Monday, January 28, 2008

Say it isn't so...

So...Lucas needs open heart surgery. He had a sedated echocardiogram on Thursday where he was put under to carefully evaluate the anatomy of his heart. Turns out he has something called an ASD -- basically a tiny hole between the upper chambers of his heart. It needs to be corrected to ensure it doesn't pose a future threat.

What does this mean? Open heart surgery, old school -- plasma and blood donations in advance, a night in the ICU, 5 days in the hospital and another week at home recovering, oh, and of course, a big scar to remember it all by. The cardiologist wants to wait until he's 2 years old (or older) because it decreases his recovery time. We're getting a second opinion. This blows. To look at him and watch him light up a room, you would never suspect this imperfection. Like many kids with Down syndrome, he has a congenital heart defect -- ASD is the most common in people with DS -- but luckily, the success rate is extremely high and although lengthy, it's a fairly straight-forward operation. As a parent, you never want to hear "heart" and "surgery" in the same sentence, but alas, here we are. Did I already say this blows? Anyway, we will be getting a second opinion shortly and keep you updated. Please pray for our little man, and for his currently stressed-out, overwhelmed parents.

4 comments:

StephDK said...

You know your whole family is in our thoughts & prayers. Much love... Christian, Steph, Gracie & Oscar

Arie S. said...

My prayers are with Lucas and your family. First and foremost, I wish your second opinion is a more positive one. NO matter the outcome, Lucas looks like a fighter and it is amazing how fast kids can heal with the love and support of great parents. Keep your head high and take it all one step at a time.

G-d bless!

Arie

michele said...

Take a breath, love your child and husband...let them love you, and know that we will be there for you when the time comes. In person if you want!

leonardo perez-herrera said...

LA FE ES UNA DE LAS VIRTUDES MAS GRANDE QUE TENEMOS LOS SERES HUMANOS. USTEDES SIEMPRE ESTAN EN MI MENTE Y ESPECIALMENTE TU HIJO EN MIS ORACIONES. EN UN TIEMPITO VEAS ATRAS Y SOLO LO RECORDARAS COMO UNA EXPERIENCIA MAS. TE QUIERE Y SIEMPRE RECUERDA. LEONARDO PEREZ-HERRERA