I am creating this blog as a way to keep in touch with our friends and family about what is going on with Luke. And I must admit, I am hoping it will be therapeutic for me. I have never read “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” so when I do, I might regret the title I have chosen for this blog. But for now, it feels very appropriate as I receive emails, phone calls and Facebook posts daily from friends and family who love us and who are a constant reminder that we are not alone. Our hearts are not lonely hunters.
We found out June 28th that Luke is going to need another open heart surgery. His first was in January 2012 at 4 months old. We had known about this surgery since our 20 week prenatal appointment (it is truly amazing what they can see on an ultrasound!). We thought we were the “lucky” ones, we thought it was to be his only surgery. I remember the immense relief, that I really can’t describe, when we received this news after his last surgery.
The surgeon, Dr. Kavaranna, at MUSC (and the entire cardiology team, including our Dr. Tony!) will be fixing a muscle bundle that has grown into a severe obstruction causing his heart to pump extra hard. They will also be adding a patch to the outside of his heart that will essentially create more space for his heart to expand in case the bundle should grow back or any other problem should arise.
This surgery is more routine than the last one, as routine as OPEN HEART SURGERY ON A 2 YEAR OLD CAN BE. Every time I say this, I want to cringe. Did I really just say that open heart surgery on my baby boy is routine? . . . that can’t be true.
I am so grateful for the love, support, favors (childcare, food, t-shirts that snap in the back!) from everyone. Know, that we love you as much as you love us. As Luke said when we first found out about this 2nd surgery (and he is not the optimistic one in our relationship!) “The good things is that now, nothing else matters.” Meaning that all the other stuff in our lives thanever seI am creating this blog as a way to keep in touch with our friends and family about what is going on with Luke.
I can’t promise this blog will be heartwarming or well-written, but it will be real. Read at your own risk.
