Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at about 6:30 p.m.

Hello everyone! What another draining day. Zander underwent surgery earlier today and by the grace of God everything went well. Dr. Kelley said he was able to wrap the esophagus with the upper portion of the stomach. In fact, Dr. Kelley said he used more of the stomach than he thought he would, but he felt like the surgery was a success and he thinks this procedure will eradicate Zander's reflux altogether.
Zander endured the procedure well. He was a bit groggy after the surgery and he is heavily medicated with pain meds at this point, but he is doing well. As you can see from the pictures above, Zander has endured a lot, but he remains, as well all do in God's hands. The surgery today gave him yet another scar to brag about in the future. He essentially has about a 3 inch incision from his belly-button to his sternum.
At this point, Zander will receive nothing but fluids through his central line (CVL) for the next few days. Once regular feeding through the G-tube resumes, he will likely be on continuous feedings in order to stretch the lower part of the stomach.
Chrisite, Houston, Jackson and I just returned from seeing Zander. He is resting at this point and he, as mentioned above, is heavily medicated. On an even better note, Ethan checked out today and we we able to be there as Chad and Amber were leaving. Thanks to all for the prayers for Ethan and his family and please, please, please keep them in your prayers as they are waiting to speak with a specialist in Cincinnati.
Thanks are also in order for each of you that pray, comment and wish our family well. I CANNOT ADEQUATELY EXPRESS IN WORDS THE GAMUT OF EMOTIONS WE GO THROUGH ON A DAILY BASIS, BUT I CAN TELL YOU THAT WE CANNOT DO IT ALONE AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. We try to count it all joy each day, but some days are easier than others. Today is one of those days.
I will write again tomorrow...unless I receive more news this evening. May God bless and keep each of you this evening and through the night. Tomorrow will bring new grace, but today's was a blessing in and of itself.
Keep moving along Zman....rest easy boys. We love you.
Clancy

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful Zander had a good day! My thoughts and prayers are with you each day- and I am so amazed at Christie and her strength. He is one lucky little boy to have been born into such a special family! Love to you all! JAmie Brock

Unknown said...

Zman looks wonderful! Thanks so much
for giving us this up-to-the-minute information
on his progress.
Take a lesson from your dear son and get some
much needed rest (if possible).
So glad to hear that Zander is that much closer
to being under the same room as his wonderful
family.
Love,
Mo

Unknown said...

Good news for our little ZMan. I hope you all are finding ways to reenergize. Zander will be resting well with some excellent pain meds and you all should try to get some much needed rest as well. Take care and know that we continue to think of you and pray for you often.
Much love,
Aunt Heidi and family

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad the surgery went well. You have been in my prayers today. I am asking the Lord to give you all a restful night and to give little Zander a quick recovery from this latest surgery. Hang in there and know you are loved and cared for.
Alice Greer

Anonymous said...

Praise God! I am so happy Zander made so much progress. Keep the faith!
Diane Stacy

Anonymous said...

What great news! I've been on pins and needles all day!! God is good. We pray for Zander and your family everyday!!
Gina Phillips

Dave said...

Had to check on the Zman before I left for work. He is in my thoughts and prayers as are his parents! He is a strong and awesome little man. Thank You Lord! Get some rest.

Dave Mullis

Anonymous said...

Wow I am truly amazed at the awesomeness( I know Christie its not a word)at what God does just for the asking. He says to ask and you shall receive...Its true! As we can see in Zander. Like I said yesterday..Praise God! Remember you guys are continually in our prayers in Sale Creek.

I love you...give Huey and Jackson a big hug and kiss for me,

Christy

Anonymous said...

What exciting news! I'm so thankful that the doctor even had more to work with than he expected....that seems like the success rate should be doubly good ;)

We love you guys and can't wait for the day that Zander gets to come home. He'll have to call baby Ethan and find out what life is like on the outside!

You are loved,

Julie Davis

Maddie said...

We are so glad to hear that the surgery went well. We will continue to pray!

Anonymous said...

"The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. 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 145:17-20

It helps me to remember that He is watching over us, ready to fulfill our desires and respond in love to our call. So we will continue to pray and trust Him with the challenges of each and every day!
Karen

Anonymous said...

Sweet baby! What a fighter he is. As always, your family remains in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear that the surgery went well and that Zander came through like the trooper he is! Zander is an inspiration, but so is the rest of the family. You all must feel like the Energizer bunny, going and going and going. I pray that there's plenty of rest for you all and that Zander gets to go home soon.

God bless,

Janet Tilley

Anonymous said...

Its so good to read the good news about Zander. God never ceases to amaze me with the miracles that he performs daily. You all are still in our prayers.

Amy Seals

Anonymous said...

We're really happy and relieved that Xander came thru the surgery with flying colors. I know that our prayers & prayers from everyone are being answered, so let's keep going so that this tough little guy can get home with his parents & big brothers. Hang in there & all will be well. Love to all of you, G/Gma JoAnn & G/Pa Jim

Anonymous said...

I am glad u r doing ok..... Big Hugs to the family
Jill