Big news about surgery

Friday was a big meeting as promised. There were two doctors, two nurses, and a social worker. At the heart of the discussion was Jensen's progress. He has not progressed as much as hoped for. His heart is enlarged on the left side, and is large enough, that it is displacing other organs. It is another factor in his breathing as it pushes on his lungs, and also his trachea. It is hard to find the right words and tone, but he is periodically in pain, and just not progressing.

The suggestion by the Cardiologist and the Neonatologist, is that they operate on his tricuspid valve. They said they would build him a valve out of tissue. Details are sketchy actually, as everything I write is always second or third hand. Many times they use tissue or valves from swine. This is because the human body is much less likely to reject that tissue than human tissue, due to the immune response. The tricuspid is the first valve that the blood goes through as it returns to the heart. It has three leaflets that open and close at the same time. The blood flow itself is what opens and closes the valve. It is not like in a car for instance where something (camshaft) actually operates it. It is more like a check valve. However it works, it is a miracle of creation; and it is also miraculous that doctors can do so much to repair these valves. They have been waiting for Jensen to get bigger and stronger, and they feel that now is the time. This surgery may happen this coming week, we will keep you posted.

Jensen has been talking to Anna today. All the nurses wanted to gather around and hear him talk. Most of the babies in the NICU don't talk at all, they aren't used to that. I know I had already talked about his eyes, but they continue to amaze me how he looks at people, I have never seen a baby with such a long attention span.

This surgery news is hard in one way, as it is a open heart surgery, and very complicated and with a corresponding risk level. On the other hand, there is hope of a much better life for Jensen after it is successful. We are praying for that success and that with it comes the ability to breath without oxygen, less pain, and able to eat normally. The upside for Jensen is huge with a successful outcome. Join us all in prayer for this major event. Let even the doctors be amazed at the outcome and to God all the glory.