a day in normal position. This was great news.

After our appointment we wanted to visit the 3rd floor (Cardiac Intensive Care). We were able to see Dr. Nancy (intensivist), Dr. Tweddle (cardiothorasic surgeon), some nurses , doctors and other heart families. How do words describe a picture of the two people who were responsible for saving our son's life. I was so excited to see the both of them together (which rarely happens as Dr. Tweddle is always in surgery) I asked to snap this photo. I was so overwhelmed my hands were shaking so it's a bit blurry. The graditude is beyond words.

After chatting with the two of them we were able to talk to other HLHS parents who we stay in contact with. We enjoyed lunch together (thanks Chris and Michelle) and then went up to our Cardiology appointment.

The cardiologist also gave us great news. He told us he didn't hear the tricuspid valve regurgitation which is the valve that is in between the right atrium and right ventricle. We will continue on the doseage of 5ml of Captipril 3x a day along with his other meds. Julie from dietitics also stopped in our appointment to go over where Caden falls on the growth chart. She wants us to continue on the fortified formula (27k cal) to help him continue to gain weight since eating is still a lot of work for Caden. After the cardiologist listened to him, and we talked about meds, and vaccinations we were told we don't have to return for 2 MONTHS! This is such awesome news!!

We left CHW and made a quick stop by the Ronald McDonald House to drop off donated pop tabs that were given to us and had the opportunity to see Marilyn the house director. It was definitley a day full of emotions. It is strange how being back can be so comforting, yet bring back a wave of emotions. I'm sure that feeling will never go away as we relive each day with the other families who too are waiting for the day they can take their little ones home. Baby Carsyn, Lillyann, and Gabi.....keep fighting! You are God's miracle.

We ended our weekend with my parents who were up visiting. It was so nice to have the ability to spend some quality time with Caden since they don’t get to see him often. Thanks mom and dad for helping us around the house and allowing us to come over to the hotel to enjoy Caden's first dip in a pool. It was great to spend time with you both. We love you.

Thanks again for all your prayers for Caden's continued strength. He is doing very well and we are grateful for the ability to get such great news like we did this weekend.

God is great!

Love - Melissa