Save the Date

Last year felt a bit like a marathon, as we dealt with Henry's recurring tonsillitis. About every four weeks, they would flare up and he would be home sick for the better part of a week at a time. Our goal was always to get through the fevers and try to make hay in between. Throughout it all, he always kept his usually, happy demeanor. In the past two months, as Henry has fully recovered from his tonsillectomy, it is becoming clear that this year is going to be a sprint.

After finally having his cath lab and getting good results, we have scheduled Henry's third heart surgery, the Fontan procedure, on May 24th. Our hope is that we will be home within about two weeks after surgery. We don't know how long he will need to remain out of daycare or away from a lot of people or activities. We will have several appointments to meet with the surgeon and our cardiologist before the surgery, so we'll have more information as it draws closer.  

For now, here is a diagram we've posted before:

Henry is currently at figure C, and the Fontan procedure will bring him to D. This will make it so that his blood oxygen levels will go from the low 80s into the 90s, giving him more energy and strength than he's ever had. 

Already, we have seen glimpses of what he may be like. A few weekends ago, after a morning playing and running errands, we spent the afternoon at the zoo. Despite about a 30-minute nap, Henry walked all over the zoo and wanted to play in the park before going home to watch a movie. He had a great time, but his parents were wiped out! Even in between all of his colds last year, we hadn't seen so much energy - and we cannot wait to see what he'll be like when he really has energy this summer.

The next eight weeks are going to fly past, with holidays, birthdays, and simply having nice weather again to enjoy. We are nervous, but excited, and ready for this next stage of Henry's life.