Pre-Op Report

Evening was put through the ringer today in the pre-op logistics (blood tests, intensely graphic chest x-rays, etc.), but she is resting well for the big day tomorrow. Below are a few bits of information we picked up today that may be of interest.

-Duration of surgery: The estimated time for surgery is 4 hours. She is again set to begin at 10AM EST.

-Length of Hospital Stay: There is a 10-day estimated hospital stay. Roughly a few days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and others at a step down unit.

-Parental Stay: We can be at her side most of the time - and will likely be allowed to stay at the in-house Ronald McDonald House during part of the time.

-Surgeon Background: The surgeon for Evening's operation is Dr. Alfieris, a Georgetown trained surgeon who does a number of heart surgeries a week - and approximately one Tetrology of Fallot surgery a week. He is assisted by a team of solid folks many of whom we met today.

-Nature of Surgery: Evening is slated to have the full heart fix at tomorrow's surgery, however based on her anatomy may only be able to have shunt placed in to increase blood flow. We are really praying that they are able to do the full fix. She likely will need another surgery - though with a full fix that could be several years down the line.

-Patient Report: Though her oxygen levels registered fairly low today, Evening is still strong as all get up. She now weighs 9.5 pounds, is not noticeably blue, and fills her diapers with vicious reliability.

Ruth and I are a bit haggard, but ready. We realize that this is a necessary step and find comfort in knowing her this last month. We know that she is strong and ready too.

Again, so many have provided such tremendous support from making food to suggesting hospital reading material to caring for Evening to offering financial support. We really appreciate all of the kind words. What we need over all else is your continued thoughts and prayers - they have helped such a great deal so far. Thank you so very sincerely.

The theme for tomorrow - and for the next several weeks... "Hang on Little Tomato" - based on the name of one of our, and Evening's, favorite groups - Pink Martini out of Portland, Oregon. We've played and sang the songs from this disc to her both in utero and throughout this last month...So...Hang on Little Tomato! We will do our best to keep you updated with her progress.

Pink Martini - Hang on Little Tomato

The sun has left and forgotten me. Its dark, I cannot see.
Why does this rain pour down? I'm gonna drown - In a sea - Of deep confusion.

Somebody told me, I dont know who. Whenever you are sad and blue.
And you are feeling all alone and left behind. Just take a look inside and you will find.

You gotta hold on, hold on through the night. Hang on, things will be all right.

Even when its dark. And not a bit of sparkling. Sing-song sunshine from above. Spreading rays of sunny love. Just hang on, hang on to the vine. Stay on, soon youll be divine. If you start to cry, look up to the sky. Somethings coming up ahead. To turn your tears to dew instead. And so I hold on to his advice. When change is hard and not so nice. If you listen to your heart the whole night through. Your sunny someday will come one day soon to you.