After going 2 whole weeks without a surgery along with some definite progress, Ariana went through her 8th surgery today. Today’s surgery was focusing on the chylothorax leak that has persisted since her 1st surgery in Portland. We were all hoping that it would heal by itself but no such luck. As a medical refresher, this leak was causing her to lose lymphocytes, which provides antibodies to fight infections, proteins for growth, and not allowing her to accept breast milk. There will be a multiple-choice test soon so pay attention!!!!
This is a very precise surgery that requires a lot of experience that few possess. Fortunately for us, Dr. Foker decided to fly in from Minnesota to handle it himself. The other attending surgeon told Nina that there are 29 great surgeons at CHB and none of them could have done this particular surgery except for Dr. Foker.
Unfortunately, she has 3 new draining tubes in her chest and they had to do make another incision in her chest. She is still super puffy, as a result of being on paralytics, not moving at all as well as the chyle leak but the puffiness will subside with the fix of the chylothorax.
The best news that we have to report, an endoscopy was done and the gap is estimated to be at…. drum roll please……… 16 mm. That’s 1.6 cm down from 6.5 centimeters when we started!! The docs will re-asses in one more week and we’ll hopefully have an idea when the esophagus can be connected (anastomosis).
Matt and Nina
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| Beautiful Fall Day in Boston |
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| Looking at the canal |
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| The leaves have fallen |
3 comments:
Great progress Warrior Princess and thank you also Dr. Foker for your expertise! Things can only get better from here on out! Thanks for posting new pics, it's so good to see your smiling faces. What a wonderful day it will be when we see Ari's beautiful smiling face! Love You Guys!!!!!!!
We miss your faces here in P town! We miss Ella barking at Blanche (though I bet you don't miss Blanche;s barking).
I am so glad to see so much progress. Hang in there. Life is so amazing in its persistence and tenacity. Ariana will grow, she will thrive.
Let us know if we can do anything around the house.
Big hugs for everyone - and a special squeeze for Ella. Can I send you all anything from home?
Thanks, Aunt Laurie! We love you.
Thanks, Michelle for keeping an eye our house. We'll let you know if we need anything but for now we're.
We miss you all.
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