OT- Brianna came thru surgery

Hey Gang
So many of you were/are praying and sending volumes of love and support that I wanted to bring you up to date on Brianna's condition:

She went into surgery a little after 7am for what was suppose to be 5-6 hours of surgery.  However, it finally finished after 10 hours...my son wasn't exactly sure what was the cause...but she is doing well, all vitals are stable and the docs were pleased with how well the surgery went.  My kids were warned in advance of seeing her that she was quite swollen and her chest cavity was left open for easy access if her vitals changed such as blood pressure dropping.  And of course, she has tubes connected everywhere.  My poor DIL was honest and admitted she couldn't bare to see Bri like that so Patrick went in to see her before she was moved to NCIU.  Patrick admitted it was hard to see his daughter in that condition but he just couldn't NOT go in to see her.  He said the hardest part is not being able to hold her :-(

Her prognosis for a 'normal' life is excellent; however, she will need to have the shunt (?) replaced every 3-5 years until she quits growing and after the first year, an annual heart check up until at least her mid-20's.  After she goes home in about 2 weeks, the docs want to see her again at 3 mos and 6mos for development progress reports...to see if there are any other problems such as learning disabilities, motor movement, etc.  They know this defect was caused by genetics, they are not sure if other areas were also affected.

So, I'm going to Stanford on Sunday; I will have more to report and hopefully, I will figure out how to post pictures here.  I have a couple of really cute ones of Dylan holding Brianna...she is soooo tiny laying across his lap LOL

Again, THANK YOU one and all for your love and support and prayers.  I told Patrick about you all...and he is truly grateful for all the prayers.  Please continue to hold them in your prayers and support...GOD DOES LISTEN!! ^_^
Hugs
Nancy aka Sunray

Nancy, that is great news. Praise the Lord that Brianna came through the surgery and is doing well. I will continue to keep Brianna and your family in my prayers. xoxoxo

Thanks Katt....Praise the Lord indeed ^_^  I so appreciate your prayers.
Nancy

Nancy,
That is truly great news!!! My prayers are with her to continue to thrive.

Kim

Thank you Kim...her prognosis is excellent...but your prayers are always welcome! ;-)  I know God hears every one of them ^_^
Nancy

That is fantastic news, Nancy! I am so happy that she is holding her own. I am glad, too, that you and Lon will be able to see everybody on Sunday. God works in mysterious ways. I totally believe in the power of prayer. Such a little one to go through so much. I am looking forward to seeing your pictures. Many hugs to you and your loved ones! Please take care of yourself. I am continuing to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,

Thanks Michelle....they say great gifts come in small packages...and she is a tiny one ^_^  We are blessed to have her join our family and I can't wait to see her!  Thank you for your prayers..they are a comfort.
Nancy

Nancy,

That is good news.  She got through the surgery and now just must mend and get strong.  If it's any consolation, I have a friend who 30 years ago had twin girls and one of them was born with a heart defect that required open heart surgery very soon after birth.  That little girl grew up to be just fine with no ill effects from the surgery at all.  With today's advancements, I'm sure your little Brianna will lead a long, strong, happy, healthy life.  She will certainly have a life filled with people all around her to love her and support her.

Keep us posted.  Everyday will make her a bit stronger and more ready to go home and be with her family.  Enjoy your visit with her this weekend.

Stephanie

Hi Stephanie...thank you so much for your words of encouragement and support.  Medical technology has come so far...a perfect example is our very own WLS technics...who would have ever thought the docs would be performing it laproscopicly (sp)?  Thanks again for your warm words.
Nancy

Praise God for good news! What an excruciating wait they must of had, 10 hours, yikes! My heart goes out to all of you and I'm so glad it had a happy ending.
Sorry I have been MIA and haven't supported you through this, but know you have been in my thoughts and prayers sweetie!!!
Thanks so much for all the shoutouts you have for me even with me being MIA. I'm only MIA from posting, not from keeping tabs and praying for all of you! I can't wait to meet you in person sweetie!!!    love you and bigg huggs, Becky