Boston Update

Yesterday was a long day. Levi had his MRI and heart cath. They also ordered a bronchoscope due to his tracheal repair. They wanted to make sure they used the right size breathing tube and cuff so damage would not be done to the trachea. The MRI took 2.5 hours and the cath 1.5 hours. The doctor was well pleased with both tests. Everything they saw was expected except his common valve leak is more severe than they thought and he developed some arrthymias. That threw them off a bit as they developed before the cath was actually begun. So he was admitted to monitor that over night. He seems to be doing fine now but there is some concern that they will return after surgery. The pulmonary artery is not going to be able to be repaired without surgical intervention, so the surgeon will be cutting that section of narrowness to open it up. There are a couple of different options after this is opened and we are unsure what route our surgeon will take at this point. Even with these three issues the doctors are extremely pleased and he has gone from being a "good" candidate to an "excellent" candidate for a BV repair. This is awesome news. <br><br>

So, our major prayer requests are:
 1. That the AV node in Levi's heart would remain undisturbed and not be damaged during surgery. This is the electrical center of the heart and controls the rhythm/beats of the heart.
2. That Levi would not need a pacemaker. That there would be no more instances if arrhythmias.
 3. That the doctors would have wisdom in dividing the common valve and in stopping it's leak.
 4. Wisdom for doctors as they determine the best route to go in opening up the pulmonary artery.
 5. For the two large holes to be patched successfully.
 6. Peace for Levi. He is doing great and everyone can not believe how well he does with a everything. Never complains, always smiling, and always cooperative. He knows this needs to be done. He wants to be able to keep up with the other 5 year old boys. He wants to make a goal this year in soccer. He doesn't want to feel tired after running a few feet. Last night while tucking him in he said he was scared, "just a little bit." Honestly, he is the bravest person I know, but pray he would feel Christ's peace and presence surround him during surgery. 7. For no additional surprises once inside the heart and a smooth and speedy recovery.

Surgery has been moved to Thursday due to an emergency case that came in yesterday. There are so many families here in need. So much hope and fear in their eyes. I am thankful that Christ is our hope. That He has conquered fear and that we can have peace. I know that whatever happens, God's got this. I pray for each family here. That they may find His gift of peace. That their hope will be placed in Him.

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)

Boston

Plane tickets bought. Yawkey House reserved. Hotel reservations made. Everything is in place. Now if my heart and mind would settle. We leave for Boston in 14 days. Levi will have several tests done, a heart cath, and then open heart surgery. It will be his third one. We are praying it will be his last one. That a repair can be made. Levi is always so brave. He never asks questions or complains about his surgeries. He's had 8 in the 22 months he has been home. But heart surgery is hard. It's scary. Last week he started saying he is scared. I don't blame him. Please pray for peace for him. For the doctors to have wisdom and discernment. For a biventricular repair to be possible. For an uneventful and speedy recovery. For siblings left behind and siblings that are coming, but unable to be with me at the hospital. For peace and wisdom for Mark and I.

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)