The first bronchoscopy is scheduled for 9:15 am ET on Wednesday. We head out tomorrow (Tuesday) for Cincinnati. Quick run down...Wednesday they are just doing a scope to evaluate his airway and make sure nothing has changed significantly since December (that would change the plan for a second airway reconstruction on Friday, May 6th). Then, Friday will be another big surgery...they are planning to reconstruct (stabilize) his airway at the level of his current trach. It will be a 5-6 hr surgery...that will involve moving his trach site down and possible using a rib graft, then stenting the airway open for 10 days while it heals. Carson will be in the hospital for 5-7 days. The stent would then be taken out May 16th. Prayers are appreciated...for the many details of the stay (travel, rest, nice weather, & so many I don't even know), clear thought processes & minds, steady hands for the surgeons, & peace & a quick recovery for our strong Carson. Carson is so good to stay in the moment and doesn't seem to get overly anxious. We try to stay focused on the fun we have in Cincinnati and even in the hospital for Carson's sake (& ours). Up until yesterday, Carson always says he is ready to go and ready for surgery. Last night, when Preston mentioned leaving for Cincinnati in a few days, Carson said, "I don't want to go." And when we asked why, "Because it will hurt." {As I fought back the tears, I went to give him a hug & reassure him that yes, it will hurt but only for a few days & that he bounced back quickly last time}...his next statement, "Can we go to the zoo first?"....
Now, THAT is a perfect example of shifting the focus, finding the positives, and embracing our journey! Thank you God for the sweet, brave, courageous soul of Carson. I pray I can keep the same attitude.
P.S. A baby giraffe was just born a couple days ago at the Cincinnati Zoo so we are pretty pumped to see it!
I will update as I am able but don't worry if you don't see an update, it's hard to find a computer & the time to do it sometimes. I continually am working to surrender it all to God, to shift my focus from the pain of seeing my sweet boy suffer to the potential this surgery has to improve his airway. I am praying for a BIG miracle, maybe even that they don't need as extensive of a surgery but I am also praying that we see the many small miracles that I'm sure will come! The first being the wait list at the Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati is only ONE day {that is unheard of}...it is usually 2-3 weeks or more. This means Kellen & Mom will be able to stay in Cincinnati longer and be an encouragement to Carson {& Preston & I}.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
Thank you for all the prayers...I have to attach some of these pictures from the past month...we've had a lot of fun! I will be so ready to get back home, with the surgery behind us, and return to all the FUN of normal life!
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| Praying for lots of those loving, peaceful rays! (this is in the chapel at our church) |
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| Tball pros... |
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| Or maybe not...the flowers are equally intriguing! |
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| JOY! |
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| Make that double joy! |
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| SDC Train! |
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| Water makes everything more fun! |
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| The boys had so much fun with Preston's turkey decoy (once they figured out it wasn't real!) |
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| Not only is this a cool pic...it also shows the improvement in air movement from the surgery last fall. |
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| Guillory Crawfish Boil |
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| Oh, the places you'll go! |
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| Park Life! |
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| Did I mention how much they LOVE water! |
