"SHE IS PERFECT!!!"

At approximately 2:30PM EST we were visited by Dr. Alfieris in the PICU. He busted through the doors with double barrell okay signs and a gregarious grin - declaring - "She is perfect!!!"

Unbelievably, he was able to do the full fix which included patching the hole in the septum, patching various aspects of the pulmonary artery and trimming the enlarged aspect of the heart. There were a few other aspects, though these were the main ones. He indicated that she had a pretty severe case of Tetralogy of Fallot and that it was really beneficial that she could have the surgery when she did. Evening's oxygen levels have significantly increased and her transition to the PICU is going well. I love this guy - he gives us this report - I was so elated I pulled him in for a bear hug (please note this is not my typical response to medical care providers).

She is currently on a ventilator and has a variety of leads in her, but is resting well and starting to wake up a bit. It sounds like recovery will be difficult over the course of the next week, but she, along with the entire staff at Strong did a tremendous job today. I am convinced that because of this talent and all of your thoughts and prayers - Evening is having a great day.

On top of it all the good folks at the Ronald McDonald House are changing my previously negative image of fast food giant. Great accomodations the floor just above Evening. Ruth and I are quite beat up, and between shifts with Eve - look forward to resting there. I am truly grateful for the space. Sure, I'll never take Evening to eat at a McDonald's, but I will certainly tell her of the kind heart of the house system each time we pass a golden arch.

Keep the thoughts coming - we surely will need them. HUGE DAY TODAY - I love Strong Hospital, the University of Rochester, Dr. Alfieries and the many good folks that support the operations here.

More soon - Hang on Little Tomato! http://www.pinkmartini.com/hang_on/pm_hang_on.html