Reality hit
Yesterday, I received a call from Dr. Forbes, Mary Clare’s cardiologist at MUSC. Her catherization has been scheduled for October 30, which is next Tuesday, one week away. I knew it was coming, but it just seems so soon. Apparently, he is pretty certain that her aorta will need to be “ballooned” and the sooner, the better. We will also have a better idea of how her heart is doing and will be able to schedule the 2nd surgery, the Glenn.
I know that the catherization is necessary and I know that it is really nothing compared to what she has already been through, and unfortunately, still to come. Still, it is all the more difficult as we have had such a wonderfully smooth “almost” 3 months home with her. She will be 4-months-old on October 27.
We will have to be at the hospital at 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning and must be prepared to stay overnight. She can’t have anything to eat after midnight. I’m not sure how I’m going to do that. She has done well on her feeding schedule, but still wakes at least once to eat, which is why I’m up writing at this crazy hour. (And she has quite a temper when she isn’t fed ASAP!) I was hoping to have a few more weeks to work on that. Nothing like a crash course!
She will go under general anesthesia for the procedure, which Dr. Bandisode at MUSC will be performing. As always, we’ll be right there in the PC-ICU waiting room with access to a computer, so we’ll be keeping the blog updated with results. (it does wonders when trying to keep busy)
I signed up to help with McCanless’ Halloween party at her preschool on Oct 30, the same day as Mary Clare’s catherization. That’s hard too. I know in comparison, it seems silly to worry about missing a school party vs. being at your baby girl’s heart catherization. But, when you realize how important these parties are in the mind of a three-year-old and how she has been so excited about it, it breaks my heart. The thought of having to leave her again, even for a couple of days, just kills me. She understands that Mary Clare is a little sick and her heart is “broken,” but she doesn’t understand why that takes us away from her. I know one day she will understand, but right now I know it is hard for her.
OKAY, on to good news…we’ll be one more heart procedure down by Halloween and closer to a healthier Mary Clare! We’ll quite possibly have her second surgery well before Christmas and will be home post- Glenn ready and waiting for Santa!! What a year it will have been, and what better way to celebrate Christmas? We are truly blessed and so thankful for such a wonderful year!
5 Comments
Erica May on October 23rd, 2007
Kerri,
I completely understand your feelings right now!! The smallest things really seem to matter much more than they did before we had “heart babies!” It is so hard but we will have to encourage each other through all the trials ahead! God brought these special angels into our lives for a reason and they have a purpose for being here!We continue to pray for all of you and I can’t wait to see Emerson and Mary Clare running around together and this will be a distant memory! We love you all and we are here if you need us!!
God Bless!
Donnie, Erica and Emerson
Kimberly on October 23rd, 2007
I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through and have been through. You and Mel have been and are such an inspiration. Mary Clare and your family are in our prayers nightly. Kamdyn looks at Mary Clare and McCanless on your blog frequently and can say their names. Maybe they can meet one day! 🙂 We love watching them grow!
Much Love and Prayers,
Kimberly
Kim Patterson on October 24th, 2007
Kerri and Mel,
James and I know first hand how hard it is to see your little one have to undergo surgery so soon. Remember she is in the hand of the Great Physician and he will bring her through this as he did before. I believe whole heartedly that our precious girls are here for a very special purpose. We don’t know how many lives they have already touched or who they will touch in the future. We are so blessed to have Mary Clare and Isabella in our lives. Doesn’t it really make you examine what is important in life? We will continue to pray for Mary Clare specifically regarding her Cath next week. Mary Clare is beautiful and I can’t wait for us to get the girls together some time soon.
Love and Prayers-
Kim Patterson
Elizabeth Kelley on October 27th, 2007
Hey, Mrs. Pennington, i hope your baby is gonna be fine. You mean the world to the eighth grade class. We really miss you
We love,
Elizabeth
Walter and Judy Brown on October 23rd, 2007
Dear Kerri and Mel,
Thank you so much for this blog. I check it daily for more news. You are both so brave and so positive. I admire your unfailing faith as you go through theses difficult times. That faith and your prayers and the prayers of so many others who care will continue to give you strength to finish the race and receive the prize of a healthy heart for your precious Mary Clare. All four of you are in our hearts and are lifted up in prayer during this next step on your journey. Stay strong, keep on supporting each other and keep leaning on the “Everlasting Arms” of our precious Lord.
Sincerely,
Judy