In an email from Carrie, she updates us with the following:
Our world has been turned upside down by Heath's sudden diagnosis two Thursdays ago. We have grieved, moved to Durham, cried, laughed, talked, prayed, gone to doctors' appointments, done research, and so much more...
We have been so deeply moved by the messages, cards, gifts, food, prayers and love of so many people--even people we don't even know. One of these days we will share with you some of the moments of unbelievable grace in the midst of heartache. some is a little too raw right now.
We are coming back to the world--looking to start living in the "new normal" that we find ourselves in. And I wanted to say thank you to you all and give you a brief update.
We are in the final stages of deciding which hospital to use--Duke or UNC. Both of which have really good pediatric heart centers and we had great care at UNC already. We were also really impressed with the program at Duke. Our boy should be on the transplant list ASAP. After that, it is anyone's guess as to how much time it will take. I do know that there aren't any other children under one in NC right now who are on the list, though. They estimate that it won't be longer than 6 months, and probably sooner. We'll start making those preparations soon.
Chris starts his new call as Pastor of Westminster Pres. officially on Monday. We have been so touched by the outpouring of care from this wonderful congregation, understanding even more why God has brought us to one another. We are excited to get started! (well, chris is, and I will look forward to driving him a little crazy with off-hand advising!) Ella Brooks will also start at Westminster's School for Young Children the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
As you can imagine, it has been tough for us to be able to return phone calls and messages in the craziness of all this hospital/doctor stuff, moving and starting a new call. We hope to catch up with many folks soon!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
When I called Carrie this afternoon she was enjoying a wonderful afternoon at the playground with Ella Brooks! The were having fun and meeting new friends. I could hear Ella Brooks giggling in the background. Ella Brooks even had a moment in her busy schedule to speak to "Gran Sarah" and fill me in on the important playground activities! Heath and Chris were having some "guy" time at home!
Heath's doctor's appointment today was not as involved as they had anticipated but the doctor was pleased that his breathing had much improved since his initial exam at UNC. With all of the details to coordinate among doctors, procedures, insurance, etc. the labs and consultations should occur later this week. They are hopeful to have Heath on the transplant list as soon as Monday, November 24 or Monday, December 1. In anticipation of the transplant, the doctors are encouraged that baby Heath is physically as well as he could possibly be with this diagnosis. That is very good news!
They have done much research on the transplant procedure and have discovered not only the importance of having a skilled surgical team but the necessity of having skilled post-surgical care. So, just as a precaution, and with great support from their UNC team of doctors, they are seeking a second opinion from Duke later this week. As you would expect, they want to make the best possible decision for Heath's surgery, successful recovery and be reassured they are moving forward well informed.
Finally, as Carrie opened the mailbox today, she and Chris were both overcome with emotion and gratefulness for the outpouring of cards, letters, gift cards, notes, etc. Carrie said in the moments when she does not feel very strong, she gives thanks for the tremendous strength she gains from each of you and your expressions of love and concern. They are acutely aware that God is indeed at work through the love and support of those they know and even those they have never met. They are most thankful they do not have to make this journey alone.
That's all for now. I'll update more later this week.
Blessings, "Gran Sarah"
Heath's doctor's appointment today was not as involved as they had anticipated but the doctor was pleased that his breathing had much improved since his initial exam at UNC. With all of the details to coordinate among doctors, procedures, insurance, etc. the labs and consultations should occur later this week. They are hopeful to have Heath on the transplant list as soon as Monday, November 24 or Monday, December 1. In anticipation of the transplant, the doctors are encouraged that baby Heath is physically as well as he could possibly be with this diagnosis. That is very good news!
They have done much research on the transplant procedure and have discovered not only the importance of having a skilled surgical team but the necessity of having skilled post-surgical care. So, just as a precaution, and with great support from their UNC team of doctors, they are seeking a second opinion from Duke later this week. As you would expect, they want to make the best possible decision for Heath's surgery, successful recovery and be reassured they are moving forward well informed.
Finally, as Carrie opened the mailbox today, she and Chris were both overcome with emotion and gratefulness for the outpouring of cards, letters, gift cards, notes, etc. Carrie said in the moments when she does not feel very strong, she gives thanks for the tremendous strength she gains from each of you and your expressions of love and concern. They are acutely aware that God is indeed at work through the love and support of those they know and even those they have never met. They are most thankful they do not have to make this journey alone.
That's all for now. I'll update more later this week.
Blessings, "Gran Sarah"
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