Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Let's Do This

Today was good but exhausting for us all.  We woke up early and had appointments in different parts of the Mayo Clinic all day, from 8am till 5:30pm.  Davis was a champ (as always) and did a great job.  He always manages to stay in a good mood and flirt with all the nurses.  We started off the day with an echo (ultrasound of his heart), which they sedated Davis for.  Then we were off to get two chest x-rays, blood drawn, then an EKG.  After that we met with a pediatric cardiologist here and then the famous Dr. Dearani who will be performing the surgery tomorrow.  It was great to finally meet him and hear what he had to say about this cone surgery and Davis specifically.  He seems very optimistic about the surgery and broke it down for us into 4, maybe 5, steps. He will (1) re-shape the affected valve (cone procedure), (2) close a hole between Davis' right and left atria, (3) fold, or plicate, the right ventricle and sew it back together to make smaller, (4) remove some of the tissue making up the right atrium leaving the heart a "normal" size and allowing his lungs to fully expand for the first time. Then the Dr. will see how his heart is doing on it's own (off the machines).  At that point he'll decide if they also need to do the Glenn procedure which basically re-routes all of the blood coming from the upper body to send it straight to the lungs instead of through the heart first.  This would eliminate a lot of blood/pressure from the heart which eases the heart's workload.  The Glen procedure is more common and is done routinely on small children with heart disease.  So that's the plan, we're scheduled to report for surgery at 6am tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers and thoughts tomorrow.


7 comments:

Margaret said...

Sounds like the Grimsley family had a busy day. You must feel relieved that the doctor is so optimistic about the surgery. That's wonderful news. We'll all be cheering for Davis tomorrow. Looking forward to your next blog with the good news. Davis is going to have a brand new heart and a new lease on life...you better start working out right now so you'll be able to keep up with him. :-)

kotas88 said...

Within a less than optimal situation, it sounds like all the ingredients are there for a wonderful outcome! You are in the right place, with the right people, at the right time! You all are in my constant thoughts. Kick some ass tomorrow little d!

Mo Donovan said...

Thanks for the update. You all are in my constant thoughts & prayers - especially tomorrow. Love you all! Go Get 'Em Davis!!

Steph Haley-Andrews said...

Davis is here for a reason. He beams so bright. He is magical. I am thinking of all of you constantly. Peace be with you during his surgery today. Everything is going to be alright. XO, Steph

Anonymous said...

Hey Davis show them what a tough guy you are, love you and will keep you in my prayers and thoughts all day today. Sounds like you doctor is the best of the best. Love Aunt Dee

Maureen Kohn said...

Thanks for the update. Yesterday was a long day and today will be longer but it's all for a brighter future. It sounds like you have wonderful Doctors for Davis and they will take the best care of him! Davis is a fighter! Sending prayers for his surgery and his recovery. Love that little boy!!!

Anonymous said...

Cara, Kelly and Davis,
We are all thinking about you and praying for a complete success. We are delighted that he is able to have such good care and that he is in the best hands possible. Cara and Kelly you have been an excellent example of wonderful, caring and nuturing parents. Know that all the Bidons are praying for you this day. Love Sarah