We arrived at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh at 1:00pm, and never left until after 4:30pm. But through it all - Jackson was awesome! He truly is a different kid when he is interacting with the doctors - calm, peaceful, still, "please and thank-you's" to all the nurses, techs and doctors - maybe it has something to do with the stickers! It truly is amazing and an incredible demonstration of God at work in Jackson's life, as we already see the Lord forming relationships in and through Jackson that we hope one day will provide him the opportunity to share the truth about what God has done in healing his heart and giving him life!
First thing this afternoon, Jackson was square in the Crosshairs for a chest x-ray...
Then it was time for an EKG...
And then Jackson decided to listen to his own heart...and of course he gave his first diagnosis! "Hot Dog!"
Overall, it was a really good day! It was wonderful to see and reconnect with our team of surgeons, doctors and staff who have truly become family over the last 3 years! The team could not believe the size and strength in Jackson, just upon observing him for a few minutes. But like cancer - one may look great and be a physical specimen on the outside - but internally, a completely different story is unfolding...and that was the case today for Jackson!
Do not be deceived by appearances, the scriptures teach us...there is no doubt that Jack looks great! But after gaining an internal perspective from the chest x-ray, EKG and Echo - the team at CHP is very concerned about the leak over Jackson's Tricuspid valve. We/they have been watching this leak for the last 2 years following his last open heart surgery, but today they were surprised by how the leak has increased in just the past few months.
A year and a half ago, when we moved to Charlotte, our Cardiologist in Pittsburgh had already determined that a "mild to moderate" leak had formed over the tricuspid valve. When we arrived in Charlotte in November of 2010, our new cardiologist determined it was a "moderate" leak, and reminded us that the determination is purely subjective. Well today...the team at CHP determined that it is "moderate to severe". They were not pleased at all, and tomorrow's heart cath will be HUGE in determining what the next steps are for Jackson's care.
So tomorrow...its "Game On"! At 7:30am, Jackson will be placed under full anesthesia and a 3 hour heart cath will commence to determine the severity of that leak over the tri-cuspid valve, and to also look at the pressures in his lungs - to ensure that he is ready for Monday's Fontan surgery. We will not play the "what if" game at this point...as we know that God was not surprised at all by today's findings! It may have been a curve ball to us and the surgical team...but not to God!
Tomorrow...we are "sending the spies into the promise land" to create a battle plan for Monday! I ask that you join Kelly and I as we pray for our doctors and surgeons to have the eyes of Joshua and Caleb, and to see the obstacles clearly, but to move out by faith, and with confidence in Monday's surgical plan..whatever may or may not be found! I will share more tomorrow...but right now, I need to get some sleep - because our 5:00am departure is going to come quick!
Prayer Warriors...we need you! The battle is on...
All Eyes on Jesus!
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