tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19909800826151808382024-02-07T15:58:18.712-08:00Laughing WarriorIsaac was born with a rare heart defect requiring several surgeries. He is named Laughing Warrior because he fights an on going battle with his heart and he can still laugh and enjoy life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-30914217800391262642021-03-25T17:41:00.000-07:002021-03-25T17:41:13.217-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0qBD5SZFROY9twZkeYOKd32pYnLGHxA35yX84cUsZAooDqEuIxw3am_SbQ9OPDrXvmsS_Kjg1dUnUgE-B8zDeasKIsaJ6Vxd6aYeeaYmIqDK-T2lX3RB0VGwQqhlvRRFQV4U4gCBovw/s468/Screen+Shot+2021-03-25+at+6.39.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0qBD5SZFROY9twZkeYOKd32pYnLGHxA35yX84cUsZAooDqEuIxw3am_SbQ9OPDrXvmsS_Kjg1dUnUgE-B8zDeasKIsaJ6Vxd6aYeeaYmIqDK-T2lX3RB0VGwQqhlvRRFQV4U4gCBovw/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-03-25+at+6.39.59+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> I have always wanted to design an Image that represents Isaac since we named him on the day he was born. When we found out the meaning behind Isaac Verne was "Laughing Warrior" we knew it was perfect for him and never regretted it. Since then heart families started to call their heart kids "Heart Warriors." This bothered me at first because I felt like I was copycatted. If someone steals this image, I have artwork to prove that I created it and will take legal action if necessary. I might choose to modify it later. I am glad Isaac likes it.<p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-44832057982635046222021-03-25T17:28:00.002-07:002021-03-25T17:28:30.393-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pUPpDGHIue5hcyqDTGL6kz0fZ3ntAjckutuyoC1XacAy1Amm71Irqs-K3xd-jgVpffeMPlxIK2BWuq_-fUKvs4C5wiy1HsOG866avqIquHTZaaW3PzHuKUfcEKeyr68-CfWqqFHe24Q/s3072/20210325_181445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pUPpDGHIue5hcyqDTGL6kz0fZ3ntAjckutuyoC1XacAy1Amm71Irqs-K3xd-jgVpffeMPlxIK2BWuq_-fUKvs4C5wiy1HsOG866avqIquHTZaaW3PzHuKUfcEKeyr68-CfWqqFHe24Q/s320/20210325_181445.jpg" /></a></div><br /> It has been a while since I have updated this blog. This past Tuesday, Isaac had an ultrasound of his liver. The results said that his liver is slightly worse than before. He still has Fibrosis of the liver and will continue to be monitored through bloodwork, ultrasounds and MRI. Isaac became an adult in January, so he will be having minor changes with his list of doctors. He will also be graduating from High School at the end of May. After careful consideration we have decided against ever having Isaac listed on the liver and heart transplant list. This is a personal decision based on what is best for Isaac. He is an active participant in his healthcare and will continue to have the final say in all decisions about his healthcare. We fully support those who choose transplant and are signed up as potential donors on our ID's.<p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-78368189488224836042016-12-26T21:06:00.002-08:002016-12-26T21:06:28.418-08:002016 UpdateIsaac over-all had a good and healthy year. Isaac started eighth grade in the Fall. Isaac was diagnosed with liver disease in December of 2015 and we procrastinated getting his liver biopsy until the 14th of December this year. Isaac had a couple of procedures on the 14th, and the esophagus shows no varicies which is a good sign, his biopsy came back showing he has focal bridging Fibrosis Stage 3, and Mild portal Gastropathy. I will have to research to understand what all of this means, since doctors do not have time to explain details and teach a course about the liver. Anyway, he says we do not have to see him for six months, which is usually a sign that I do not need to worry. Isaac will have an ultrasound to followup on his liver to see how it is doing and an echocardiogram around the same time to followup on his heart situation.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-61464755120561802112013-06-24T20:05:00.001-07:002013-06-24T20:06:03.432-07:00Yearly Visit a Success<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Isaac ready for his yearly visit to PCMC Cardiology</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac started with an Echocardiogram</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac gets an EKG before he visits with his cardiologist.<br />
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Isaac has been blessed to only need a yearly visit for the past few years. Last June Isaac had a heart cath to close the fenestration in his Fontan. Ever since the heart cath, Isaac's oxygen saturations have been in the low 90's (which is really good for his condition). Today the cardiologist said that his heart is stable. I am relieved to know that nothing has changed for the worse. He still only has half a heart, and he still has a leaky tricuspid valve, and this does not mean he is cured, however he is able to live like a healthy boy for a while and that is a huge blessing. One piece of good news this time is that his medicine has been decreased to one time a day and will possibly be eliminated next visit in a year.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-48932133322494098972013-05-20T11:37:00.003-07:002013-05-20T11:37:39.543-07:00Isaac is a ToughboyLast night I was reading through my email and I came across a membership permission from a website for kids that Isaac had signed up with. I asked him if he had signed up for this, and he said yes. I looked at the login name with surprise, thinking maybe his dad helped him come up with his login name, so I asked him if he had help picking out a login. Isaac said he did the whole thing all by himself. The name he chose for himself was "Toughboy." Wow I love how he came up with this on his own. I am glad Isaac realizes that he really is tough. It's good to know that he has developed a good self esteem. I am so blessed to have this toughboy as my son, he never ceases to amaze me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-75190643982027576212012-12-26T18:46:00.000-08:002012-12-26T18:46:12.250-08:00Isaac's Christmas 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXno169swfUcaSVDH-Wo8FXEnmUYgbOZRESAY6VH6FdWyl_s8LsGKa_CvvcMHj1BX_3KtTuC_ke77kJR_PCinDeqIrWk8Gob7_Z4fnCQpceE43D1w4HJ990nmA0Z4c6oBus5TT1c88SkQ/s1600/angrybird_knockWood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXno169swfUcaSVDH-Wo8FXEnmUYgbOZRESAY6VH6FdWyl_s8LsGKa_CvvcMHj1BX_3KtTuC_ke77kJR_PCinDeqIrWk8Gob7_Z4fnCQpceE43D1w4HJ990nmA0Z4c6oBus5TT1c88SkQ/s320/angrybird_knockWood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Isaac's favorite gift this Christmas is his "Angry Birds Knock on Wood Game." He plays with it over and over. Isaac likes to build various towers and knock them down, by catapulting angrybird characters at his towers. Isaac also received an Angry Bird Shirt and Puzzle, among his presents. Isaac was extremely excited for Christmas this year, as he usually is. He enjoyed getting a phone call from Santa a few days before Christmas, it made Christmas fun. Although Isaac believes in Santa and enjoys getting presents, he knows that the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and worshiping him. A few days before Christmas, Isaac received an envelope in the mail. The envelope was filled with Christmas cards from a Seminary class in American Fork. We pulled out one card at a time and read them, taking about an hour to read them all. Isaac was overwhelmed at the love these people showed him, and even more, his parents were overwhelmed with grattitude for these special cards, which had so much thought put into them. It is really nice to know that there are still a lot of good teens in the world, with so much to offer. I can see the teens that wrote these cards making great progress as future leaders. What a beautiful spirit of Christmas these cards brought. It is interesting to think that 10 years ago, we were anxiously awaiting the birth of Isaac, and wondering so much about him. I am thankful we have been blessed to have the past ten years with Isaac, it is more than the doctors ever believed he would live.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-12869782108879831742012-10-07T18:31:00.000-07:002012-10-07T18:31:02.404-07:00It's Fall and Isaac is back to school<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isaac has been back in school for a little over a month and is enjoying the fourth grade, especially because he gets to have Mrs. Wright again. Mrs. Wright was Isaac's second grade teacher at CopperHills Elementary, she is very organized, caring, and the best choice for Isaac. She is good at making him laugh, which makes hime at ease with her. Some teachers are intimidating, and frusterated with Isaac's issues related to his disabilities, although he behaves well. I am extremely happy that he is in her class, she knows Isaac well and truly cares about him, and watches over him better than any teacher ever has. We look forward to a great school year. <br />
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Since Isacc's heart cath, this past June, Isaac's heart has been doing well. We are excited to see him have more energy than he has had for a long time. We hope that Isaac stays healthy, and can wait a long time for his next surgery. His next surgery is most likely his hearing in his left ear, within the next year probably.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-29966407842712792012-07-01T19:32:00.002-07:002012-07-01T19:32:12.221-07:00Isaac's Heart Catheterization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isaac had a heart catheterization, a little over a week ago, on June 21st. This was to close the fenestration in his fontan heart surgery from 2006. The fenestration (a hole) was created on purpose, to control heart pressures after his last heart surgery. The fenestration was supposed to close on it's own, and it didn't. We decided after we talked it over with Isaac's Cardiologist recently, that we would go ahead and let it be closed, which would allow Isaac's oxygen saturations to increase from the 80's to the 90's. When we arrived at the hospital, we were told to go to Cardiology where Isaac would start with an Echocardiogram, after that, Isaac had fun playing video games for a few hours before his heart cath. When it was finally time to go to the cath lab, Isaac was very scared and started to cry uncontrollably. The Anesthesiologist soon put Isaac to sleep which calmed him down. Isaac was in the Cath Lab for about two hours, during which they implated this device in the picture above, (Amplatzer Occluder) to plug the fenestration. <br />
When Isaac awoke, he was miserable; he complained that his leg hurt really bad from the Catheter, and his throat from being intubated. It took several hours of vomitting and crying to finally get some rest. It was really difficult to lay flat for so many hours recovering. Isaac was anxious to use the bathroom after waiting so many hours while laying flat, being filled with IV fluids, and a urinal was not acceptable to him. At about 2am Isaac was ready to leave the hospital, and go home straight to his own bed. <br />
As Isaac healed, he noticed he had more energy, and could run faster. Although Isaac hated having a heart Catheterization, it was all worth it in the end. hopefully Isaac can have a very long break before having any more surgical procedures of any kind.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-4522415348201636632012-04-22T21:56:00.000-07:002012-04-22T22:00:51.944-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Mother & Son Date to Remember</span></strong></div>
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Last Monday I had the best date I can remember. Isaac and I went to the local Library and watched "The Muppets" together. Isaac was so sweet, he cuddled up with me, held my hand and laughed a lot. It was truly a special night, that I hope to never forget. It was the first time Isaac and I had alone time together that was not doctor appointment related.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-55698327380874512762012-04-13T08:44:00.004-07:002012-04-13T09:07:34.249-07:00Living with UncertaintyIsaac is home sick today. No real big concern at the moment, just a stomachache. Isaac has been complaining for at least a week or more that his stomach hurts every morning, I am not sure what is going on. Last night he felt like he had a fever. As a heartmom I always worry if this is signs of heartfailure this time or is it something minor. Most likely it is something minor, his color is good and he acts fairly normal. A few days ago he cried saying he was feeling sick and I told him he had to go to school, Isaac constantly feels like this and it's hard to know when he is sick enough to keep home. The part that had me nervous was that I noticed his legs looked pale blue when he was crying, although his color changed back to pink after a few minutes. I sent him to school and kept my cell phone close by all day hoping that he would be okay and he was fine. It has been almost a year since Isaac had his Echocardiogram and visit with his Cardiologist. Isaac's last report said that his Tricuspid valve still leaks moderately, but stable. We have been talking for the past few years about closing his fenestration from his fontan by doing a heart catherization, I will have to wait to see what the Cardiologist says this time. Isaac is scheduled to have his annual visit on May 10th. I get a little nervous as it approaches thinking of what the next step may be. I just hope and pray that Isaac is given the clean bill of health signal and told to come back in a year. I naturally worry because I am always hearing reports of other heartkids not doing as well as him, and I wonder when he will be needing the next step. I know that with his heart condition I am not being unrealistic, I just have to hope and pray that we are able to make the most of the time Isaac has here on earth, and not forget that my girls or anybody have any guarantees to live longer, and we all need to make the most of the time we have. We all live with uncertainty, some of us are just more aware of it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-37931076022213946232012-03-26T08:42:00.003-07:002012-03-26T08:47:51.550-07:00Croup againIsaac has had croup since last Wednesday. I let him stay home Wednesday & Thursday, and he had no school on Friday. Croup has improved for Isaac over the past year, this time he has not needed steroids, which is a blessing. I sent him to school this morning, but I feel like the mean Mom cause he was coughing pretty bad this morning and I told him he has stayed home long enough. His school teacher gave me the look last week when I had SEP's not believing that he was really sick. I wish she only understood what Isaac and our family has been through. She doesn't really seem to believe or understand how fragile Isaac really is, because he looks so normal on the outside.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-3776546200863163412012-01-06T10:57:00.000-08:002012-01-06T11:04:16.980-08:00ArthritisI was thinking today about Isaac's arthritis and how I rarely or never talk about it on his blog. Isaac had a lot of arthritis last night, some in his back and a lot in his leg. He had a bad sleep because of the arthritis. I wonder how many kids with heart issues go through the same thing. Sometimes he has chest pain, right in the middle of his chest; my first thought is heart failure, but I really think it is arthritis again, because of his rib cage being broken open with a saw during heart surgery and then being closed again with wires. I am not looking for pity,I just wonder if other kids like Isaac go through this in the winter and other times when the barometer changes so much.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-68413381414890535712011-12-29T18:33:00.000-08:002011-12-29T18:54:54.544-08:00Isaac's Followup appointment todayI have been a bit of an emotional wreck today. I took Isaac to his followup visit today. While we were there I worked on filming my short documentary. I was doing pretty good until his wounds started to get uncovered. First the doctor took off the bandage from his chest and it was swollen like a huge bubble on his chest, the doctor said it was full of fluid. Next the doctor removed the bandage from his ear; the ear was swollen as I expected and looked very painful. Soon it was time to numb the incision on his chest and drain the fluid. Isaac was crying from the pain of having the bandages removed and started to cry about the procedure being done on his chest. I tried keeping Isaac calm, but it was difficult because at the same time I am smelling alcohol from the numbing shot and watching it as it slowly enters his chest as I hear him cry. At that moment I started to feel nausea and weakness, I was overcome with all of the stress of thinking my poor boy was suffering with pain and fear and I could barely keep it together. I let the doctor and his assistant know I was going to pass out, then we hurried me to the floor and I immediately passed out. I woke up a little confused and remembered where I was. the doctor checked my blood pressure and it was very low, then my pulse and it was a little high. I was given a coke and some rest and I recovered. While I was recovering me the doctor told me Isaac had a Hematoma, a complication from surgery. I was shown the hematoma, it kind of scared me to think of what could have happened with that blood clot. Isaac remained calm the whole time I was on the floor and didn't cry, he was aware of what was happening, but was brave and helped me stay calm. On the way home I talked to him, he let me know that he was mostly scared and that is why he cried during the numbing shot. I knew he was crying from pain when the bandages were removed, but I didn't know when the cry changed from pain to fear. I am relieved that the shot didn't hurt, but feel kind of bad that I got so stressed over it now that I know how he felt. I don't like my kids to see me in situations like that, but he handled it well. To top it off, I seem to have PMS making it worse.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-57596696294605600562011-12-27T13:23:00.000-08:002011-12-27T13:30:42.670-08:00Isaac's surgery went well. The surgery lasted almost 4 hours. The surgeon made a few incisions on his left ear to smooth out any of the creases and curves, and he opened up a pocket that was made on his chest to save some cartilege for later. Isac took several hours recovering in Post-op and went home about 10PM vomitting half of the way home and then some more at home. The first 24 hours after surgery are always the worst. His main source of pain was the incision on his chest. Now his ear is starting to hurt more, although he refuses Tylenol to help it accept at bedtime. Isaac will have his followup visit on Thursday. It is had to believe almost a week has gone by, it went really fast. Isaac was still able to enjoy Christmas, and was happy with each and every present.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-39104271756164861712011-12-12T10:43:00.000-08:002011-12-12T10:52:21.531-08:00December UpdateIt's been a while since I have updated. I just wanted to let any of Isaac's friends be aware that he will be going through the final stage of his ear reconstruction on December 22nd. Isaac has been excited about his new ear. He is a bit nervous about the surgery although he is quite calm at the same time. Isaac loves Dr. Fairbanks and has complete trust in him. Isaac still tells me that he can remember spending time with Jesus, which comforts me to know that Jesus loves him, and has a special relationship with him. Isaac has stayed fairly healthy lately, despite his fragile heart. I will post more after his surgery. Until then pray that Isaac has a positive experience with this upcoming surgery. Thanks for caring enough to check on Isaac.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-40618489174279018022011-07-18T19:18:00.000-07:002011-07-21T18:57:33.757-07:00New Ear Pic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDsZnfv34Jg3wc628XkMa1-CcttDSJpzAVyUgmflslZ-R2CluzkU0eX8VZ57OiV_H2-xjrISGERdx60hHKRMiQPTHo0DzFLLpKlNVCeg5VAHTL9SgdEGkcLgAf1mib9yUxOMRLYjpXU8/s1600/101_1631.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDsZnfv34Jg3wc628XkMa1-CcttDSJpzAVyUgmflslZ-R2CluzkU0eX8VZ57OiV_H2-xjrISGERdx60hHKRMiQPTHo0DzFLLpKlNVCeg5VAHTL9SgdEGkcLgAf1mib9yUxOMRLYjpXU8/s400/101_1631.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630882665805056322" /></a>Here is what his new ear looks like today. His ear will improve as it heals. As you might be able to see, it is still a little swollen and bruised, but it is healing well. If you would like to see how his ear looked in the beginning, go to older posts link at the bottom of this page and keep clicking older posts until you get to September 2008.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-37549602580612799822011-07-14T18:26:00.000-07:002011-07-21T19:04:17.203-07:00Big Bandage is gone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHRs4V6L8raa2rddDGdsMf8Mt5L-zHlQhLtaVKyKkQibNnwvoCFkqSPZbO1D3FqRPxkxLLWCj279l5Q4Q1mo_os2HXZIKR9L23H7EANakn5g8D2q5XVWdHr_3dd5i8WY2sB14OEN5eV4/s1600/DrFairbanks_Isaac_Jul2011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHRs4V6L8raa2rddDGdsMf8Mt5L-zHlQhLtaVKyKkQibNnwvoCFkqSPZbO1D3FqRPxkxLLWCj279l5Q4Q1mo_os2HXZIKR9L23H7EANakn5g8D2q5XVWdHr_3dd5i8WY2sB14OEN5eV4/s400/DrFairbanks_Isaac_Jul2011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630877109315758018" /></a><br />Here is a picture of Isaac and Dr. Grant A. Fairbanks (the Famous Plastic Surgeon/sculptor) who has been building Isaac's ear since July 2010. Isaac is very pleased with Dr. Fairbanks and his work. Isaac absoluely loves his new ear and couldn't be happier. The previous surgeon was an Ear Nose and Throat doctor, who messed it up during the first reconstructive surgery. Isaac had his big bandage removed this morning, and I was able to see his new ear for the first time. The ear looks a liitle swollen, but it looks pink and healthy. Isaac is feeling great and is excited that his ear is progressing well. Now Isaac will wear the "<em>Glasscock Ear Protector</em>" for a few weeks until the doctor says for him to take it off.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-42037117617005429892011-07-12T13:57:00.000-07:002011-07-12T14:20:43.854-07:00Recovering WellIsaac had his 3rd Stage ear reconstruction last Wednesday, and is doing well. The surgery took 4 hours. He had skin grafts taken from the pelvic area in two places, much like hernia surgery. The skin grafts were cut into almond shapes and placed on the back of his ear. Isaac complained about pain from his ear first and then the pelvic area 2nd, the numbing cream probably lasted on the pelvic area longer than any pain medicine he recieved during surgery. The first few hours after surgery were the worst as they usually are; he was vomitting constantly for several hours. After the Narcotics wore off he was much better and went home on just Tylenol and ice packs. For several days Isaac had to have Tylenol every 4-5 hours, however today he has said that he doesn't have enough pain to need Tylenol. He has missed having baths, but enjoyed a sponge bath the other night. Isaac especially enjoyed the part where I forgot I had a bucket of water on my bed and sat in it by mistake and soaked my pj's, the bed and the floor. He was laughing for a while, and so was I. Isaac has been out of the house a few times, and really gets the looks at his bandage. He is thankful nobody has laughed at him, and is confident enough to go in public now. On Thursday he will have the large bandage removed and have a plastic cup to wear on his ear called a "Glasscock Ear Protector". We are anxious to see how well his ear surgery turned out. Thanks for all of the prayers in Isaac's behalf, they truly have helped.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-76431829540947399832011-07-05T16:05:00.000-07:002011-07-05T16:10:43.669-07:00New Ear Surgery Date & TimeOn June 21st Isaac was supposed to have his Stage 3 Ear reconstruction at Primary Children's Medical Center, however, an emergency surgery came in an bumped Isaac's reconstructive ear surgery since it was elective. Tomorrow, Wednesday July 6th at 9:45 AM Isaac will be having his surgery at PCMC, by Dr. Fairbanks. Anyone is welcome to visit me in the waiting room, I'll be there for at least a few hours.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-12946470110457496662011-06-07T13:47:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:55:26.811-07:00Re-Constructive Ear Surgery PostponedIsaac was scheduled to have stage III Microtia ear surgery tommorrow. We have had some delays getting it approved by his insurance. For now we will tenatively schedule it for June 21st and hope for the best. Isaac is a bit disappointed that it was re-scheduled, but happy that he will get to enjoy a few summer activities before surgery. Isaac loves how his ear is looking and is anxious to seeing it match his right ear. Dr. Fairbanks is Isaac's favorite doctor right now because he does such a wonderful job and is so nice. I am sure if he truly understood and remembered what Dr. Hawkins did for him, he would feel the same way about him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-1700015513504265532011-06-04T13:43:00.000-07:002011-06-04T14:12:16.119-07:00Isaac's Baptism Day<div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCxQsUBRGI-Mn4FjnQuqHRTZkYhmVg59jxYdyeOm8FdbWTZhJsUPh0VJqoqWT7ZygpDaMlN8Zbu8kKuNjtkiFUX107Qs3gN9OSaH8Msje3Fk0AXIbmiAf1vB062xvZnFv_UjPD8A6t9M/s1600/100_1455.JPG'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCxQsUBRGI-Mn4FjnQuqHRTZkYhmVg59jxYdyeOm8FdbWTZhJsUPh0VJqoqWT7ZygpDaMlN8Zbu8kKuNjtkiFUX107Qs3gN9OSaH8Msje3Fk0AXIbmiAf1vB062xvZnFv_UjPD8A6t9M/s320/100_1455.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div><br />Isaac had a very special and beautilful Baptism. He was a bit scared, but was brave and went through it well. Everything about the baptism was beautiful, the building was newly remodeled, the meeting was peaceful, had loved ones around ( in body and spirit) and it was very spiritual. It was interesting that Paul Cardall's nephew was also getting baptized at the same church a few minutes before Isaac. It was nice to have a brief visit with the Cardall Family. After the baptism we had a nice lunch with family and friends. What a beautiful sun-shiney day it has been, we hope the weather stays beautiful for a while. We have missed the sun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-78040827987010358962011-05-25T11:59:00.000-07:002011-05-25T12:01:51.078-07:00Happy UpdateMonday Isaac had an Echocardiogram and a visit with Dr. Puchalski, his Cardiologist. Isaacs heart function is doing well, it hasn't got any worse. He still has only half a heart and a leaky tricuspid valve along with some other smaller heart issues, but he is doing well. He is still getting between 85-91% oxygen saturation which is normal for him and really great. Dr. Puchalski says he shouldn't need another visit for a year. I couldn't be happier with this report, Isaac is a living miracle. Isaacs recent virus scared us, and gave us lots of stress, however it is normal to see in heart kids. We are thankful we have had the last eight years with him. Isaac has helped us realize how blessed we truly are. We look forward to many more years with Isaac and are excited to see him grow and develop. We have learned to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, and don't regret this journey in the least.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-25405021382547807162011-03-02T10:42:00.000-08:002011-03-02T10:47:31.888-08:00March Update 2011Currently Isaac is doing well other than having the stomach flu off and on for over a week. I will double check with the Pediatrician to see if there is any concern with having this flu for so long. Isaac still has two more stages of ear surgery, next one will be done probably in May 2011. Isaac will be getting Baptized soon, if you are interested in coming, please contact me. We are currently still making arrangements for a date. Thanks for caring about Isaac & checking in on him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-86023227142094011732010-11-03T20:13:00.000-07:002010-11-03T20:30:25.049-07:00Brief UpdateI've been too busy to update lately. However, I just wanted to update on Isaac's health. On October 5th, Isaac had stage 2 of his ear surgery. It went really well & healed extremely fast this time. Also he was blessed to have many people pray for him, which I believed help Isaac be almost completely free of pain. There was discomfort, but not pain medication needed after surgery. Isaac is really happy with his ear. Isaac loves Doctor Fairbanks, the plastic surgeon. This is another blessing, to have a wonderful doctor who genuinely cares for his patients. I've noticed his patients are passionate about doctor Faibanks, he is one of a kind.<br /> Isaac saw his Cardiologist on October 21st (his Dad's birthday also). THe report was good. He said that Isaac's heart was still leaking, however not any worse than before. It's too risky to fix at this point. I hope we find a way for it to heal on it's own without surgical intervention. Even Heart Catherizations make me nervous, I've heard stories about Cath nightmares. Anyway, I am thankful Isaac is stable. I try not to worry about when things might change. I am always thinking about how to not take our time together for granted, as well as my other children. I have a perspective that is weird to some, and too real to others. I try to live my life with no regrets. <br /> Isaac won an Award of Merit today for a Reflections project he entered at his school. He is real happy that he won, even though it was not a medal. His sister Brianna won five medals today in the same competition.<br /> Thanks, to all of you who stop by to check on Isaac, I appreciate your concern.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990980082615180838.post-61786897958500550702010-07-13T10:43:00.000-07:002010-07-13T11:19:21.834-07:00Microtia Surgery Stage 1 (re-Do)For some of you, you might remember Isaac having reconstructive surgery almost two years ago on his left ear. I just didn't feel good about the first surgery, almost every aspect of it. I feel bad I put Isaac through a painful surgery again, especially when it turned out to be a mistake. This time I feel bad he has to go through so much pain, however, I feel that the surgeon is perfect for the job. After much thought I went to doctor Siddiqui (a very skilled plastic surgeon I met at Primary Children's Medical Center in 2003), to see if he could do Isaac's second stage of Microtia Surgery. Dr. Siddiqui looked at it and said it was not done right and needed to be redone. He reffered Isaac to Dr Grant R. Fairbanks (a plastic surgeon/sculptor) who does re-do's as they call it. Doctor Fairbanks glady took Isaac as his patient, and carefully planned out the reconstruction of Isaac's ear. Doctor Fairbanks is one who takes great pride in his work and thinks out the best scenario for his patients best interest. He takes the time to do everything extremely well and considers the patients future like no other. I have been very impressed by his caring hands in giving the best for Isaac. He is truly a doctor who cares about the welfare of each patient, going well beyond the call of duty. I am thankful Isaac was lead to such a skilled and caring surgeon and I feel he will be the best to complete the next two steps of Isaac's ear reconstruction. <br /> Isaac's surgery went as well as planned. After surgery, recovery was a long process. Isaac retained a lot of fluid, which gave him some setbacks for a few days. Also, Isaac has had a lot of chest pain, due to rib grafts and removal of one rib. Isaac came home after about five days in the hospital. His ear and chest are healing well with no signs of infection. I expect his chest will continue to be very sore for a while. <br /> At the end of July Isaac will be attending second Grade at CopperHills Elementary. We are excited to work with Mrs. Wright (his new teacher). We look forward to a sucessful school year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0