Monday, June 6, 2011

THE BIG DAY...






This morning Taylor was unbelievably positive and brave. We played as much as possible before we sent her with the into surgery. In the waiting room Bryson played Black Eyed Peas, I got a Feelin' and they grooved. Then in the presurgery room we met with the surgeon Dr. Kaza. That was our first time meeting him, he is awesome and provided us with great information and reassurance of his skills and expertise. He informed us that the pulmonary valve replacement will either be a pig valve or a cow valve? He will have both available as options. He will give her an adult valve which should last through her child bearing years (30 plus years, incredible!) Taylor provided a good laugh as to if she would snort like a pig or moo like a cow when it was done. Dr. kaza also informed us he will be enlarging her left artery, which was news to us. But that being said he is the expert and we are completely putting our faith and trust in his hands. He also reassured us that the incision will be  in the exact same place as her scar and that the chest drainage tubes will be in the exact same spot also. It's just nice that the dr has the sense of making it less intrusive and mindful of her appearance. Which truly doesn't matter but just shows me that he cares. The majority of the time he met with us he peered right into my eyes. Smart man he knows a mothers heart is quite fragile, he provided us with great comfort. The estimated surgery time is 5 hours then 1 more hour until we get to see her in the ICU. We then met with 1 more dr and a nurse. The nurse explained the pain levels to T. Level 1 through 10, 1 being no pain 10 being the worst pain possible. Once the nurse left the room T asked, "Mom what does she mean pain?" It was a little heart wrenching, it was like she had not actually thought about the pain after the surgery only during the surgery. We have informed her as much as is appropriate with out completely freaking her out. It is a fine line and we have kept it as positive as possible. Then the anesthesiologist came into the room to meet with us, he explained the risks. He offered her anti anxiety medicine but T said she was ok. She also picked bubble gum as her flavor for her sleeping gas. Then we were off to send her to the operating room. Bryson being the amazing dad he is gave her a piggy back ride. We hit the parent stopping point and she was scared. She did not even want to look into our eyes :(. I gave her a huge hug and kiss and told her I could not wait to see her after the surgery. I told her she was strong and amazing. I told her I love her more then anything. And I told her that I was excited for her heart to be all better. Then Bryson told her he loved her and told her we would be there when she woke up. Then the anesthesiologist bent down and  she hoped onto his back for a second piggy back ride. That was the last time we saw her. Tears filled my eyes as we left her, but I didn't break down. I have absolute faith that she will be my amazing fun happy silly genius Tay soon. The incision started at 9 am. And now we wait. I will do my best to keep updates coming as we get them and have a chance.

12 comments:

  1. Oh Summer, I broke into tears reading your post. You are very strong and so is T. What a great example you are. I understand about a mother's heart.:) My prayers are with your family and I know this is all in the Lords hands. He is watching over your sweet daughter. Big hugs to you!

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  2. We love Tay so much. Brinley said Tay Tay yesterday when we were showing her pictures of your family. We love you all and will pray for her.

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  3. Beautifully described Summer. I shed a few tears as I read your blog this morning. Looking forward to taking you and Bryson to lunch soon. Taylor has helped our family, and countless readers from all over the world, appreciate the meaning of "encourage"—to add to someone's heart. We love you with all our heart. Love Papa!

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  4. Dr. Kaza is SOOO great. His bedside manner is amazing. Our surgeon was Kouretas, but Kaza was in on a couple of the surgeries. I remember on rounds, he came in and I had all sorts of questions, and he answered every single one of them honestly, non-bias, and non-"safe", you know- how they don't want to be "liable"... he was SO great. Love him. She is in the best hands. What a brave girl. I can't imagine having to send Jack to the OR at that age. Incredible kids.. these heart patients. Good luck to you guys, if you need ANYTHING, call me up. Seriously. Lunch, whatever. 801-243-7041.

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  5. I prayed her Guardian Angel be with her and asked God would bring her physical healing through this surgery and give her many more years to learn more about him!

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  6. Brave Hearts today. Bryson and Summer, you are the best parents. Myles is having a very happy day. He kissed the phone about 10 times while talking to his favorite people, Mom and Dad. It was so cute. Skyler prayed for her sister this morning before crawling down from her bunk bed. Good luck on your report Skyler! About one more hour and Mom and Dad will see Taylor again! I can't wait to see her too! Thanks to all who have been thinking of the Perry family and supporting them. We are so blessed to have skilled surgeons and innovative surgery techniques to bless and extend life. We are blessed to have a loving Father in Heaven who know us individually! Thank you to little Jack for your prayers and to everyone who has fasted and offered prayers. We love you all.

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  7. You are such a great mom. It's so hard to see your child have to go through those sorts of things...and to just sit by and watch. I know what a champ Taylor is and Primary's is a great place to be. Sending love and thoughts!!

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  8. We are thinking about you guys!

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  9. From all of your dad's friends and associates, Team Aspire is pulling for your precious daughter and all of you to be strengthened.

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  10. Minute by minute, love and prayers to all. Aunt Susie Campagna & Family.

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  11. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.

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