Tomorrow, Monday, Feb. 1st, Ruthie is having a liver biopsy. After speaking to the hemotalogist, Dr. Cantor (the main heart transplant guy... or director if you will) decided our next step is to biopsy the liver. The hemotalogist seem to believe that the blood clotting issues stem from the liver, since the liver is in charge of making the proteins needed to clot. So onto the liver. We have the GI doctors/ team involved now and they are planning on a biopsy tomorrow early morning. Unfortunately, we will not have results for a few days and that seems to be one of the hardest things about this. Its already hard to watch her have to go through so much, and then we have to wait on results. (Sigh) But we know these things must be done if we want to be on the transplant list. AND WE DO! We want to be on that list so bad!!
So since Jan 22nd, we have had a heart cath, a MRI, an open lung biopsy, MANY MANY blood labs drawn and now a liver biopsy. I can not imagine being in Ruth's shoes. So many procedures and so much sedation and pain meds. WOW! She is such a fighter. She really seems to be taking it all well. I mean she is not back to herself completely yet, but she sure is a champ! Each day as we enter her CICU home, she is a bit happier, a bit more awake, a bit more like her "normal" self. Today has been the best here yet. Ruthie is playing and smiling. She still isn't eating on her own yet, but they put in a NG tube so FINALLY she is able to get something in that belly. It has been about 10 days since she has really eaten well. Although, she is still on a upward slope, battling the whole way, we can see the top. We are almost there. The answers we have been seeking are almost in reach. ALMOST! But as for Ruthie, she is as snug as a bug in a rug right now. She is back to cat napping, instead of sleeping, and she is back to being so stinking cute. It is awesome to have that back:)It can really lift your spirts. Even though there is still so much ahead, her quirky, fun attitude has helped me focus on the now.
I hope to post pictures soon. I just need to go buy some more batteries for the camera so I can take some current picture and then download them all. Hopefully tonight will be quiet enough that I can at least upload the pictures at home and then play around with things tomorrow. But we shall see. No promises right now.
We are praying for our heart babies non stop. If you have a minute, try to keep Derrick (who is home and getting back in the swing of things), Lorenzo (who is having open heart surgery on Tuesday and has been in the hospital for 3 weeks), Cameron (who is home and awaiting the next step), Jacob (who is getting to be a big baby in Kathy's belly, Maggie (who is post fontan and doing great) and all the heart angels and living miracles in your prayers. These families are amazingly supportive of our Ruthie. It is wonderful to have the support, even when they are fighting their own battles.
Thank you for praying and for thinking about Ruthie. She really appreciates her cheering section. She doesn't want to let anyone down and thus far she hasn't:) (And honestly I don't think she ever really could).
HEART HUGS!!!
Laura
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Holding on
Unfortunately, this update is not really informative. We havent spoken to the hemotalogist yet so we do not have any more information at this point. Just still waiting and praying that they can at least put their finger on the issue. Any information (good or bad) would be nice to hear. Just a plan!
On a lighter and exciting note,
Ruth has been exubated! The tube is gone and she is doing much better. She seems to be a whole new baby now that the icky tube is gone. She is still on nasal cannulas at 40% and level 6.
Besides exubation, there really hasnt been much of a change today medically. Ruthie is more awake and not so cranky:) AND she ate a whole 20 mils (a little more than a half ounce) which is exciting since she hasnt been given any food since 12:30 am Wednesday morning. I think that as we work on her feedings that she will become more and more aware and happy.
Right now she is resting and being very calm. HUGE difference from last night. We havent had to give her any morphine since her exubation. We are pretty excited because she had to be given 4 doses last night in order to calm her enough that she could rest. So no morphine seems like a good deal to me.
I dont feel like I say this enough, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU, for all your prayers and support. It is really helpful to have so much compassion expressed. I feel the love and I feel the prayers working.
We hope to know more about the blood tests soon. However, some of these tests are extensive and it may take a few days for the results to come back and then for the hemotalogy team to analyize it all. So we are waiting. Waiting on an answer. Waiting on a plan. Just waiting. But while we wait, we take in each moment and enjoy what we have now. We are on a road trip and on every road trip, there are detours, bumps and stop signs. Right now I feel as though we are just at a yeild.
PLEASE pray for Ruthie, along with all of the heart babies. God is in control and as long as we believe and have faith, everything will be okay. Whether or not we like the "okay" that occurs is another story. But it will all be okay.
HEART HUGS!
LAURA
On a lighter and exciting note,
Ruth has been exubated! The tube is gone and she is doing much better. She seems to be a whole new baby now that the icky tube is gone. She is still on nasal cannulas at 40% and level 6.
Besides exubation, there really hasnt been much of a change today medically. Ruthie is more awake and not so cranky:) AND she ate a whole 20 mils (a little more than a half ounce) which is exciting since she hasnt been given any food since 12:30 am Wednesday morning. I think that as we work on her feedings that she will become more and more aware and happy.
Right now she is resting and being very calm. HUGE difference from last night. We havent had to give her any morphine since her exubation. We are pretty excited because she had to be given 4 doses last night in order to calm her enough that she could rest. So no morphine seems like a good deal to me.
I dont feel like I say this enough, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU, for all your prayers and support. It is really helpful to have so much compassion expressed. I feel the love and I feel the prayers working.
We hope to know more about the blood tests soon. However, some of these tests are extensive and it may take a few days for the results to come back and then for the hemotalogy team to analyize it all. So we are waiting. Waiting on an answer. Waiting on a plan. Just waiting. But while we wait, we take in each moment and enjoy what we have now. We are on a road trip and on every road trip, there are detours, bumps and stop signs. Right now I feel as though we are just at a yeild.
PLEASE pray for Ruthie, along with all of the heart babies. God is in control and as long as we believe and have faith, everything will be okay. Whether or not we like the "okay" that occurs is another story. But it will all be okay.
HEART HUGS!
LAURA
Being pushed off cloud 9
So as I said yesterday, her lung biopsie did not show any signs of pulmonary sesnosis. Woo hoo, right? Well apparently that is not all that her results said. Although what they were looking for was not found, they did find something else. Ruthie has microscopic bloodclots in her lungs. They don't know where they came from or why they are there, but they do know that they are diffused throughout the lungs and that until we know more, we are not on the list. Since day one here, this round, ruthie's blood work has come back abnormal. Before her lung biopsie, her PT and PTT were both elavated. The hemotalogist decided to do a shot of Vitamin K and said we discuss more later. We really did not pay it much attention because they were still planning on surgery. However, there is more we don't know yet. All they can tell us is that her clotting labs are no where near normal. And by they I mean the cardiologists and the CICU doctors. So we are waiting to hear more about her blood work right now. They are also investigating her liver right now. We are trying to see if her liver has finally taken a big hit from her heart or if there is something abnormal going on there.
Where do we go from here??
Plan for today:
exubate
eat
talk to hemotalogy
long term plan:
figure out liver issue
figure out blood clot issue
If her liver is only being damaged by her heart then, good news! We can still be put on the list.
If her liver has abnormalities then we must see if we can fix these issues and still be on the list. If we can not fix her liver, then we can not give a heart to someone who had a failing liver. And we can't give a liver to someone with a failing heart.
If the blood clot issue in her lungs and so forth is treatable or caused by her heart, then we can be placed on the list.
If the blood clot issue is not treatable, then we are not put on the list.
So, right now we are waiting. Waiting to hear if her liver and blood clot issues can be resolved. In order to know that we must know what is causing it to happen.
Please keep praying. Praying that they can find an answer. Praying that the answer eventually leads to a heart transplant . Praying that the doctors and nurses have guidance and wisdom. Praying for Ruths strength and ability to fight. Praying that no matter what the outcome may be that we can handle it. And most of all praying that whatever we do, Ruth will in the end be whole and happy.
On our CICU room wall:
Believe that all things are possible.
Amen!
Thank you all for the constant prayers and support. It is amazing to see how many people Ruth's story has touched. Absolutely amazing! God has big plans for her. Even if those plans are only to get people to pray.
It is not in our hands. So trust, have faith.
Heart hugs
Where do we go from here??
Plan for today:
exubate
eat
talk to hemotalogy
long term plan:
figure out liver issue
figure out blood clot issue
If her liver is only being damaged by her heart then, good news! We can still be put on the list.
If her liver has abnormalities then we must see if we can fix these issues and still be on the list. If we can not fix her liver, then we can not give a heart to someone who had a failing liver. And we can't give a liver to someone with a failing heart.
If the blood clot issue in her lungs and so forth is treatable or caused by her heart, then we can be placed on the list.
If the blood clot issue is not treatable, then we are not put on the list.
So, right now we are waiting. Waiting to hear if her liver and blood clot issues can be resolved. In order to know that we must know what is causing it to happen.
Please keep praying. Praying that they can find an answer. Praying that the answer eventually leads to a heart transplant . Praying that the doctors and nurses have guidance and wisdom. Praying for Ruths strength and ability to fight. Praying that no matter what the outcome may be that we can handle it. And most of all praying that whatever we do, Ruth will in the end be whole and happy.
On our CICU room wall:
Believe that all things are possible.
Amen!
Thank you all for the constant prayers and support. It is amazing to see how many people Ruth's story has touched. Absolutely amazing! God has big plans for her. Even if those plans are only to get people to pray.
It is not in our hands. So trust, have faith.
Heart hugs
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The results are in.....
Ruthie's lung are a go for the heart transplant! They found some fluid, but they arenot too worried about that now. So transplant plant team, let's talk!!!!! :) :) :)We are waiting to talk to Dr. Cantor (who is the head of the transplant team) now. Ruth is stable in the CICU and they are working on getting a PIC line in this morning. They hope to pull her breathing tube later today since she is purely using the vent as back up now.
I will update after we speak to Dr. Cantor!
Thank you thank you thank you God. Thank you to all our supporters. Your advice prayers love and support are appreciated and clearly are working in our favor. Keep praying!
Prayers, hugs and thanks to our heart families. You are amazing!
Heart hugs!
I will update after we speak to Dr. Cantor!
Thank you thank you thank you God. Thank you to all our supporters. Your advice prayers love and support are appreciated and clearly are working in our favor. Keep praying!
Prayers, hugs and thanks to our heart families. You are amazing!
Heart hugs!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The CICU
Ruthie is done with the lung biopsie. The whole procedure went well and we hope to have results tomorrow morning. She is currently in the CICU and resting. Her blood gas is not where we want it to be so they have decided to keep her breathing tube in over night. She needs the rest and they don't want to push her yet, especially since she has "gone under" three times this past week. I just remember what my body went through after the c section and I wasn't fully sedated. I can't imagine what her little body is feeling and three full sedations. We hope to remove the tube tomorrow but it all depends on Ruthie and her condition.
Please pray for Ruthie. I am sure this CICU visit will be short, but at the same time I can never be sure. So it is a safe but scary place. I mean it's intensive care. So pray pray pray.
I hope to post about our past week sometime soon, but my heart is not into my blog right now. I appreciate, correction WE appreciate all your support and prayers. I also know that you like to get updates just like I like updates on my other chd babies. However, it is a boy rough right now. So for the time being this is all I got.
I am trying to post at least the basics so you are not left wondering.
God is in control, like He had been from day one. It is just hard to trust and just live sometimes. As any parent knows, watching your child struggle is almost unbearable at times. We have faith though and we believe in our little girl. She is so strong and God is so good.
Please pray for our other heart babies and their families. We all share in each others ups and downs. Please pray for their contineous strength and hope.
Heart hugs
Please pray for Ruthie. I am sure this CICU visit will be short, but at the same time I can never be sure. So it is a safe but scary place. I mean it's intensive care. So pray pray pray.
I hope to post about our past week sometime soon, but my heart is not into my blog right now. I appreciate, correction WE appreciate all your support and prayers. I also know that you like to get updates just like I like updates on my other chd babies. However, it is a boy rough right now. So for the time being this is all I got.
I am trying to post at least the basics so you are not left wondering.
God is in control, like He had been from day one. It is just hard to trust and just live sometimes. As any parent knows, watching your child struggle is almost unbearable at times. We have faith though and we believe in our little girl. She is so strong and God is so good.
Please pray for our other heart babies and their families. We all share in each others ups and downs. Please pray for their contineous strength and hope.
Heart hugs
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Not a detailed update, but this is all I can do right now
We are slowly getting closer to results. We are checking off boxes left and right. Tomorrow we have the lung biopsies. Pray for Ruth during the surgery, itself, and now good results. This is a big determing factor of weather she can be placed on the heart transplant list. Pray. Pray. Pray
Saturday, January 23, 2010
It's a hard knock life
In 1 hour and 17 minutes, it will officially be 24 hours since I have seen a bed. What a long long day. As I type on the iPod now, I am not being soothed by the sounds of Ruthie sleeping or monitors beeping, but instead, I am listening to the food network and the nurses changing beds for our roommate. As if today has not been long enough, now we are in 7 West and with a roommate that apparently loves tv and loves it loud! Man oh man! I know that I am just venting because my day has not been a good one and when you have a day like that the small things seem to eat at you more than ever. Like, why couldn't we move the beds when the one year old who has been yelling all night was up. Why did we have to wait until the whole room was quiet and everyone asleep? I just don't see the logic behind waking children who need sleep and do not need medical attention. I mean really?!? But I am not giving an update, I am venting. So... Back to the important things in life, not the minor details. Like the duracell commercial I can hear at 2:52AM!!!!
So, ruthie's cath went well today. She took the sedation like a champ and even got to keep her hair up during the whole ordeal! What a treat! She came back from the lab about 4 hours after she left and honestly this time she was not as swollen. Awesome!
However, the good news stops there. Dr. Balzer, dr. Huddleson, and Dr. Goel all agree, Ruth needs a heart transplant. Her pressures are too high to do the Glenn anytime soon, so now as we try to work out those pressures (again) we will also start the process of getting Ruthie qualified for the heart transplant list.
We have a long list of labs, tests, procedures, meetings, doctors, nurses and people to get through before Ruth can even get on the list. Our first bug hurdle to cross is a lung biopsey. In order for Ruth to even continue on thus process she needs to have a lung bioposey done to determine if she has lung damage or disease. On Wednesday, Jan. 27th Ruth will go in for her lung bioposey. Fortunately we are able to get in so soon because we are using her Glenn spot on the surgery board since she won't need it. We won't have much infor on the lung bioposey until Friday because it takes a bit for all the results get in. Once again, God is teaching me that He is in control and that I must have faith. It is so hard waiting. Waiting on an answer. Waiting on a desicion.
We hope to know whether Ruth is a good candidate for a heart by next week. If the heart transplant team which includes all the doctors, therapists, social workers, etc decide that Ruth is not a good candidate (due to lung disease or liver failure or lack of developmental skills for example) then our next step is..... compassionate care. Even now writing those words seem unreal! Really, compassionate care? I haven't heard those words since before Ruths arrival. Compassionate care... knowing there is no answer, no other choice but to watch your baby pass on. I mean I can't even bring myself to say it. I don't want to make it a reality.
But here we are. We are NOT giving up. We will NOT back down! We will fight!
Please, Please, please pray for Ruthie. I just want her to have a chance to get a heart. Please Lord,
protect Ruth from harm, make her strong. Guide her doctors. Give them knowledge and wisdom. Give Ruth strength and courage. We know she is fiesty. And please give us comfort and understanding. We are not to know the Lords ways but to have faith. So let's have faith!!!
I will try to update with more medical details and photos tomorrow. There is only so much you can do with an iPod.
For tonight or this morning, this is all I can give. My mind is not here anymore but apparently learning how to make crab cakes on food network... Seriously, why does the tv have to be on?? Ah well, I will venture on and I will try to fall asleep in spite on this situation. Maybe I should pray for courage to tell these parents that constant tv is not good for a baby to be around. I mean Everyone needs quiet....
Wish me luck! I hope to sleep for a little bit!
Heart hugs!
Prayers out to Lorenzo, cameron, Jacob, Derrick and their families. Big prayers!!!
Laura
So, ruthie's cath went well today. She took the sedation like a champ and even got to keep her hair up during the whole ordeal! What a treat! She came back from the lab about 4 hours after she left and honestly this time she was not as swollen. Awesome!
However, the good news stops there. Dr. Balzer, dr. Huddleson, and Dr. Goel all agree, Ruth needs a heart transplant. Her pressures are too high to do the Glenn anytime soon, so now as we try to work out those pressures (again) we will also start the process of getting Ruthie qualified for the heart transplant list.
We have a long list of labs, tests, procedures, meetings, doctors, nurses and people to get through before Ruth can even get on the list. Our first bug hurdle to cross is a lung biopsey. In order for Ruth to even continue on thus process she needs to have a lung bioposey done to determine if she has lung damage or disease. On Wednesday, Jan. 27th Ruth will go in for her lung bioposey. Fortunately we are able to get in so soon because we are using her Glenn spot on the surgery board since she won't need it. We won't have much infor on the lung bioposey until Friday because it takes a bit for all the results get in. Once again, God is teaching me that He is in control and that I must have faith. It is so hard waiting. Waiting on an answer. Waiting on a desicion.
We hope to know whether Ruth is a good candidate for a heart by next week. If the heart transplant team which includes all the doctors, therapists, social workers, etc decide that Ruth is not a good candidate (due to lung disease or liver failure or lack of developmental skills for example) then our next step is..... compassionate care. Even now writing those words seem unreal! Really, compassionate care? I haven't heard those words since before Ruths arrival. Compassionate care... knowing there is no answer, no other choice but to watch your baby pass on. I mean I can't even bring myself to say it. I don't want to make it a reality.
But here we are. We are NOT giving up. We will NOT back down! We will fight!
Please, Please, please pray for Ruthie. I just want her to have a chance to get a heart. Please Lord,
protect Ruth from harm, make her strong. Guide her doctors. Give them knowledge and wisdom. Give Ruth strength and courage. We know she is fiesty. And please give us comfort and understanding. We are not to know the Lords ways but to have faith. So let's have faith!!!
I will try to update with more medical details and photos tomorrow. There is only so much you can do with an iPod.
For tonight or this morning, this is all I can give. My mind is not here anymore but apparently learning how to make crab cakes on food network... Seriously, why does the tv have to be on?? Ah well, I will venture on and I will try to fall asleep in spite on this situation. Maybe I should pray for courage to tell these parents that constant tv is not good for a baby to be around. I mean Everyone needs quiet....
Wish me luck! I hope to sleep for a little bit!
Heart hugs!
Prayers out to Lorenzo, cameron, Jacob, Derrick and their families. Big prayers!!!
Laura
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Big Day Update
We started this morning at 4am. Not because we thought that would be a good time to start, but because our super hungry fasting baby was up and ready to go. Poor thing doesn't like pedilite and after 1 am that was our only option. So next time we will buy applejuice and pray she likes that much better. But alas, our whole family, even Zoey, was up at 4 am.
After a interesting and exhausting two hours at home (trying to get over being up and STAYING up at 4 AM), we made our way to the hospital. By 7 am, we were in 7 west and checking Ruth out. Blood pressure, check. O2 sats, check. Tempature, check. Now time for snuggling with Ruth while we wait on Dr. Balzer to talk to us. Dr. Balzer was in and out in no time and so was Ruth.
At 7:30 am Josh handed Ruthie over to the doctor and off our little cranky pants went. Of course with hugs and kisses from us.
She is currently under and it only took 2 sticks for the IV. We are waiting on our next update.
Please keep Ruthie in your prayers. She is a good little fiesty fighter. We believe God will watch her while we can not. She is in great hands, but they are not ours (which is hard).
Also, please keep Cameron, Derrick, and Lorenzo in your prayers as they all go through their own battles.
Heart hugs!
After a interesting and exhausting two hours at home (trying to get over being up and STAYING up at 4 AM), we made our way to the hospital. By 7 am, we were in 7 west and checking Ruth out. Blood pressure, check. O2 sats, check. Tempature, check. Now time for snuggling with Ruth while we wait on Dr. Balzer to talk to us. Dr. Balzer was in and out in no time and so was Ruth.
At 7:30 am Josh handed Ruthie over to the doctor and off our little cranky pants went. Of course with hugs and kisses from us.
She is currently under and it only took 2 sticks for the IV. We are waiting on our next update.
Please keep Ruthie in your prayers. She is a good little fiesty fighter. We believe God will watch her while we can not. She is in great hands, but they are not ours (which is hard).
Also, please keep Cameron, Derrick, and Lorenzo in your prayers as they all go through their own battles.
Heart hugs!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Ruthie"s Life
Here is just a glimpse of Ruthie's life over the past 5 months. There are many more memories and pictures to share. This is merely the beginning.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Ruthie Update
Sorry there had not been a post in a few days. This weekend we focused on spending time with Ruthie and really absorbing all the information we received Thursday and Friday.
Before I get into the Ruth update, I would like to ask for some prayers for two heart friends. Derrick, HLHS 8 months, is having his Glenn today. Please keep his family and his doctors in your prayers.. Also keep Lorenzo in your prayers. He is currently in the hospital with a chest tube in. As a heart momma, I truly feel for their families and mothers. Let God guide them and keep them safe during this journey.
At 2:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 14th, my phone began to ring. I picked it up quickly, in order not to disturb Ruthie's nap, and saw the number I had been dreading, yet waiting for all day: Dr. Goel, Cardiologist.
I answered,
"Hello."
"Hi, Laura?"
"Yes."
"This is Kelly from Dr. Goel's office."
Without so much as a breath, she continued,
"Have you heard from Children's Hospital yet?"
Instantly, I knew something was not right. I would not be hearing from Children's unless there was a change in plans.
"No", I responded, "We have not heard from Children's today."
Kelly- "Okay good. Well we are going to do a heart cath on Ruthie before her Glenn. Dr. Goel and Dr. Huddleson (the surgeon) sat down yesterday and reviewed all of Ruth's information. Her charts, her echos, her history. They spoke for a few hours about how to proceed with her case. Dr Goel is waiting to speak to you now. So hold on a second and I will get him on the line."
Me- "Oh, okay. Thanks Kelly."
I can not explain to you how I felt in that moment. Another cath? I know we talked about doing another cath after her pressures were too high last time (back in November). I just thought that since they scheduled surgery that we did not need another cath and that her pressures were going to be okay enough for us to have the Glenn.
In the midst of my intense thinking, I heard,
"Laura?"
"Hi, Dr. Goel."
Dr. Goel- "Okay, so Kelly told you that we are planning on a Cath next week for Ruth, right?"
Mw- "Yes, she did. We are waiting on our call from Children's for more information about times and dates right now."
Dr. Goel- "Okay. Well we sat down yesterday, Dr. Huddleson and I. We feel that something is missing. Her heart function is poor and we are not sure what could be causing it. Dr. Huddleson wants Dr. Balzer to do a heart cath to check out the exact pressure measurements in her heart and to check out what all is going on. He wants to know what her heart is up to before surgery. We just feel like her heart function looks too poor, not to figure out what all is going on before surgery. Her pressures seem a bit high and we need more information."
Me- "Okay, I agree Dr. Goel. It makes sense to understand what is going on before we have open heart surgery. What type of numbers are we looking for in her heart?"
Dr. Goel- "I believe her pressure is in the 12-15 range. 15 is high, but not too high for surgery. If her pressure is around 20 or higher, then we will have to re-think her next step. 20 would be too high for us to do the Glenn."
Me- "What will be our next steps after the Cath?"
Dr. Goel- "After the cath, we will know exactly what we are dealing with. If her pressure ranges from 8-15, then Dr. Huddleson would decide when we should do the Glenn. If the pressure is 20 or higher, then we will have to talk about a cardiac transplant."
That is where I stopped absorbing his every word. I couldn't get past the term CARDIAC TRANSPLANT.
He just said we could looking at a heart transplant. WHAT?!?
I can only summarize the rest of our conversation after this point. My head was a bit clouded and confused to remember exact wording.
He did proceed to say that he had reason to believe that her pressure would be just right for the Glenn. He said Ruth didn't show signs or symptoms of cardiac failure and that she was still eating very well. He is concerned about her enlarged liver still and her pressures, but he feels like those are signs pointing to the Glenn; saying its time. They just need to be sure and a heart cath would give them more in depth and accurate information.
Dr. Goel, Dr. Balzer, , Dr. Huddleson are all on this case. We have had them there from the start of Ruthie's life and we are very please to have them all on board. We are blessed to be in such good hands.
So, where do we go from here?....
On Friday, Jan. 22nd, Ruthie will have her heart cath. Dr. Balzer will be checking her pressure and her heart very closely. WE want to make sure there is nothing unknown or hidden before we have open heart surgery. Surprises during open heart surgery are not good, so the more we know the better.
After the cath we will know what her little heart is up to and we can either plan for surgery or join the heart transplant list.
We have a long week ahead of us. A week of worry, anticipation, excitement, fear and hope. We are looking forward to finding out more information, but at the same time a bit gun shy. It just serves as a reminder that we are on a journey. We will never stop worrying about her heart. We will never stop praying. We know that although we did not choose this road, we will ride it out. We know God will guide us and provide for us. We believe He knows best, so who are we to question?
Along with a big heart cath this week, we are hitting another milestone for Ruth.
RUTH TURNS 5 MONTHS OLD TODAY!!!
At 9:59 am on August 18, 2009 Ruth Elizabeth was born. Our lives started a new path with that first cry.
5 months ago today:
Today, at 5 months old:)
How old is Ruthie??
5 WHOLE MONTHS! (notice her hand! LOL)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GIRL!
We love you so much and we are so proud of you. God has shown his marvelous works and miracles through you.
Heart Hugs!
Laura, Josh, and Ruthie!
Before I get into the Ruth update, I would like to ask for some prayers for two heart friends. Derrick, HLHS 8 months, is having his Glenn today. Please keep his family and his doctors in your prayers.. Also keep Lorenzo in your prayers. He is currently in the hospital with a chest tube in. As a heart momma, I truly feel for their families and mothers. Let God guide them and keep them safe during this journey.
At 2:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 14th, my phone began to ring. I picked it up quickly, in order not to disturb Ruthie's nap, and saw the number I had been dreading, yet waiting for all day: Dr. Goel, Cardiologist.
I answered,
"Hello."
"Hi, Laura?"
"Yes."
"This is Kelly from Dr. Goel's office."
Without so much as a breath, she continued,
"Have you heard from Children's Hospital yet?"
Instantly, I knew something was not right. I would not be hearing from Children's unless there was a change in plans.
"No", I responded, "We have not heard from Children's today."
Kelly- "Okay good. Well we are going to do a heart cath on Ruthie before her Glenn. Dr. Goel and Dr. Huddleson (the surgeon) sat down yesterday and reviewed all of Ruth's information. Her charts, her echos, her history. They spoke for a few hours about how to proceed with her case. Dr Goel is waiting to speak to you now. So hold on a second and I will get him on the line."
Me- "Oh, okay. Thanks Kelly."
I can not explain to you how I felt in that moment. Another cath? I know we talked about doing another cath after her pressures were too high last time (back in November). I just thought that since they scheduled surgery that we did not need another cath and that her pressures were going to be okay enough for us to have the Glenn.
In the midst of my intense thinking, I heard,
"Laura?"
"Hi, Dr. Goel."
Dr. Goel- "Okay, so Kelly told you that we are planning on a Cath next week for Ruth, right?"
Mw- "Yes, she did. We are waiting on our call from Children's for more information about times and dates right now."
Dr. Goel- "Okay. Well we sat down yesterday, Dr. Huddleson and I. We feel that something is missing. Her heart function is poor and we are not sure what could be causing it. Dr. Huddleson wants Dr. Balzer to do a heart cath to check out the exact pressure measurements in her heart and to check out what all is going on. He wants to know what her heart is up to before surgery. We just feel like her heart function looks too poor, not to figure out what all is going on before surgery. Her pressures seem a bit high and we need more information."
Me- "Okay, I agree Dr. Goel. It makes sense to understand what is going on before we have open heart surgery. What type of numbers are we looking for in her heart?"
Dr. Goel- "I believe her pressure is in the 12-15 range. 15 is high, but not too high for surgery. If her pressure is around 20 or higher, then we will have to re-think her next step. 20 would be too high for us to do the Glenn."
Me- "What will be our next steps after the Cath?"
Dr. Goel- "After the cath, we will know exactly what we are dealing with. If her pressure ranges from 8-15, then Dr. Huddleson would decide when we should do the Glenn. If the pressure is 20 or higher, then we will have to talk about a cardiac transplant."
That is where I stopped absorbing his every word. I couldn't get past the term CARDIAC TRANSPLANT.
He just said we could looking at a heart transplant. WHAT?!?
I can only summarize the rest of our conversation after this point. My head was a bit clouded and confused to remember exact wording.
He did proceed to say that he had reason to believe that her pressure would be just right for the Glenn. He said Ruth didn't show signs or symptoms of cardiac failure and that she was still eating very well. He is concerned about her enlarged liver still and her pressures, but he feels like those are signs pointing to the Glenn; saying its time. They just need to be sure and a heart cath would give them more in depth and accurate information.
Dr. Goel, Dr. Balzer, , Dr. Huddleson are all on this case. We have had them there from the start of Ruthie's life and we are very please to have them all on board. We are blessed to be in such good hands.
So, where do we go from here?....
On Friday, Jan. 22nd, Ruthie will have her heart cath. Dr. Balzer will be checking her pressure and her heart very closely. WE want to make sure there is nothing unknown or hidden before we have open heart surgery. Surprises during open heart surgery are not good, so the more we know the better.
After the cath we will know what her little heart is up to and we can either plan for surgery or join the heart transplant list.
We have a long week ahead of us. A week of worry, anticipation, excitement, fear and hope. We are looking forward to finding out more information, but at the same time a bit gun shy. It just serves as a reminder that we are on a journey. We will never stop worrying about her heart. We will never stop praying. We know that although we did not choose this road, we will ride it out. We know God will guide us and provide for us. We believe He knows best, so who are we to question?
Along with a big heart cath this week, we are hitting another milestone for Ruth.
RUTH TURNS 5 MONTHS OLD TODAY!!!
At 9:59 am on August 18, 2009 Ruth Elizabeth was born. Our lives started a new path with that first cry.
5 months ago today:
Today, at 5 months old:)
How old is Ruthie??
5 WHOLE MONTHS! (notice her hand! LOL)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GIRL!
We love you so much and we are so proud of you. God has shown his marvelous works and miracles through you.
Heart Hugs!
Laura, Josh, and Ruthie!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Ruth's Appointment
Today, Ruth went to her cardiologist, Dr. Goel.
Here are the facts:
Age: 6 days shy of 5 months
Weight: 10 lbs 4 oz (Up a whole 7 oz since last visit and 4 lbs 7lbs since birth)
Height: 23"
O2 Saturation: 79 (average) Her range was 74-79 the whole time.
Heart Rate: 151 (average)
Check Up: Blood Pressures- good- average
Liver- enlarged a bit (not a good sign)
Echo: No coarctation of the aorta
No blockage or major constructional changes or damages
The appointment:
Ruthie slept quietly in the waiting room until Kelly came out to get us started. The appointment ran pretty routine. I am starting to understand how doctor visits work. It helps to know what to expect. It makes me calmer and helps me to focus on Ruth and her needs while we are there. It is amazing how a routine (even at a doctors office) can change and control my whole outlook. But, I digress...
So back to our appointment:
Kelly came out to get us started around 9:45am.
Before 10am, Ruth had undergone all of her normal tests. She was weighed, measured, had her O2 saturations and blood pressures checked. Oh and of course, Kelly had listened to her little heart and lungs. Whew! What a good 15 minutes, all pretty good news.
After discussing her most up to date medications, Kelly was out the door.
While we waited on Dr. Goel, Ruthie enjoyed her breakfast. (well her second breakfast). She is really good at eating almost anywhere. It is AMAZING, especially since 4 months ago we were using an NG tube and not able to eat anywhere else but home or the hospital.
Upon arrival, Dr. Goel reviewed Ruthie's information (mostly the new saturation and weight). He said that her weight looked good and so did her sats. It is so nice to hear those things. I like hearing that she looks good. Makes a momma proud and relieved.
However, my bubble was burst when he began to check her stomach and listen to her heart and lungs. Her heart and lungs sounded fine. He did not seem too concerned. Her stomach was another story. Ruth's liver is a bit enlarged. As soon as he realized her liver was enlarged, Dr. Goel ordered an echo.
Ruth did really well during her echo. She was able to watch Elmo (one of her favorite voices) during the checking of her arch. After Elmo was off, Ruth just focused on the echo, itself. She watched the screen, the tech, the tech' s hand. She even put her hand on the tech's to help out with her echo. Oh so adorable. The only time Ruthie cried throughout the entire echo (which takes 15 minutes) was at the end when the tech wiped the jelly off her chest. It was like she was sad for it to be over:(
After the echo, we waited on Dr. Goel's assessment of the her heart from the pictures. He was extremely concerned that there could be coarctation of her aorta or other constructional issues that would be causes her liver to show problems. When a liver is enlarged in a HLHS baby the first thought is heart failure.
"Heart failure. Also called congestive heart failure, this condition means your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs."
.
Good news! There was no sign of coarctation of the aorta or of any damages or new issues. However, that good news did not last for long. Her heart muscle is not very strong. It is becoming stretched out. Pre-Glenn, a HLHS baby's heart is doing twice the work of a normal heart. The right side of Ruth's heart is seeing twice the amount of blood compared to a regular heart. Once we have the Glenn though, this wont be the case. The blood that is in Ruth's upper half of her body will begin to bi-pass the heart and go straight to the lungs creating a lot less work for her heart to handle.
Since the echo did not give point to any other issues, we are probably just waiting it out until surgery. Dr. Goel said that he would call our surgeon, Dr. Huddleson, to get his opinion on the matter. So now we are waiting. We are waiting on Dr. Huddleson and Dr. Goel to decide when her Glenn should take place. It may be a week earlier than planned (which will put us into late next week). Or, it may remain unchanged. We should know the plan of action by the end of the week.
All I know is that from today on, I am not worrying about anything else in this world except my little girl. I will not remember whether my house was clean every day or if the laundry was folded just right and done. I will remember, though, the smile of my little girl as she plays. Or how her eyes light up when she hears some of our favorite songs. After today, I am putting my life back into perspective. It is about the here and the now.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Heart hugs!
Here are the facts:
Age: 6 days shy of 5 months
Weight: 10 lbs 4 oz (Up a whole 7 oz since last visit and 4 lbs 7lbs since birth)
Height: 23"
O2 Saturation: 79 (average) Her range was 74-79 the whole time.
Heart Rate: 151 (average)
Check Up: Blood Pressures- good- average
Liver- enlarged a bit (not a good sign)
Echo: No coarctation of the aorta
No blockage or major constructional changes or damages
The appointment:
Ruthie slept quietly in the waiting room until Kelly came out to get us started. The appointment ran pretty routine. I am starting to understand how doctor visits work. It helps to know what to expect. It makes me calmer and helps me to focus on Ruth and her needs while we are there. It is amazing how a routine (even at a doctors office) can change and control my whole outlook. But, I digress...
So back to our appointment:
Kelly came out to get us started around 9:45am.
Before 10am, Ruth had undergone all of her normal tests. She was weighed, measured, had her O2 saturations and blood pressures checked. Oh and of course, Kelly had listened to her little heart and lungs. Whew! What a good 15 minutes, all pretty good news.
After discussing her most up to date medications, Kelly was out the door.
While we waited on Dr. Goel, Ruthie enjoyed her breakfast. (well her second breakfast). She is really good at eating almost anywhere. It is AMAZING, especially since 4 months ago we were using an NG tube and not able to eat anywhere else but home or the hospital.
Upon arrival, Dr. Goel reviewed Ruthie's information (mostly the new saturation and weight). He said that her weight looked good and so did her sats. It is so nice to hear those things. I like hearing that she looks good. Makes a momma proud and relieved.
However, my bubble was burst when he began to check her stomach and listen to her heart and lungs. Her heart and lungs sounded fine. He did not seem too concerned. Her stomach was another story. Ruth's liver is a bit enlarged. As soon as he realized her liver was enlarged, Dr. Goel ordered an echo.
Ruth did really well during her echo. She was able to watch Elmo (one of her favorite voices) during the checking of her arch. After Elmo was off, Ruth just focused on the echo, itself. She watched the screen, the tech, the tech' s hand. She even put her hand on the tech's to help out with her echo. Oh so adorable. The only time Ruthie cried throughout the entire echo (which takes 15 minutes) was at the end when the tech wiped the jelly off her chest. It was like she was sad for it to be over:(
After the echo, we waited on Dr. Goel's assessment of the her heart from the pictures. He was extremely concerned that there could be coarctation of her aorta or other constructional issues that would be causes her liver to show problems. When a liver is enlarged in a HLHS baby the first thought is heart failure.
"Heart failure. Also called congestive heart failure, this condition means your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs."
Good news! There was no sign of coarctation of the aorta or of any damages or new issues. However, that good news did not last for long. Her heart muscle is not very strong. It is becoming stretched out. Pre-Glenn, a HLHS baby's heart is doing twice the work of a normal heart. The right side of Ruth's heart is seeing twice the amount of blood compared to a regular heart. Once we have the Glenn though, this wont be the case. The blood that is in Ruth's upper half of her body will begin to bi-pass the heart and go straight to the lungs creating a lot less work for her heart to handle.
Since the echo did not give point to any other issues, we are probably just waiting it out until surgery. Dr. Goel said that he would call our surgeon, Dr. Huddleson, to get his opinion on the matter. So now we are waiting. We are waiting on Dr. Huddleson and Dr. Goel to decide when her Glenn should take place. It may be a week earlier than planned (which will put us into late next week). Or, it may remain unchanged. We should know the plan of action by the end of the week.
All I know is that from today on, I am not worrying about anything else in this world except my little girl. I will not remember whether my house was clean every day or if the laundry was folded just right and done. I will remember, though, the smile of my little girl as she plays. Or how her eyes light up when she hears some of our favorite songs. After today, I am putting my life back into perspective. It is about the here and the now.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Heart hugs!
Monday, January 11, 2010
We must be getting closer
She is sleeping more and playing less... We must be getting closer.
She is staying bluer longer after a nice cry... We must be getting closer.
She is taking less at each eating and then eating more often.... We must be getting closer.
Each day we are getting closer to the inevitable....Surgery!
We know that with this surgery, Ruthie's heart function will improve. We know that with this surgery, her heart will not have to work as hard. We know that with surgery, that Ruthie's heart will be getting ready for the next surgery. We know that surgery is the best and right thing.
Even though we know what good things this surgery can bring, we of course are nervous. We are nervous about her going under. We are nervous about being away from our little girl. We are nervous about the surgery itself. We are nervous about the recovery. Just nervous.
In order to calm my own fears and of course to feel more prepared, I have been researching about the Bi-directional Glenn. I want to know anything and everything about this surgery. I know it seems silly to continually beat this information into my head, but I feel as though the more I know, the more I feel comfortable with sending Ruthie off for another surgery.
Heart hugs!
Laura
She is staying bluer longer after a nice cry... We must be getting closer.
She is taking less at each eating and then eating more often.... We must be getting closer.
Each day we are getting closer to the inevitable....Surgery!
We know that with this surgery, Ruthie's heart function will improve. We know that with this surgery, her heart will not have to work as hard. We know that with surgery, that Ruthie's heart will be getting ready for the next surgery. We know that surgery is the best and right thing.
Even though we know what good things this surgery can bring, we of course are nervous. We are nervous about her going under. We are nervous about being away from our little girl. We are nervous about the surgery itself. We are nervous about the recovery. Just nervous.
In order to calm my own fears and of course to feel more prepared, I have been researching about the Bi-directional Glenn. I want to know anything and everything about this surgery. I know it seems silly to continually beat this information into my head, but I feel as though the more I know, the more I feel comfortable with sending Ruthie off for another surgery.
So, tomorrow we go in for a cardiologist appointment. I am sure he will do a whole work up on Ruth since we probably won't see Dr. Goel until after surgery. We are planning on a good 2 hours spent at the doctors and an echo. I know this sounds silly, but I am excited to go in and see he O2 stats and her weight. I really hope everything is going to Dr. Goel's plans.
Expect an update tomorrow afternoon or so about her appointment.
Until then, we will just keep praying, hoping and trying to plan as best we can:0Heart hugs!
Laura
The Glenn
Second-stage palliation: Hemi-Fontan or bidirectional Glenn anastomosis procedure
The hemi-Fontan operation or a bidirectional Glenn anastomosis is typically performed in infants aged 3-10 months to minimize the period of time during which the right ventricle is subject to volume overload. Cardiac catheterization is performed prior to this procedure to evaluate pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary artery anatomy, tricuspid valve regurgitation, and right ventricular function.
To perform a bidirectional Glenn procedure, CPB is achieved with neoaortic arch cannulation and separate right-angle IVC and right-angle SVC cannulae. The aortopulmonary shunt is ligated and divided when CPB is initiated. If any stenosis of the pulmonary artery secondary to the prior shunt or patch is present, the stenosis is repaired with patch augmentation. The azygous vein is ligated and divided. The SVC is transected and anastomosed in an end-to-side fashion to the superior aspect of the right pulmonary artery. The cardiac end of the transected SVC is oversewn. Some groups routinely perform the bidirectional Glenn procedure without CPB, with or without an SVC-to–right aorta temporary shunt, during the anastomosis to minimize high cerebrovenous pressures.
The hemi-Fontan procedure has the same physiologic factors as a bidirectional Glenn anastomosis but includes an anastomosis of the pulmonary arteries to an incision in the atriocaval junction. The cavopulmonary connection may be performed under a brief period of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Alternatively, cannulation of the IVC and high on the SVC can be used to perform the procedure entirely during CPB.
Whether the procedure is performed under circulatory arrest or during CPB, the remainder of the procedure is the same. The aortopulmonary shunt is divided, and the pulmonary arteries are mobilized from the right to the left upper lobe. The azygous vein is ligated. The right atrium is opened along the superior aspect of the appendage, and a corresponding incision is made transversely along the confluence of the branch pulmonary arteries (see upper left of Media file 4). The posterior aspect of the right arteriotomy is anastomosed to the inferior aspect of the pulmonary arteriotomy (see upper right of Media file 4).
A patch of pulmonary allograft tissue is fashioned to augment the pulmonary arteries. The allograft patch is begun at the left upper lobe, incorporating a separate end-to-side anastomosis for a left SVC, if necessary (see lower portion of Media file 4). A patch is placed within the right atrium, which isolates SVC return into the pulmonary arteries and provides an unobstructed pathway for connection of IVC return during the Fontan procedure (see lower portion of Media file 4). The atrial septal defect is inspected and enlarged, if necessary, which is completed best by cutting back the coronary sinus into the left atrium. Tricuspid valve repair is also performed as needed.
The advantage of the hemi-Fontan is that it shortens the length of time of CPB and dissection required for the completion Fontan procedure, which requires only the removal of the intra-atrial patch and placement of a lateral tunnel in the right atrium from the IVC to the SVC. In addition, routine augmentation of the branch pulmonary arteries helps optimize the anatomy for the completion Fontan procedure.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/904137-treatment#Secondstage
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
CHD Awareness Week!
Okay, I know I have posted a lot today, but I wanted to put this post up to get people going. I already sent a letter to my governor in order to start working on a proclamation for CHD Week. I just want to spread awareness in hopes that funding and research will follow. So, if you get a chance and your state has not already declared Feb. 7th- Feb 14th CHD week, than please PLEASE jump on this site and get on it. Let's start the fight against CHD. No family should go through this and with enough research and funding, one day that dream will be realized.
Thank you!
http://tchin.org/aware/sampleproc.htm
Thank you!
http://tchin.org/aware/sampleproc.htm
Miley Cyrus has nothing on me!
"So I put my hands up, their playing my song. The butterflies fly away. Nodding my head like yeah. Moving my hips like yeah!"
Brr... its cold!
So in order to keep myself busy on these cold, cold days we are currently enduring, I have been cleaning up the inside of the house. Each day I have been starting a new project. My goal is to have almost all of my projects completed before Ruthie goes in for surgery (Jan 27th). At the rate I am going, I think it is possible. However, it is only day two of this mission so hopes and energies are still high.
Yesterdays project was to clean out the downstairs desk/ cubicle. SUCCESS! I threw away all the trash, moved all the computer/ technology stuff into bins and out of my computer area and then wiped all the surfaces clean. Now I just have to convince Josh to hook up my computer again and we are in business. I was really motivated to clean that computer area out. I wanted my own computer again (not that there is anything wrong with sharing computers, but my computer expert knows how he likes his computer and I don't like messing with it). Anyways, I now have my own computer/desk/ work station. I am really happy:)
Today's project was the closets. Josh mentioned something about moving his clothes to the downstairs cedar closet (that is next to his bathroom) and then giving me his closet. That is all he had to say and I was on it. The closet I had before was a bit small and I was unable to see all my clothes in the back. Now, I have a nice clean and wide open closet. It is amazing. AND to make it all better, the vacuums can leave Ruth's room and be placed in my old closet. I have a upstairs closet finally; it just happens to be in my room. (Not that anyone cares about me having a huge closet or the switch, but I am really excited). I love being able to organize and clean things. It makes me feel in control and with the life we lead, being in control of the small things I believe keeps me sane.
So... two days of cleaning down. What's on the agenda for tomorrow?? Oh I thought you would never ask. Taking down Christmas decorations:) This then turns into me moving things around the house and so forth. I can't wait!! It should be a good day.
As for my exercising part of my New Years, New Me. I did go to the OCC to run last night. It was awesome. I forgot how freeing it is to run and work out. Ahh! Such a release. I am going back to night after work and with a new playlist. I am anxious to try out the mix I made today.
So thus far things are going well. It has been a good day and I believe it will just keep getting better.
Above are some snap shots I took today. Ruthie is so much fun and smiley. She really makes the work at home seem easy. I love that little love bug!
It is marvelous, yet strange how a little 10 lber can control you and you not mind it a bit.
Sorry to those who are on here purely for Ruth updates. I am really getting into this blogging stuff. So I will indicate the Ruth updates with her name in the title so if you don't want to read the tid bits on me or Josh, then you can skip to her name:)
Alright, back to work! Break time is over!
Hugs!
Yesterdays project was to clean out the downstairs desk/ cubicle. SUCCESS! I threw away all the trash, moved all the computer/ technology stuff into bins and out of my computer area and then wiped all the surfaces clean. Now I just have to convince Josh to hook up my computer again and we are in business. I was really motivated to clean that computer area out. I wanted my own computer again (not that there is anything wrong with sharing computers, but my computer expert knows how he likes his computer and I don't like messing with it). Anyways, I now have my own computer/desk/ work station. I am really happy:)
Today's project was the closets. Josh mentioned something about moving his clothes to the downstairs cedar closet (that is next to his bathroom) and then giving me his closet. That is all he had to say and I was on it. The closet I had before was a bit small and I was unable to see all my clothes in the back. Now, I have a nice clean and wide open closet. It is amazing. AND to make it all better, the vacuums can leave Ruth's room and be placed in my old closet. I have a upstairs closet finally; it just happens to be in my room. (Not that anyone cares about me having a huge closet or the switch, but I am really excited). I love being able to organize and clean things. It makes me feel in control and with the life we lead, being in control of the small things I believe keeps me sane.
So... two days of cleaning down. What's on the agenda for tomorrow?? Oh I thought you would never ask. Taking down Christmas decorations:) This then turns into me moving things around the house and so forth. I can't wait!! It should be a good day.
As for my exercising part of my New Years, New Me. I did go to the OCC to run last night. It was awesome. I forgot how freeing it is to run and work out. Ahh! Such a release. I am going back to night after work and with a new playlist. I am anxious to try out the mix I made today.
So thus far things are going well. It has been a good day and I believe it will just keep getting better.
Above are some snap shots I took today. Ruthie is so much fun and smiley. She really makes the work at home seem easy. I love that little love bug!
It is marvelous, yet strange how a little 10 lber can control you and you not mind it a bit.
Sorry to those who are on here purely for Ruth updates. I am really getting into this blogging stuff. So I will indicate the Ruth updates with her name in the title so if you don't want to read the tid bits on me or Josh, then you can skip to her name:)
Alright, back to work! Break time is over!
Hugs!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!
Today marks the beginning of a brand new work year/week. I feel so alive today. I know that everyone says this time of year, I am going to do this and I am going to do that. It is like because the we end our dates with a new number that new things should happen. It seems a bit silly, but yet so wonderful to "start anew".
So what am I going to do this year?
First things first. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has prayed for or thought about our family and/or our little girl over the past year. The support has been so strong and so comforting. So thank you thank you thank you.
Now onto the things I plan on doing this year.
I have made a list so here we go:
1. Learn to go with the flow and stay happy:)
2. Train to run! Run a 5 mile run in March and a half marathon in Dec.
3. Get heart healthy! *** Knowing how hard a non-normal size heart has to work to do things has really put my health into perspective. I want to utilize the most of my "normal" heart. I think that until you see what people go through you do not know how lucky you are to be "normal". So, I want to get heart healthy for Ruthie!
4. Go back to school and work on getting into a university in 2011.
5. Save money! I need to learn how to cut back and how to make the most of our money. I know we can do it, I just need to focus!
So those are the things I want to achieve this year. These are all pretty big goals, but I know that if I focus and remind myself how important these items are to me and to my family that I will do it.
So here's to a new year! Time to get positive and stay that way for the year. If I learned anything last year it is that things do not go as planned, so plan everything you can and then enjoy the ride. It may not be the one you want to be on, but this detour will get you were you need to be in the end.
Good luck to those starting new projects this January. I wish you all well and I hope 2010 is all that you dream about and more!
HEART HUGS!
So what am I going to do this year?
First things first. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has prayed for or thought about our family and/or our little girl over the past year. The support has been so strong and so comforting. So thank you thank you thank you.
Now onto the things I plan on doing this year.
I have made a list so here we go:
1. Learn to go with the flow and stay happy:)
2. Train to run! Run a 5 mile run in March and a half marathon in Dec.
3. Get heart healthy! *** Knowing how hard a non-normal size heart has to work to do things has really put my health into perspective. I want to utilize the most of my "normal" heart. I think that until you see what people go through you do not know how lucky you are to be "normal". So, I want to get heart healthy for Ruthie!
4. Go back to school and work on getting into a university in 2011.
5. Save money! I need to learn how to cut back and how to make the most of our money. I know we can do it, I just need to focus!
So those are the things I want to achieve this year. These are all pretty big goals, but I know that if I focus and remind myself how important these items are to me and to my family that I will do it.
So here's to a new year! Time to get positive and stay that way for the year. If I learned anything last year it is that things do not go as planned, so plan everything you can and then enjoy the ride. It may not be the one you want to be on, but this detour will get you were you need to be in the end.
Good luck to those starting new projects this January. I wish you all well and I hope 2010 is all that you dream about and more!
HEART HUGS!
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