Thursday, March 1, 2012

It's Almost Time







Today (really yesterday since this didn't post last night due someone waking up while I was typing it) was Ivy's Chest Xray, Her blood work, and her second Echo Cardiogram. She was so good at the hospital, really brave this time and forgiving to mama giving me kisses all the way out of the blood lab!
It was a long afternoon!
Lexi stayed home this time, the Bigs were all in school when we left so we had her new favorite babysitter (Thank you Miss Jenna) come over to watch her and lets just say she was in heaven!!!! Jenna will certainly be top on our list for sisters from here on!!! And she's a dancer so in Lexi's eyes, it could not get any better!
We sat with our cardiologist for a good hour going over the results and he decided that  the Heart catheterization should happen right away. Ivy's lungs look ~fluffy~ that is how he described it. Basically they have a cloudiness that needs to be looked at more closely. The ‘lung shadows’ are composed of the pulmonary arteries and veins. Apart from the pul- monary vessels, the lungs should appear black because they contain air. Ivy's have a fluffiness to them. Not a ton, but enough. Her lungs are also a tad big and her heart is a tad big. Her VSD is at least 15mm!!!! That is HUGE! But it is what has kept her alive. She leaks so much blue blood. So enough said, it's time to get moving!
 Her catheterization will take place on Wednesday of next week. If they feel she looks good enough for them to spend several days planning out her surgery they will send us home and schedule open heart surgery for the following week. If they see that she can not wait another day then they will just keep us there and do the open heart surgery right away. My doctor said he felt hopeful that she would come home, but possibly have an extra day in the hospital if she had trouble with oxygen levels when she came out of surgery. Well since she has trouble with that before surgery, it seems obvious she would still be having trouble after surgery... So we are expecting that. And while Ivy's amazing doctor is thinking we will come home, I am secretly hoping that they will just decide to wait no longer and get the surgery done during this stay and not another day. Ivy is ready, she is gaining weight, but she is blue as a berry, she is tired of waiting. She needs this surgery! Don't get me wrong, I realize they know best, and like I have said before, we have the most amazing team of doctors for Ivy and we LOVE our cardiologist Dr. Pophal!!!!! But we are human, we are selfish, and we want to see Ivy on the road to recovery. We long to see her NOT out of breath, Not blue, not tired, not hooked to oxygen and tubes, not struggling. 
And we also realize that there are still many long days and nights ahead. More oxygen and more tubes than imaginable, swelling and meds and scary times for our girl. Many dangers, many risks, many possibilities, many unknowns. We know that the next fight will be harder than the current. But the current is harder than the last. We fought like anything to get this baby home fast. We hurried everything we could hurry to get her home for surgery. We are home now, and it's time!
Playing in her bean box. Her very favorite thing to do!!
 AFTER ALL THE POKES SHE GOT TODAY< HOW COULD WE SAY NO TO SOME HERSHEY KISSES??????
GIVING RYLEE THE STINK EYE AFTER BEING TOLD SHE HAS HAD ENOUGH HERSHEY KISSES!




12 comments:

  1. Precious! I have read your adoption journey since the day you announced your adoption of Ivy (that is the day I stumbled upon your blog) and she is just so cute! I hope she gets better oh-so quickly!!

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  2. We have enjoyed following your journey to Ivy. She is beautiful. We will be upholding your family during this time. Our son had open heart surgery in China. We were so thankful he had this life saving surgery. I'm thankful that Ivy gets to have her family surrounding her as she faces the upcoming procedures and recovery. Your family is beautiful. Be strong, our God is mighty to save!

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  3. Oh...that last picture is SO cute! Well...they all are because she is just precious. I am praying for Ivy, and for you...that both of your hearts would be healed and strong. Praying for wisdom with all the decision that lie ahead.

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  4. Awww she's so cute, Congratulations :)

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  5. LOVE the stink eye!!! We will be praying for you all, I know you are so ready to get her on the road to recovery!! She is so very precious!!

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  6. Oh I just want to hug both of you!!! Mary, I am so proud of you... God has given you the strength to persevere through whatever is next... And, he has given you the peace to trust HIM! Your faith is an inspiration to me! Ivy Joy has a purpose.. And, I am trusting she will be hear a very long time to glorify God through her beautiful life story!

    "However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human mind has conceived" - the things God has prepared for those who love Him." ~1 Corinthians 2:9

    Love,
    Diana

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  7. Love you Ivy, saying lots of prayers for you.

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  8. Mary - I am praying for you, Ivy and her doctors. But I know that everything will be done at the right time. Love Maggie

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  9. I don't know you, but I am praying like crazy for your little one!

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  10. I KNOW what you meand~ It is time!!! Yes, she needs her surgery and on the road to perfect health! Bless you all as you wait and hope you get the go ahead!!! It made the world of difference for SJ!!! Blessings and love today! Sharon

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  11. Ivy and your family are in my continued prayers. Trust in the Father who brought you all so far. His arms will be around you during this whole journey.

    God Bless!
    Lisa

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  12. Where did you get that adorable outfit for her? (the one in the first pix on top) I LOVE that outfit. Sooo cute, but, of course, not as cute as Ivy. She truly is a peach. :)

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