We Made It!

In more ways than one, we made it. We made it to Duke, on time, EARLY yesterday morning. Ethan made it through the heart cath. We made it through another night in an itty bitty hospital room. Ethan made a purple hospital gown look good:


And, most importantly, we made it home (all within 30 hours, might I add...)

Overall, the procedure was a huge success. Ethan's cold had cleared up significantly, and everyone was pleased with his condition this time around. The folks in the cath lab were able to get all the necessary information (and then some), and they even attempted to intervene. Unfortunately, the intervention (ballooning open the artery) didn't work as we had hoped. This, paired with the current state of Ethan's heart, has landed us a spot in the OR in the next few weeks.

I can't say that I'm shocked, but I am a little surprised. We all knew it was coming; I just don't think anyone was expecting it to be this soon. I was totally hopeful and encouraged when we got word they were trying the balloon. I just assumed it would work, so to find out that it didn't came as a bit of a blow. BUT, we also know that surgery will give Ethan the best outcome; and, whereas surgery isn't necessarily ideal, the situation is about as good as it can be. The pictures they got yesterday will give Ethan's surgeon all the info he needs to go in and correct what needs to be corrected. And that's it. Although it is open heart surgery, it shouldn't be nearly as complicated as the first one.

So, over these next few weeks, think good thoughts, cross your fingers and toes, and pray fervently on Ethan's behalf! We need him to stay healthy, and Jeramie and I need to prepare our hearts and minds for something that seems so dreadful, yet way too familiar.