Friday, October 26, 2012

Henry's Surgery is Nov. 8 - Please Send Henry Positive Energy

Henry's Surgery will be Nov. 8 at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton. This is the Western Centre for Pediatric Cardiology Surgeries of this nature.


Monday, October 22, 2012

Henry - Another Surgery Needed...

( Henry and Mommy playing in Bouncy Castle)


We went to Henry's cardiology appointment for his routine check up. In all honesty, we went feeling like we were going to show off how well he is doing. It was not what happened...

Henry has done remarkably well, by all accounts. He has paced his milestones perfectly with his twin brother Owen. Henry is walking, talking, smiling, laughing, playing like all other little boys. If you didn't know what Henry has been through, you would never sense it in his day to day behaviour and development.

( Omi Holding Owen, Mommy holding Henry )


Since Henry's last surgery in November, 10.5 months ago, we have had one area of concern that Dr. Fruitman, our lovely friend and cardiologist, has been watching. It is a muscle bar that has caused an area of high pressure.

This muscle bar was avoided in the last surgery, since it was not determined to be safe to remove, or move.

Since Henry has grown, the pressures have increased in that area. Medication is not helping to the extent we need it to. If the pressures increase, his heart will be damaged.

The result is that Henry will have another open heart surgery to resect that muscle bar... We wish it wasn't so. We really wish it wasn't...

From a surgical standpoint, the operation is straightforward. From the nature of it being open heart surgery, it is a serious surgery. Henry will once again have his heart stopped, be put on bypass, and opened to remove the muscle bar. We will pray hard to keep any complications at bay.

It is hard, very hard, to bare that thought. Worry never really leaves us these days. We work hard to remain positive, and for the most part we do, but we worry.....wouldn't you?



Henry is so much more aware now that he is 16 months old. What will that mean when he is brought into the terrifying hospital? Henry is a very kind hearted little boy. He is sensitive. He smiles easily, and also cries when scared - loud sounds, unusual circumstances.... It is hard to consider what he will likely be feeling. I want to take away all that will stress Henry. We can only do as much as we can do... I hope it is enough.

( Opa and Henry )


But once again - we are left without decisions to make. Henry needs this surgery, we need to be strong, we will have this behind us again soon.

We have Shelly on our side this time, and that makes a mountain of difference. Shelly is simply the worlds best nanny and is a big part of our family. We take deep solace in knowing we have her in our home, and with her, her whole families support.

( Owen, Shelly and Henry )


We have the Gardners too - led by Cathy and Dave - as much as family as we have in Calgary.

( Gardners joining us for the Henry and Owens 1st Bday in June)

We thank all you guys that are our friends, family and come with us on each step of the way - for your prayers and support.

He is a lovely little boy who deserves a good outcome - he never deserved the hard start he has had in life.


( Daddy and Henry )



Surgery is not yet scheduled, but will be before Christmas.