I am the writer/owner of ‘MA! motherhood with attitude.’ The artist/owner of our company, Tiffany, will add her two cents on this blog now and then, as well. Tiffany and I often talk about the struggle to earn a buck through our freelancing as we also try to make the ‘MA! dream’ come true. Our mission is to expose ‘perfect parenting propaganda’ for what it is: hogwash! We adore imperfect parents (and embrace the fact that we are among them.)Open Heart Surgery
We are facing our worst nightmare. My cousin, Jennifer, summed up Mae’s coming procedure well in an email to family. Since I’m emotionally shot and somewhat of a zombie, I’ll let her words speak for me now. This is the email she sent yesterday…
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I talked with Jana this morning and received some more information that I know helped me understand medically what is going on with Mae and I thought I would share.
So Mae has what I think they call Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), which is an abnormal hole in the wall (septum) between the heart’s upper chambers (atria). I’m not sure the size of the hole, but with many babies they wait and see if the hole will close on its own by having the oxygenated blood healing it over time, maybe years.
However, because Mae also has this unknown flap/wind sock preventing blood from going down to her right ventrical, which sends the blood to the lungs, her heart and body are not getting oxygenated blood. Apparently even with the oxygen tank, her body (and more importantly her brain) are not receiving the proper amount of oxygen, which could cause problems down the road and thus the need to do surgery sooner rather than later.
So little Mae (which I hear eats like a champ) will undergo open heart surgery next Friday the 5th. Jana said the surgery is scheduled to start at 7:30 and will go till probably 2:30. From what Jason (he is on the cardiac team at Children’s Hospital) is saying and from what I’m reading online, this is a fairly routine surgery with a twist due to the unknown flap/wind sock that they will be removing. It sounds like she will be in the hospital then for 7-10 days after and hopefully go home with no oxygen. The goal of the surgery would be for Mae to have no further heart issues down the road and live a normal healthy life. Because Jason works at this hospital, he has lined up the best surgeon team possible, which is a blessing.
At this point Jana and Dave have more doctors’ appointments with the surgeon, cardiologist, etc preparing and getting informed about next Friday. I also hear that the girls’ school has been so wonderful that Jana has only prepared 2 meals since Mae has been born. What a blessing to have that support in addition to close family and friends.
Hopefully this has been helpful and accurate :-) Jana also said how thankful she was for all your prayers and love!
Love, Jen
I’m sending so much love, light and strength your way…
Comment by Shanyn — February 26, 2010 @ 9:56 amOh, janalee, I’m so sorry, how terrifying! my prayers are with you all constantly. I send my deepest hopes that the surgery is as routine as your brother says and that everything resolves with no complications and a strong, healthy recovery for you ALL. So much peace coming your way.
Comment by Megan — February 26, 2010 @ 11:19 amLove to all of you, Janalee. Love, love, love.
Comment by Emily — February 26, 2010 @ 12:19 pmI am thinking of you and Dave and the girls and will send lots of love and prayers your way.
Comment by Gina — February 26, 2010 @ 12:52 pmYour little Mae is a fighter. You know it, the doctors and nurses know it, and God knows it. She’s destined for greatness in this life.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family through this trying time Janalee.
Comment by DavidO — February 26, 2010 @ 2:41 pmOh, jc, what a roller coaster ride. I thought of you constantly yesterday while I was dealing with a snarky chemo nurse, and sent my hugs, love, hopes and prayers your way. Next treatment, I’m dropping a meal by the front door.
Love you,
Comment by Heather — February 26, 2010 @ 4:36 pmHeather
Loving you lots!!!
Comment by tiffany — February 26, 2010 @ 6:02 pmMuch love, light and positive energies…
*hugs*
Comment by maida — February 26, 2010 @ 8:08 pmIf you need to scream at someone, please call me. I love you, my friend, now and always. Sending you all the good vibes I possibly can. xo
Comment by Yolanda — February 26, 2010 @ 9:24 pm