Please pray that God works through Dr. Tweddell on Thursday and that the surgery is successful. Pray Caden fights hard to have his body accept his new passive blood flow. That he comes back from surgery not on the ventilator. We pray for no Plural Effusion or PLE. Please pray for Melissa and I to be strong in the face of Caden. Pray that we get to nurse him back to the little boy we love. That Caden is able to return home to his brother Griffin who will be missing him terribly.
Your friends.
David and Melissa
p.s. the above picture was taken during some of the pre-op testing today as CHW. Caden was a tough guy (as he says when he makes muscles) today.
The Fontan operation will complete the 3 stage palliative procedure commonly referred to as the Norwood for Caden. The surgical procedure is to disconnect the inferior vena cava from the right atrium (RA). Then using a synthetic tube the inferior vena cava is extended and attached directly to the pulmonary artery. [In the Glenn (2nd stage) the BT Shunt was removed and the superior vena cava was attached to the pulmonary artery.] Dr. Tweddell also performs a fenestration between the RA and the inferior vena cava. This fenestration will act as a release for blood that may want to back up while Cadens body figures out its new blood flow. Eventually the fenestration will be closed. The fenestration will also help reduce/eliminate the plural effusion these HLHS kids can experience. The result of this surgery, in its simplest form, should be that Caden’s O2sats should go up from their current level of 79 to the low 90 to mid 90’s (eventually) which is the goal Dr. Norwood envisioned when developing the procedure back in the 80’s. Pray we get there.
The Schuzer family is in support of the Smith family in all ways possible. I will be wearing my blue Caden shirt tomorrow to show my support. Even with this small gesture, I will feel close to you guys. I will continue to pray and remain positive during this stage of your little fighter's journey. Caden is in good hands, at CHW and at home, with his parents and brother!!! I hope you can get some rest tonight. You need it to be strong for your boy when he comes out fighting!!!! I love that little guy!!!!! (and you guys too!!)
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I also will wear my blue Caden shirt tomorrow to show my support and know that my prayers are with all of you and the drs. & nurses. I am reminded of the Laura Story song, Blessings, right now and pray that you will feel the love of God surrounding you all. Lifting you up with many prayers from all of our family!
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Lori
Emotional roller coaster is right. Praying for you always!! Have the chills and tears reading this knowing we'll be in your shoes soon...and feeling so bad for Caden and the precious little ones with HLHS. We've been thinking of your family all week. I'm sure that little Griffin will miss Big Brother Caden, but hopefully that'll help Caden fight even stronger! We'll be praying for you the whole way through and beyond. We'll be checking to see how Caden is recovering!!
ReplyDeleteLove from the Pusicks,
Justin, Jodie, Lindsey Jo (Megan, Kirsten, and Eli too)
David, Melissa, Caden, and Griffin...
ReplyDeleteI struggle to find the words to say, but wanted to let you know that you are constantly in our family prayers. We continue to raise you up every chance we get. As we were praying with Dallas tonight, we asked him to tell God that he had to watch over Caden... He did the only thing a 2 year old can do and said "kay"... You can rest assured that with a childs direct connection to God that he will be right there with him tomorrow.
I want you to know that both myself and my family are here for you. I know that I have told you before David, but you can count on me for anything. Ask me, and I am there. We will continue to lift Caden up in our prayers until he is better. Although I dont have a blue caden shirt, I will be wearing blue tomorrow to show my support as well.
Love The Wilson's Dallas, Veronica, Brooke, Whitney, Ashley, and Dallas II
Hi David, Melissa, Caden and Griffin,
ReplyDeleteAs I am wiping away my tears after reading your blog post, I just want you to know that we will continue to be praying for Caden's surgery tomorrow that all will go well and will go as planned by the doctors. We will pray for a completely successful surgery and full recovery for Caden. You are an amazing family and we feel honored to know you and to feel a part of your heart-warming story. Please keep us updated as to how everything goes, but we won't stop praying for all of you and especially for sweet Caden. Love to you all from Arizona, Susie Jensen and family
So many prayers for Caden today! He's in the best hands. That PLE has us terrified too. I'll be checking for updates!
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Teri
Hugs and kisses.... God is good...he will guide you through this! Stay strong and hold on to your faith and the faith of those who love you! See you when you come home!
ReplyDeleteAunt Jilly
We have been praying for Caden and each of you. Prayers are coming your way from So.Il.
ReplyDeleteThanks and I have a tremendous offer: How Much Is Home Renovation split level house remodel
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