Today would be a special day regardless of the outcome. We finally convinced Zachary's medical team of doctors and staff that Zachary was worth the fight. We felt some sense of relief that we made it this long, but on the other hand, we were unaware of what Zachary's future would look like. Six days after Valentine's, the doctors will perform Zachary's first heart surgery. Six days after heart shaped gifts are given to their special someone, we were giving Zachary a special heart shaped gift.
We arrived around 5am to the NICU to hold Zachary and snuggle him. We were not sure if this would be the last time we would be able to give snuggles this side of heaven or if we would be able to hold him in a couple of months. Only God knew what the outcome would be. In that we took comfort. We thanked God that He was in complete control of the entire operation. It was for sure one of the longest days of our life. There is nothing like sitting up on the fourth floor of PCH in the OR Waiting Room for HOURS. Our hearts stopped, our breath bated every time a nurse or surgeon walked thru the back doors. We always tried to catch his/her eye as he would scan the waiting room looking for the appropriate family. When the family was not us, we resumed our wait and prayers.
We were finally given the news: Zachary did great! The surgeons were happy with his progress, you can go and see your boy.
We arrived around 5am to the NICU to hold Zachary and snuggle him. We were not sure if this would be the last time we would be able to give snuggles this side of heaven or if we would be able to hold him in a couple of months. Only God knew what the outcome would be. In that we took comfort. We thanked God that He was in complete control of the entire operation. It was for sure one of the longest days of our life. There is nothing like sitting up on the fourth floor of PCH in the OR Waiting Room for HOURS. Our hearts stopped, our breath bated every time a nurse or surgeon walked thru the back doors. We always tried to catch his/her eye as he would scan the waiting room looking for the appropriate family. When the family was not us, we resumed our wait and prayers.
We were finally given the news: Zachary did great! The surgeons were happy with his progress, you can go and see your boy.
These past couple days David and I have been looking back at pictures and videos we took of Zachary last year. All I can say is what an amazing God we have. Watching the videos of Zachary struggling to breathe with every ounce of strength he had almost made me sick. (He was more than double respirations per minute of an average baby.) But God is gracious and has given Zachary life and He has done amazing things thru all of this.
So thankful God only showed us what we needed to know for each moment. If I would have known back then what we know now I may not have been so nice to doctors :-) momma bear would have come out more.
So thankful God only showed us what we needed to know for each moment. If I would have known back then what we know now I may not have been so nice to doctors :-) momma bear would have come out more.
Next Steps:
We had a doctor appointment with Zachary's eye doctor and his general surgeon. Zachary is going to need surgery on both eyes to correct his lazy eye. We also met with Dr. Egan, who will be performing his next GI surgery. We have received the green light from Zachary's medical team to go ahead and start the processes for his GI surgery.
This GI surgery will be the most complex GI surgery. They will be attempting to correct all his intestinal issues and creating an anus. They say this surgery will be about a 3-5hr operation. Dr Egan has to have one of his partners perform the surgery with him because of the intensity and duration of the surgery. Recovery should not be that long, they say. Dr. Egan also will have to coordinate with the eye doctor so we can his eyes done while Zach is in the OR for the GI surgery. We will try to have these surgeries done mid March.
This GI surgery will be the most complex GI surgery. They will be attempting to correct all his intestinal issues and creating an anus. They say this surgery will be about a 3-5hr operation. Dr Egan has to have one of his partners perform the surgery with him because of the intensity and duration of the surgery. Recovery should not be that long, they say. Dr. Egan also will have to coordinate with the eye doctor so we can his eyes done while Zach is in the OR for the GI surgery. We will try to have these surgeries done mid March.
Thank you for continued prayers. Hope is alive!
February 20, 2014
6AM-
February 20, 2015
Amazing God. Only He knows why He asks us to walk the roads we walk. But look at this amazing little boy. Praying for Zach and you during these further surgeries. I am thankful that he is now strong and ready for them.
ReplyDeleteJust ask wonderful to see what Our God has done in not only Zachary's life, but only God knows how many lives he has affected. God is good.... love you.
ReplyDeleteOnly eternity will reveal the far-reaching effects of the testimony of this little cutie and his brave parents. Praying for you all--Bruce and Marilyn
ReplyDeleteWhat a year indeed! Thank you for sharing Zach's story, your story, with us. It is an awesome testimony of the Lord's faithfulness and your trust in Him regardless of the outcome. Much love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome testimony of God's faithfulness and love. I know God has good plans for little Zachary. Thanks for allowing us the honor of praying for Zachary and the entire family. Love and blessings to all.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all the prayers and support. It means more than you will ever know. No word could express our gratitude.
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