Getting closer!

Amy asked me to update you all on what the decision for surgery was - it's Amy's mom here (Charlotte)..... The surgeon came in this morning, after being called in at 4 a.m. with another emergency. He has decided to take the entire day off and has handed off a minor surgery he was scheduled for so that he could rest from the hectic couple of days that he has had. He has consented, however, to do Hope's surgery tomorrow morning around 8:30 a.m. He flies out to Europe for a conference, where he will be a presenter, later on tomorrow evening.

 Shawn and Amy sat down with him after rounds and discussed Hope's surgery and signed the consent. He explained to them that the major challenge for her surgery is her tiny aorta, which he says is less than 2 mm. One of the things that he is going to be doing in the surgery is disconnecting her aorta and re-attaching it to the right side of her heart which is her only pumping chamber. There is a time pressure in doing this, so please pray that he will have the skill and expertise to accomplish this quickly and smoothly and that it will remain open and allow adequate blood flow for her tiny heart. He said that the first 24 hours after the surgery are most critical, so if you could please pray during this time that she will tolerate the surgery well and stabilize quickly and easily.

 It is disappointing again to find out that surgery is delayed but we are grateful that the surgeon is willing to do the surgery before he leaves! There is still the possibility of an emergency being flown in between now and then and changing the plan so we are hesitant to count on anything at this point! The good news, regardless, is that Hope's cultures have come back negative and we are rejoicing with the fact that she is finally free of this infection. Please pray for Shawn and Amy. They are tired, frustrated, anxious and so ready to get this surgery going! Pray that the day goes quickly and that they will be able to rest up for the stressful days ahead....it's hard to imagine even more stress! We cannot thank you enough for standing with all of us in these difficult days. We are just leaning on the Lord for His strength and placing little Hope in His capable hands. Your prayers mean the world to us - thank you for interceding on behalf of this precious little girl!