Monday, August 4, 2008 in the Evening

Good evening all. I hope everyone had a nice Monday, if that is possible. Christie was at inservice all day today and the boys spent most of the day with Grandma Pat (Christie's Mom). Sorry there are no pics tonight, but there appears to be a problem with the blog server. Zander is doing well today. He was sleeping when I went to see him but he lost his umbilical cord earlier in the day. I know everyone has been waiting on pins and needles to learn whether Zander has an innie or an outie and those betting on the innie are the winners. All joking aside he is still receiving the same amount of milk today that he was yesterday and he is only requiring a wee bit of pain medication and sedative. Zander's constant CPAP air has been turned off. He is breathing on his own through the trach and it appears that they may try to put a humidified trach mask on the little guy tomorrow. He is still receiving a short burst of air on each breath which helps expand his lungs, but he is breathing under his own power. Christie spoke with Dr. Kelley (the surgeon) and he has returned from vacation with the majority of his "honey do" list completed. He checked in on Zander and he is going to take him in for his 3rd surgery on Wednesday at noon. Dr. Kelley wants to see if he can get the esophagus connected. He indicated to Christie that the stomach has obviously expanded due to the increased feedings and no residuals from the feedings, the only question is if it has stretch enough. Obviously, the traction sutures have been pulling the proximal esophagus southward (how much we do not know) and the feedings have expanded the stomach and pushed the distal esophagus northward (how much we do not know). If Dr. Kelley can get the esophagus connected, Zander will have extremely uncomfortably reflux for an extended period of time. It will take 4 to 6 weeks of monitoring in the hospital along with probing into the esophagus to see how his little body tolerates the esophagus being connected. I am sure there will be other things that they look for, but Dr. Kelley has not given us all the particulars at this point. Due to the severe reflux that Zander is likely facing, there is a good chance that he will have to also under go a fungoplication (Google it) surgery as well. Essentially, this procedure involves wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the esophagus to strengthen the valve of the esophagus as it enters into the stomach. It also significantly reduces the stomach's ability to cause reflux. If Dr. Kelley is unable to connect the esophagus at this point, he will attach both ends of the esophagus with traction sutures and begin pulling both ends at the same time. Up to this point in time only the proximal (throat) portion of the esophagus is being pulled by traction sutures. Our hope and prayers at this point are that Dr. Kelley will be able to attach the two ends of the esophagus. We also pray that Zander tolerates the procedure well and that his little body is not placed in too much pain. It is hard knowing what he is facing in light of his recent restful days and weaning from pain meds and sedatives, but we know that God has Zander (and all of us) in the palm of his hand. Thanks Karen and Joe for making time in your busy day to come see Zander. We know that Bert and Dr. Dooley and others have been by to see him, but have just missed us. We hope to be able to see them soon and we thank everyone at RBBC for everything they are doing for us and especially for the prayers. Thanks Joyce for keeping everyone in the loop, we will talk with you soon. We also thank countless others for the prayers, comments and phone calls concerning Zander, the boys as well as Christie and I. We cannot do it alone and thank God each day for all of you. We continue to need prayer, comments and encouragement. This is not an easy thing to endure and one saving grace is knowing that Zander will not remember any of this. As Christie's dad said yesterday, for all Zander knows this is the way you enter the world; however, the lawyer in me both agrees and disagrees with him. I agree that he will likely not remember what his body is being put through, but Christie and I, will never let him forget the love of others, most known and some unknown who have prayed, loved and shared their hearts for his benefit, our benefit and the glory of God. Sweet dreams son....we hope you rest well and keep moving along. We love you and will see you soon. Clancy