Thursday, September 17, 2009

Second surgery update

The second surgery went well and the surgeon was very pleased with the result. The pressure is much lower and he doesn't expect that she will need any additional surgery until she is in her teens or early adulthood. He did say they noticed what might be a very small VSD between the two chambers of the heart but he expected that it would close on its own and they would continue to watch it closely. As they rolled Mia back to her room in the PICU she was already starting to wake up from the surgery.

I did decide to come home last night because the days events and the past week have really taken its toll. I have a room at the Ronald McDonald house but knew that if I stayed there I would be back up at the hospital early and I knew I needed to take a much needed break. I woke up with the boys this morning and got them off to school and went back to bed myself. I did a few things around the house and still need to shower for the day as it is now 12:30pm. I really felt like I needed to experience some of my "normal routine" in order to prepare myself for the recovery ahead. I talked to the cardiologist today and she said Mia is doing wonderful! They are starting to lower the vent and are considering removing her from the vent sometime today. I am not sure how I feel about this. Of course I want her off of the vent but I also want to make sure she is strong enough to tolerate it and given the events of the past week I am more apprehensive this time.

Once again thank you so much for all of the prayers and comments. It means so much to know that there are so many people praying for our little girl!

17 comments:

Shannon said...

Praise God!!!! I have been checking your site a bit obsessively this morning! I am praying for smooth sailing as Mia moves forward. I'm so glad you took some time for yourself too...Mia needs her mama healthy and you are doing a great job of balancing an incredibly tough time.
Thanks so much for updating! Praying for you today!!!!

Sue said...

Im so happy to read your post today.
Sue

Randy and Staci said...

I'm so glad to hear Mia is out of her second (and last) surgery! She is a strong little girl and has a strong mama too. You are so smart to care for yourself and have a little normalcy during this time. I have been following your blog ever since I found it on Shannon's site. Even though you don't know me I feel a special bond to the families of all boys who adopt a little girl from China. I am the mom of 4 boys, and we are adopting a little China girl too! I have a son with a medical condition, and worked for 10 years as a peds RN. I have taken care of children like Georgia and Mia, and their families too! You are all a remarkable bunch. I hope and pray that Mia is quickly on her way out of the PICU and home soon.
Sincerely,
Staci Barrus

Musings from Kim K. said...

I've been constantly refreshing your blog for updates. You both have been on mind all morning. I'm so glad you are taking care of yourself. You need as much rest as you can. Shannon said it perfectly...Mia needs her mama healthy!! Please know that I'm praying for you ALL!

Wendy in OH said...

Great news Melinda, now on to healing for everyone! I love to see answered prayer and will continue to pound away at the Master to make sure He hears our pleas. Give that little girl a much needed kiss on the top of her head and know that by going home, you did the right thing for you and your family.
Wendy (let US know when you want some meals brought over PLZ)

Kelly (Mike, Zane and Mia Jade) said...

Is so good to hear good news there. And I'm glad you took a little time for yourself. Mia will continue to be in our prayers!

Valerie and Jeff said...

Yay! I am SO glad to hear that you are receiving encouraging news from the doctors. I was praying for that as well as for Mia's healing and strength. Good news can do great things for buoying spirits during the storm. I understand your apprehension about having her off the vent especially after the last week! Good for you for taking care of yourself and focusing on the family as a whole too. I have to chuckle at Randy and Staci's comment on the families of all boys since we are one of those special families as well. Sometimes God has special plans doesn't He? I'm not in the adoption boat (yet.) But reading blogs about families like yours who step out in faith and stretch their comfort levels beyond what they ever would have thought possible makes the impossible seem so simple for God. I look forward to hear as your plans take shape outside the hospital and more into normal life. We'll continue to lift Mia up in prayer. God Bless.

The Tracy's said...

Still praying!!!

Carey and Norman said...

What wonderful news to read this morning. What a blessing that Mia is out of surgery and the doctor's feel that her 2nd surgery went so well. I know you must be exhausted, and my heart continues to be with you and your family during this time. I hope you are on your way to a speedy recovery!

Praying.......

Elaine said...

Melinda - I just wanted to thank you for your transparency through this blog. I too am an adoption blogger. We adopted with CCAI 18 months ago and have had severe attachment issues. I continue to post on our blog, but find it challenging to share the struggles along with the successes. There is so much fluff out there about adoption and I want very much to help others who are struggling too. Praise God His strength is enough! Elaine

TanyaLea said...

This is wonderful news! And I'm glad that you broke away to a place of 'normalcy'...it's SO important that you take care of yourself so that yu can be strong for Mia when you are there. And I'm sure the boys loved having their mom around for a little 'normalcy' of their own!! Hang in there and know that you remain in our prayers...and clearly in the prayers of MANY that are reaching out in love and support for your family. It's one of God's ways of showing you that He is right there by your side! <><

Sending BIG hugs your way!!
~Tanya

Nicole said...

Continued prayers for all of you!!!

Sarah said...

So happy to read your post!! Can't wait to see pictures of Mia home with her family. Continuing to pray for you all.

Sarah

Kathy said...

This is wonderful news! Please be reassured that many will continue to pray for Mia and your family. Continue to take good care of yourself and know that she is in good hands when you are away from her ... those of the medical staff and those of God. I am Staci Barrus' mom, and my heart goes out to all of the loving families who are adopting these precious little ones from China. You are truly special people! Kathy Smith

Julie M said...

Praise God for a successful surgery...praying for healing and off the vent soon.

Anonymous said...

Mia and you and your family has been on my mind a lot today and I'm so happy to hear the good surgery report! God is great!!!! I'll continue to pray for His healing hands on Mia and to help you all get through this. Just keep the faith Melinda!!! :) I'm glad that you are taking some time out for yourself and the boys. You need to keep yourself strong too for her! I'm continued to be amazed at how you're dealing with this, you're an awesome mom for little Mia!! Take care! Hugs to you all! Jeanie

Debbie Sohovich said...

I just wanted to thank all of you for all your prayers, well wishes and support for Mia, Melinda and our family. You will never know how much you have comforted us and gave us hope and strength. We are so overwhelmed and amazed at your kindness. God Bless you all.

Mia's Grandma & Melinda's Mom