4:00 Update

Got to see our boy as he was being wheeled to his room.  We are so excited to see he was off the ventilator and breathing on his own (although he didn't sound good, it was very labored, and he seemed to be struggling).  The doctors said this was "normal" post operative noise some being from the pressure of the chest tubes which are HUGE.   I sure don't remember them being that big from the other 2 surgeries.  They said it would be another hour before we can see him in the room.  He was sedated so we will find out more about medications, his pain relief, and expectations in the next several hours.  We are approaching the 8 hour mark, we are tired, and emotionally drained.  We were hoping to get into the Ronald McDonald Home but sadly they didn't have an opening like they anticipated so the game plan will be to have someone stay with Caden round the clock while we rotate staying at a hotel(s). Not sure yet…..we will figure that out as the days go on.  All I know is there has been very limited sleep these last few days, and we had to leave at 4:30 am to make check-in so it's been exhausting…..and it's only 4:00pm.  I guess it's hard to complain after watching what Caden just went through today……he is one tough little boy!