Friday, December 12, 2008

The good news

Okay....so frustratingly, yesterday I took time away from Yale to come and update... and the darn computer lost what I typed and they were soooo slow I just gave up....:) but now here we go!
Yale is great... his color is great, his bloodwork is great and he is all around doing great :)
It was a long day of 13 hours until we could see him again after we kissed him goodbye. Anne Dipchand came and let us know around 5pm that the heart was in and functioning better than expected, and that they just needed to stop the bleeding.... it was another 3 hours before we got to speak to Dr Calderone...and let me tell you every terrible thought runs through your head when you think it shouldn't be very long. Anyhoo Dr Calderone came to see us shortly before 8 am. He said Yale's surgery was laborious (what heart surgery isn't?) and difficult, but he deems it to be successful. It was really difficult because yale's glenn had to be taken down...which in itself would have been a long tedious surgery...I mean it took 9.5 hours to get yale's heart the way it was...and now they were just ripping the thing out. Dr C had the hardest time with the LPAs...as we all know, yale's lpa has been causing some problems...and is stented...well all that came out and it was reconstructed.... the problem is when they started the heart the pressures in his lungs were completely unbalanced..... they managed to get them a little more even....but far from great.... but they had done all they could do surgically.... time will tell if Yale will need a trip to cath lab in order to stent his lpa again.... or if there is a blockage... but we won't know for sure until they try to extubate...
Really this is all details... the point is...the heart is in...and its working better than anybody could have expected.... in fact Dr C told Yale's nurse he never saw a heart jump like that... LOL...Yale's vessels are going to have to get used to the new pressures.... his veins before had like a trickle of blood running through them, and now its like a fire hose... :)
Oh ya..Dr C doesn't know...but he thinks there was damage to one nerve that controls his left vocal cord. He couldn't really see and he repaired where the throught the dmage was....but only time will tell.... he says in a year if Yale's voice is still hoarse...we'll know its damaged... but its something we'll sacrifice for a healthier heart!

So Yale on his 1st day post op had a central line taken out.... the majority of his meds weaned down....and opened his eyes! :) We were told they were going to leave his muscle relaxants for a while because of how long his pump run was and they didn't want him moving all about... but after the late rounds, they wanted to see him start to wake up.... and so far he is totally neurologically appropriate.... he recognized tylers voice as he was walking into the room and moved his head to look at him... he was rubbing his eyes and even went for his tube before he was restrained... YAY

And man is he pink! lol...

I wanted to take the time to ask everyone to please pray for the donor family that they find some sense of peace at this terrible time. Its like I wish they could see the amazing thing they've done....and not just my child...there was a kid getting a kidney transplant at the same time, who's family was there waiting in the waiting room...:) two lives forever changed because that family in its worst time was generous enough to let they're loss not be for nothing. Every year from now on, on December the 10 I will be doing an act of kindness in honor of the donor and their family. There are no words to express what they have done for my family...and my beautiful little boy...

God is great... and he works in miraculous ways..... and don't worry folks... picture will be coming early next week! :)

now lets all celebrate!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Tanna, what a wonderful first Christmas present for Yale! I hope the other family finds peace in knowing a part of their child lives on.
So happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Tanna, I am sitting here crying as I am reading your blog...I cant imagine the sense of relief you and Tyler are feeling right now...This is by far the best Christmas and Birthday gift Yale could ever receive...Take care and I will be thinking of you as Yale gets stronger every day...
Chris, Cassie and Hunter

Anonymous said...

Tanna...I don't know if I have the words to tell you how thrilled I am that Yale is doing well. Thinking of you guys the last few days has brought back so many memories. I pray that Yale's recovery continues to go smoothly. What a wonderful, amazing gift the donor family has given Yale!

Joanna

Anonymous said...

Hooray Hooray Hooray!!!

Can't wait to see you guys!

Kiss that baby for me!

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to say how wonderful it is to hear your news. I'm crying tears of joy for you and Yale at the moment. Here's praying that the rest of Yales recovery goes according to plan and that you will be able to bring your little man home with you and start enjoying your life as the mother of an active and healthy toddler.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for taking the time away from Yale to update all of us Tanna! Been waiting with baited breath for that very good news. Know that heart hugs and positive vibes are with you guys - here's to a whole new chapter :)
katrina

Heather said...

hallelujah!!!! Yale is pink! I and my family are so thrilled for you and your family. I have been thinking of you and the donor family constantly and I needed to do something so I took the kids to McDonalds last night and they each put $10 in the RMH charity bucket to help pay for your stay! lol Christmas blessing to you!

Anonymous said...

FANTASTIC!!!! We will all be praying for the other family and a smooth recovery for Yale. I can't imagine the range of emotions that you have been experiencing the past few days, you and tyler certainly are strong parents.

So very very happy for you and your whole family!

Anonymous said...

Tanna:
We are thanking God and the doctors for your miracle. Our prayers also include the donor family, and hope they find some peace knowing that they have given you something so precious. Many hugs for all of you, and we will continue to send up prayers.

Anonymous said...

Iam so excited to hear the good news, I was thinking about Yale all day yesterday. I can't wait to see him nice and pink. Take care and thinking of you guys ..keep up the good work Yale.
Kany

Anonymous said...

I'm SO happy for you, and for Yale!! What a wonderful thing to come out of a loss. That family is beautiful!!

Tracy said...

Tanna and Tyler, words cannot express how happy and excited we are for Yale and your family. I remember when I received my new kidney, it is so much to accept. I hope that Yale continues to do well and has a good journey ahead of him. Our prayers are with you,
Tracy, Peter, Malcolm

Anonymous said...

Thank God Tanna, we are so very happy for you, Yale and your family, it's kinda like a rebirth for Yale and what a wonderful feeling it must be. Were praying for him to continue to do well and have a wonderfful recovery, just in time for Christmas!!
God Bless you all!
Sherri, Matt and Tessa

Anonymous said...

Such great news! Congratulations! Lots of thoughts and prayers for Yale and the doner family.

Jenaia said...

Way to go Yale! I am so happy to read about how well he is doing and I pray things continue to improve quickly and you will all be home for christmas. I having been praying for the donor family as well.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news. I am so glad everything went well.
And what a wonderful way to remember the donnor and their family on dec 10 every year.

Drea & Hunter

Veronica said...

Tanna I have been hearing of your little Yale from my Friend Tanya from LM and I am so glad to here that he recieved this most wonderful gift.. I pray for a speedy recovery and that the donor family can find peace in the wonderful gift they have given this Holiday Season..
Veronica

Veronica said...

Tanna I have been hearing of your little Yale from my Friend Tanya from LM and I am so glad to here that he recieved this most wonderful gift.. I pray for a speedy recovery and that the donor family can find peace in the wonderful gift they have given this Holiday Season..
Veronica

Anonymous said...

Tanna,

I am so happy to hear that Yale is PINK!! . It is the season for Miracles. Praying for a quick recovery.

xxoo for Yale.

Tanya (LMs)