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Our son Maxton was diagnosed with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) at his 19 week ultrasound. Maxton was born on 3/3/09 at Vanderbilt University. He fought hard for 18 days but earned his wings on 3/21/09. Maxton was an inspiration to many during his brief time on earth and has forever changed our lives. If your child is diagnosed with CDH, please feel free to contact us. Maxton may no longer live here on earth, but he will live forever in our hearts...

To start at the beginning of our story click here and scroll all the way to the bottom.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Friday is now THE day!

So when I came in the morning- big shock- the nice nurse told us that surgery will be tomorrow. I pretty much knew this because of my conversation with the doctor last night. I do have a time though, 9-9:30. So I am glad that it is tomorrow. At least the doctors will be fresh and we won't be squeezed in. Max is doing good. His heart rate is in the 130s-140s, which is the best it has been in a few days. He is nice and wiggly and smiles sometimes even though he hasn't really opened his eyes yet. Doctors rounds went pretty good this morning. The did a head ultrasound yesterday and I have been anxious to find out what it said. Apparently, the bleed has progressed some, with new vessels being dialated, but they are also able to see clotting, which is an improvement from before ( I think). Basically, this would make him a candidate for ECMO if needed because the bleed is still a grade 2. Of course we are hoping he won't need it, as it still increases his risk of a bleed while on ECMO. The doctor did say this morning that they were pleased with how much they have been able to wean things and "fine tune" them before surgery. He said "this is as close to perfect as we can get with your intestines in your chest". It was nice to hear that he is doing well and we are hoping this means no ECMO. (ECMO is like a heart-lung by pass machine that helps oxgenate the blood. You are given blood thinners which is what would make the risk of bleeding increase) Max's nitric was stopped this morning and he was satting okay when I left (low-mid 90s) so we will see if he was able to keep that up or not. I am sure he will be back on the nitric after surgery but it is good that he can stop now. I think that is about all for now. I know you all will be praying for Maxton tomorrow and I am so grateful. It is amazing to read posts from everyone, especially those who dont even know us. We are so honored that you take time to pray for us. I can't wait to tell Maxton about all the lives he has touched when he gets older. I've been telling him now, but he is pretty drowsy. :-) Of course, who knows what all he will remember...

10 comments:

Irvin family said...

Our prayers are with Maxton and you.
We will be praying that his surgery goes well, remember after tomorrow the healing begins.
God is good.
Love The Irvin's

Joy said...

What a blessing to have him all ready for surgery!!! I'mm be sure to pray for him and can't wait to hear that everything went well after his surgery is over!!!

Joy Kaczmarek

April Bryant said...

You guys are in my prayers, I will be thinking of Maxton and for sure praying for him tomorrow and everyday.

April Swarthout
Huntsville, Arkansas

Rachel said...

Ashley, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We will all be preying that Maxton's surgery goes well. Remember that tomorrow the healing begins. God is good. Thanks for keeping us to date on Maxton's progress. Love Rachel

Jaime's World said...

Hi Ashley,
My mother has been following your posts, too, she and I both send our love and prayers tomorrow! We'll be thinking of you all!
Good luck little Max!

Sheryl

Tracy Meats said...

Thinking of you all and sending you all much love and positive energy for a successful surgery and best wishes Maxton continues to be stable and fights. Praying for all his medical staff that will be in on his surgery. Look forward to the update he came through surgery and everything went smoothly! Keep fighting Maxton, you are one strong little boy.

Much Love, Tracy - mom to Ian

Jennifer Snyder said...

We will be praying for Maxton and all of you tomorrow. Be assured that Maxton is in the very best hands~~~GODS~~~~. We love and think of you all often..

The Snyder's

Your Gospel-Loving Friend said...

We are praying! Don't worry- when he DOES open his eyes it will be the MOST precious thing ever!! There are some things you learn to not take to granted that other moms might have... I think I have 1000 pics just from the day Noah opened his eyes!

Hang in there Maxton!!! We will be praying tomorrow!!!

Sue mom to Emily LCDH 1-22-08 said...

I will be praying for Maxton tomorrow during surgery. He has done awesome so far and will continue to show what a fighter he is.
It's a scary thought wanting your child to have surgery, but this repair is what will bring him home. I've been there. Maxton will do great!!

Elizabeth said...

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and sending Maxton Lung Function chants...they love to move the days on us!
Elizabeth