Changes

I was just getting used to the idea of going down to Seattle to have Natalie's heart cath and Fontan surgery. I was looking forward to my girl having pink fingernails and feet. I wanted to see her keep up with her sisters and not get winded. I was feeling good about getting this thing over with.

I didn't want to be separated this time, at least for the first part of recovery. So, we had been planning on taking the whole family to Seattle. Heidi and Jessica are old enough that they understand the gravity of the situation and have real concern for their sister. I think Natalie would be really lonely if her sisters weren't there too. We have been planning to go a few days ahead of time and have a little vacation as a family-all six of us.

Then came Monday.

Early Monday morning, I got a call from Dr. Brauner. He said that when he presented her at the surgical conference, Dr. Jones thought "he could do a cath and help her out enough that she wouldn't need the Fontan for another year." It's been three years since she's had a heart cath and probably a good two years since her last echo in Seattle where they were able to see her Pulmonary Arteries. (Dr. B can't usually find them.) Dr. B said that all the surgeons were concerned about was her weight and of course she hasn't gotten to that magical number yet. So they just wanted to do the heart cath and wait on the surgery. Ugh! I had just gotten over the shock of getting it done so soon...now we have to wait again.

I asked if they could schedule the cath any earlier because my parents were planning on being here earlier in July and could help with the older kids while we went down to Seattle for the cath. Tuesday, I was able to talk with scheduling and reschedule for July 7th, yes, next week!

So we have tickets in hand and are going to get Natalie "tuned up." I'm trying to be patient and flexible. I still remember the quote that I've taken to heart so many years in my life.

"Waiting strengthens our faith and lengthens our perspective." ~ Chuck Swindoll