Going Well So Far

Jack has been back with the doctors in the cath lab for nearly four hours. Every report that we've gotten so far has been very good. They have closed at least one extraneous vein at this point and are still investigating to make sure there are no other problem vessels. At this point Jack seems to be doing very well with all that they've done and is still sleeping peacefully under anesthesia. I'm sure he's eagerly anticipating the chicken nuggets that they've promised will be ready for him in the recovery area. We're hoping that he has a really good experience today, particularly since we'll be back at some point for a much more invasive procedure.

Thank you for all your prayers. We'll be sure to let you know when he's finished. They require a 6 hour stay in recovery following the catheterization, so we're planning to be home this evening.

Big Day Tomorrow

Tomorrow we're heading to the hospital for Jack's heart catheterization. My mom is here to watch Elijah which Josh, my dad, and I go to Texas Children's with Jack. We are scheduled to arrive there at 7:00. They are predicting that the procedure will last 4-5 hours. So far Jack has had no signs of illness or fever; we're assuming that he will still be doing fine in the morning.

Please be praying for us tomorrow. Here are some specific ways that you can pray:
1. That Jack would be calm, patient, relaxed, and unafraid
2. That we would trust completely in God's good plan for Jack
3. That Jack's heart anatomy and any potential problems would be clear and evident to the doctor
4. That the nurses would be pleasant, fun, caring, and encouraging
5. That any vessels that need to be occluded will be obvious to see and easily fixed
6. That Jack will be kept safe while under general anesthesia, which is more risky for him than most
7. That all the doctors involved would have wisdom in how best to proceed for his next surgery

Thank you all so much. I'll post on here (and Facebook) when we get back home to let everyone know how he's doing. We love you guys!

Busy Week at the Hospital

Tomorrow I'm taking Elijah to Texas Children's Hospital to have ear tubes inserted. This is really not a big thing -- very quick -- and hopefully will help to prevent another winter full of ear infections. I'll be up there by 6:30 a.m., so you early birds can keep me in your prayers. :-) We should be home after just a few hours.

I think that Elijah having minor surgery wouldn't be bothering me at all except for the unfortunate timing with two trips to the hospital in the same week. Jack's heart catheterization has finally been rescheduled for next Wednesday, so now going up there with Elijah just keeps making me think about Jack's more serious procedure looming ahead. I'm trying to focus on the positive things and set any apprehension aside. But I definitely covet your prayers, especially for the doctors that will be making decisions about Jack during and following his catheterization. We're really hoping that we'll be able to have a scheduled date for Jack's surgery as a result of his cath, sooner rather than later. He seems to be having more difficulties with his oxygen levels, which should be resolved following his third surgery. So whereas we aren't looking forward to him having to experience open heart surgery (again), we know that long-term he will feel much better.

So keep Texas Children's in your prayers -- the Turner Boys are coming!