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A few weeks ago we had our consult appointment with Children’s Mercy Hospital.  We met with doctors and staff from Cardiology, the Cardio-thoracic surgical team, the Neonatology department, a Nurse Practitioner, a social worker and a “care coordinator” nurse.  It was a very nice and reassuring team of medical professionals and we were glad to be connected with some of people that may care for Koal once we reach CMH.  Very little of what they shared was new to us, but it was good to hear from each of them and make sure we were all on the same page with the information we have as of right now.  It was reaffirmed that so many decisions and circumstances in the situation will be dependent on little Koal: when he arrives, his size, condition, response to procedures, etc.  They prepare for the worst, and we hope for the best.  Along with the meeting, we toured the Neonatal-ICU and Pediatric-ICU, which was excellent, but difficult as well. Actually walking through the area we know we’ll be with our little man, and seeing the babies already there now is a sobering experience, to say the least. The hope is that Koal is born large enough (over 6 pounds – which should not be a problem as he is growing well and already nearly a week “ahead” growth wise!), and is stable enough to stay in the NICU at Overland Park after delivery until I am able to be released and we can then be transferred to CM. Then, between one to two weeks of age, it could be possible to undergo the first surgery in which a shunt will be placed on the vessels of his heart to ensure blood flows properly to his lungs until the next surgery.  Recovery in the PICU after this initial surgery takes on average a week to 10 days, and then a few days in a private room to make sure all is well before being released.  We of course pray that Koalton is a ROCKSTAR who is strong, stable and easily recovers quickly!  Though we also understand that there are many variables, lots of possible complications, and that preparation for and recovery from surgery can take weeks, or even months, so we prepare our hearts for that as well.  The second and possible third heart surgeries are also dependent on his size, stability and blood oxygen levels as he grows. The surgeon said it varies from patient to patient on timing for the larger “repair” surgery, so there’s no way to know at this point WHEN that will be.

We are so very thankful to have such an incredible hospital and group of medical professionals here in Kansas City, so close to where we live! We praise God for His provisions already, and for all His blessings we have yet to receive in this process. We greatly appreciate all of your prayers as well as this time approaches and so many unknowns remain.   God is faithful and goes before us…and we are so thankful.