Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Update

The Master of Surprises. That's Dylan for you.

We are back home for the night. It's been an extremely long couple of days. Here's a quick run down of what happened.

Dylan's surgery began at about 8:30a.m yesterday. At around 11a.m, the Physician's Assistant came to update us as to how the surgery was progressing. She told us that the surgery was going to be a bit more complicated than they had anticipated. They had found an additional defect called an A.P Window which they did not know about until the surgery had begun. We later found out that they had never before seen an A.P window with an AV canal defect before. Never ever. Ever.

We were updated again at around 2pm and were told that the A.P Window had been closed and they were now going to begin the AV canal defect repair. She told us that because Dylan had been on the heart/lung bypass machine for so long, as well as having to be put on cardiac arrest, they were concerned that his recovery was going to be quite difficult. We were told that he was going to be sick for longer than they had originally anticipated.

At around 3:45pm we were told that the AV canal had been repaired and that he was now off the heart/lung bypass machine. She said that there was still a bit that needed to be done before we would be able to see him.

The surgeon, a genius to be sure, but yet a man of few words, came out to talk to us a couple of hours later and told us that Dylan was doing "Ok" but that his lungs were "not good".

We sat with that information for a couple more hours until the cardiologist came to talk to us. She was much more optimisitc. She was exactly what we needed. We were then able to see Dylan. It was amazing...he is amazing.

Dylan remained stable last night and continues doing well today. He is having surgery done this evening to close his chest. They told us that this may set him back a bit as he will have to readjust. But he's expected to do well with it.

We left the hospital this afternoon so that we could come home to see Cassidy. By the time we left, the the doctors and nurses were just amazed by Dylan's progress. They had originally planned on closing his chest on Friday, but are doing it today because he's doing so well. They have already begun cutting back on his 3 heart medications and believe that there is every reason to be hopeful that Dylan will be taken off the ventilator by Friday.

My head definitely hurts, but I am telling you, my heart is so full of love for this kid. He has absolutely, positively, 100% blown me away. He is so courageous and so strong. As I was leaving today, the Physician's Assistant said, "Don't worry about Dylan. He's leading the way and I'm pretty sure he knows exactly what he's doing".

I took this picture of him today because I find comfort in it. Throughout this whole ordeal, I was faced with the fact that I may not see my baby again. It's funny...before the surgery I thought that I would be afraid to see him in this condition, but it was not scary. It was absolutely amazing and beautiful.

Dylan is truly a miracle.


Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. We'd love it if you could keep them coming...for a few more days if you can : )

29 comments:

Shannon said...

We pray that Dylan may continue to recover and heal quickly! And may the Lord continue to comfort and strengthen you also.

Kimberly said...

Oh Laur,
What can I say, he is the best, the absolute best! I remember when you started this blog you said that you believe he will never cease to amaze us. You are right!
Yesterday was the hardest day in all of our lives, but I have to tell you how amazing you were/ are, you are so strong L, I just can't believe how great you are, I just love you so much.
He is such a fighter Laur, he really is the strongest and best little boy in the world.
Thank you for the picture, as difficult as it is to see because I just want him to be back to smiling and laughing, and just being D-man, he will be better because of this surgery. I will call you tonight.
Stay strong and call me day or night, please update me on my favorite little man ((((Hugs))))

Amanda said...

Prayers continue to go out to you guys - so happy to hear that Dylan is surprising all with his strength - you stay strong too - and when you can, keep us updated!

melanie said...

Very glad to hear things went well and he is on the road to recovery. You've got one tough little guy there! We're still thinking of you all ~ Don't forget to take care of yourselves.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the up-date. It sounds like Dylan is doing well after his extra-long surgery.

We will continue to keep you in our prayers - praying for strength, healing, comfort and peace during this time.

Big hugs to you and much love to sweet baby Dylan! Can't wait for the next up-date.

Karly said...

I have been holding my breath, waiting for news. This made my whole day. What an amazing little man you have. You guys continue to be in my thoughts.

Lis said...

Every time you sent me a text message I was nervous, but also knew that Dylan was and is a fighter! Way to go Dylan!

Tricia said...

I too have been holding my breath waiting for news. Thank you for taking the time to update us on your amazing, strong, beautiful, spirited, little man. Our family will continue to send love and healing energy your way. I cannot wait for the day when you tell us your little Dylan is on his way home. Much love to you all!

~KC: said...

Dylan with your courageous determination and resilience you will rise above this challenge.
Dylan, you are a true hero, please know I’m with you and heart and spirit!!!.
Laurie, thank you so much for the up-date!!!. Stay strong and positive. Dylan is OK ~, he is going to be OK ~. Everything is going to be OK ~
May Dylan recovers fully and promptly and continues to be healthier and stronger day after day ~
Keeping Dylan, you and all your family in my positive thoughts. Sending loving and healing energies and prayers of strength, healing and peace every day during recovery time. :)
(((HUGS)))

Lisa said...

Like everyone else, I've been anxiously waiting to hear how Dylan is doing. What a fighter he is! And you sound positively and amazingly strong through this, Laurie. I'm so pleased to hear that Dylan is exceeding everyone's expectations. He's going to keep doing that, I just know it. Love and good thoughts continuing to come your way!

Amy Gruber said...

I am continuing to pray for you an your family. Dylan is such an inspiration to all of us, what a fighter you have there!!! (((HUGS)))

Jess said...

What a trooper!!! Dylan will be in my thoughts.

Jen said...

I have been checking obsessively for updates.

He is amazing. So is his mama. Much love.

Jodie said...

I am so glad things are going well for Dylan. We will continue to send prayers your way. BTW, I love love love that picture of Dylan at the top of your blog. He is gorgeous!
Jodie from pg.org July group
mama to Avery Grace

Cathy said...

Thank you so much for this update. Like everyone else I've been checking your blog a LOT! I drove back home today and was away from the computer for 5 hours...it drove me crazy!

I knew Dylan would do well. Like everyone else said...He's amazing and such a little fighter!!! I knew you could do it too Laurie! You sound as strong as I knew you would be. Wasn't seeing Dylan the first time after surgery amazing?!?!?

We will pray for quick healing for Dylan.

Jeanette said...

We are continuing our prayers for your sweet baby Dylan. I am glad that it all went well and he is doing great!

Amy said...

You made me cry reading that. Dylan sure is an amazing little guy. I'm so thrilled to hear how well he is doing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. :hugs:

Sarah Nello said...

My heart was in my mouth for you all day yesterday, but i am so pleased Dylan is such a strong little guy. I am guessing this won't be the last time he will be full of surprises for you, in the best kind of way.

Much love. xxxxxxx

c1ndy said...

Hi Laurie, lots of love to Dylan. I'm so pleased that he is such a little fighter.

Cindy, Lilac and Primrose xx

Cheryl and Silvia said...

I am so relieved that Dylan has done so well. I had everyone at work routing for Dylan, and of course Pedro, Sil and I. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers. Dylan is such a fighter and he has all the love in the world (and the best family). You have commanded my respect and admiration Laurie. You are truly an AWESOME momma!

Unknown said...

We are so happy to hear Dylan and all of you are doing well. He has definitely proven himself a fighter and quite amazingly strong. That goes for all of you! We continue to send positive, strong energy for a healthy recovery. Lots of love.

Unknown said...

So glad he is doing so well!

Sharon said...

Wow! I'm so glad to hear that Dylan is making good progress after his longer-than-expected surgery. What an amazing little man he is!
Thinking of you and sending my best thoughts for Dylan's continued good progress.

Jodi said...

You've been in my thoughts and prayers for weeks as you prepared for Dylan's surgery. I can't imagine the range of emotions you must be going through. What an amazing, incredible son you have. Stay strong and take care of yourself.
Lisa's friend, Jodi

Ellen said...

New commenter here. Can't recall how I found your blog, but I've been checking back incessantly. Thoughts, prayers, hopes and dreams all for your little guy!

theresad said...

thinking and praying for you Dylan.

~KC: said...

DYLAN stay strong ~ sending LOVE ~ and HEALING ENERGY ~ your way ...

Amy and Aaron said...

We've been thinking of you and praying for you lots and lots. It must have been so hard to keep hearing all those uncertainties during his surgery! So glad you can be with him now, and that his recovery has begun. The worst is over, and we can't wait to see what Dylan is going to do. Lots of hugs and prayers going your way.

The Sanchez Family said...

So much love to you and your family! What a hero your little boy is! Bless you all!