We finally have a surgery date...Thursday April 26th at 8:00 am. Today we sat down with a Physician's Assistant to discuss the procedure and sign consent forms. We were reminded again about what a delicate surgery this is going to be. His heart is about the size of his fist and they basically have to reconstruct the way it functions. The procedure can take anywhere from 6-10 hours so they are blocking out the day for him. His little body will have to be cooled down and he will be put on a bypass machine while they operate on his heart. Please pray that the surgery goes smoothly and quickly. The less time he is on bypass the better. Bypass is rough on their little bodies and can lead to so many further complications. Also pray that the surgery is effective and that he would have a speedy recovery. We are constantly reminded that the first 24 hours after are a very crucial time. The more prayers being lifted up the better. He will have a long way to go and we will need to take the recovery phase one step at a time. He will come back hooked up to more machines, tubes and drugs than one could imagine and the goal will be to slowly but surely take them each away. Best case scenario is that he will be home 4 weeks after the operation.
Pray also for Joe and I. We will be with him all the way to pre-op where we meet the anesthesiologist, and sign even more papers, and then he will be wheeled away. I can't yet imagine what that is going to feel like but I am tearing up at just the thought. We will be able to see him a few hours after he gets back to his room which will be pretty tough to handle. We have already seen pictures which will take some of the shock away, but looking at a still picture of a stranger compared to your own son in real life will I am sure be much different.
Thank you for your prayers, they mean the world to us. We pray for life for Stephen and that God would use his special heart for His glory.
"The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
The LORD watches over all who love him"
Psalm 145:17-20a
Praying <3
ReplyDeleteThe Lagunas
We will be Praying that whole day for Stephen. We have passed his Prayer request along to our other Prayer chain. You are all our hearts.
ReplyDeleteEmily and the Hupe Family
The Howard's Home Group has also been praying. We will all be praaying fervently for God's loving Grace and Wisdom for the doctors and His loving arms of comfort for you, Joe and the siblings.
ReplyDeleteDorothy Wills, Emma & Michael
Keeping your entire fame in prayer continually. Will be praying for your precious baby boy on Thursday and the days following. Much love and prayers,
ReplyDeleteMelanie collier and family.
Our dear friends,Joe, Kim and family,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for your little Stephen - especially tomorrow and for your tender hearts as you wait. Thank you for sharing your journey with us - Our hearts ache for what you are going through and we ask our Great God to be your comfort and to provide all you need. May He guide the doctor's and give strength and healing to your precious Stephen. We love you, Elaine & Charlie