Today we met with Dr. Naser Ammash, Jessica's new Cardiologist. He specializes in cardiac congenital abnormalities (try saying that 3 times really fast!). As he discussed Jessica's condition with us, he reached the conclusion that we should proceed with the surgery tomorrow. Jessica is hypertensive, which concerns the doctor. He believes that the Cushing's Syndrome is causing the hypertension at this time. He has put her on a blood pressure medication to lower her blood pressure before the surgery. Due to the Tetrology of Fallot (the heart condition that she was born with), Jessie's heart is showing signs of enlargement on the right side. She has pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary reguritation, as well as right ventricular hypertension (that's for you 4 doc's out there reading this). These are all conditions expected in an adult Tetrology patient. Once the lesion (adenoma) is removed, they expect hemodynamic changes. Due to this, her Cardiologist is taking extra precautions to monitor Jessica during surgery, and post-operatively. He is having one of the Cardiac Anesthetist present during the surgery, and for follow-up. Too many precautions needed to be taken after this surgery for her to be sent home on Friday. Therefore, he cleared everything for her to stay at St. Mary's Hospital until Monday. Once released on Monday, she will see him in his office, along with the Endocrinologist. His last statement to us was; "when you're done with this, you're mine." He loved Jess, and was quite entertained by the three of us...
We are scheduled to check in at St.Mary's Hospital (part of the Mayo Complex) at 5:45 a.m. tomorrow. The surgery itself begins at 7:45 a.m. Again, it is a 2 hour procedure. They are hoping that with the removal of the adenoma that the Cushing's Syndrome will be gone. They are 80% sure that the Cushing's was brought on by the lesion on her pituitary. Many of you have asked why I didn't have Cushing's when I had my adenoma. Mine was not a hormone secreting tumor, hers is. The size of mine was also bigger, so they weren't able to perform the surgery through my nose, but had to go up through my mouth. Her surgery will be a lot less invasive than mine was, which is such a blessing! Keeping our "teasing" spirit of humor with one another, I keep telling her she's getting off easy (ha ha). Obviously, her situations is a lot more "delicate" in every way, but we are trying to look at the bright side of everything at this point.
Today was the most emotional day, so far, for Jess. All of the emotions that she is experiencing are very "natural" for one to feel during a situation like this. Due to the Cushing's Syndrome, her emotions are high and low...which only intensifies things. She is trying really hard to be brave and trust God in all of this. That is not always an easy thing to do, as you all know. I gave her a copy of a picture that really helped give me a powerful visual before going into my surgery. I put a copy of it under the "pictures" section, at the top of this page. It's a picture that shows Jesus guiding the hands of a surgeon performing a surgery. In a situation like this, we have no choice but to surrender our fears and lay them at the feet of our father in heaven. He is in control of everything! What a gift to take all of our burdens and worries and carry them for us, as we seek His face for comfort. I have to share another devotion with you from today. It's from mom's A.J. Russell's God Calling devotional:
March, 19 Courage
"I am here. Fear not. Can you really trust Me? I am a God of Power, as well as a Man of Love, so human, yet so divine. Just trust. I cannot, and I will not, fail you. All is well. Courage. Many are praying for you both. "
I don't know about you, but that gave me goosebumps all over! How awesome and encouraging is that? Perfect timing! God's timing!
As we head into tomorrow, we know and trust that God is in control and that His mighty hand will be with Jessica throughout this entire procedure. He loves her so much, and she is radiant because of His love for her. She is our little angel here on earth. Thank you for praying for her, for extending your care and love to her. God hears your prayers, they strengthen all of us daily!
Lots of love,
Liz, Jess & Nancy
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment