Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Adventure Boy

I haven't written on this blogsite in quite a while, but if this isn't a journey, I don't know what is.

First of all, I must say that we are so grateful for our situation. We know that many deal with much more difficult medical issues. Nevertheless, I've definitely invoked God's promise in Philippians 4:6-7--"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." And I have to say, He has been more than faithful.

To recap, our 15-year-old son has had three lung collapses in the past 4 months for no apparent reason. The last collapse just over a week ago convinced his doctors he needed one or two procedures to prevent future and more life-threatening lung collapses. Easy, except that Adventure Boy has also been diagnosed with a genetic connective tissue disorder that could impact healing. Hence, we are at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where they specialize in dealing with kids like him (you know . . . the superhero variety ;-).

Today we had appointments with a pulmonologist, a surgeon, and a geneticist. The short version is that we have more questions than we started with regarding Boy's connective tissue disorder (more genetic tests have been ordered), but positive news that he is a good candidate for the lung surgeries he needs. We are also glad to report that he feels good and healthy--except when his lung pops. :)

He's scheduled for an echocardiogram on Wednesday morning. If his heart looks healthy, then he is to have two procedures done on each lung later this week (we hope). Fairly simple, though we're promised recovery will be painful. These procedures should eliminate the risk of the very bad kind of lung collapse and diminish the risk for other collapses in general. After a night in the hospital, he should be free to leave. The 1,000-mile car trip home will be interesting. Praise God our daughter arrived here today after moving all her finals to yesterday and depleting her savings to buy an airline ticket. Of course she did these things before telling us, but we're so thankful for her help and her generous, sweet heart.

We appreciate your prayers, concerns, advice and encouragement far more than you can possibly know. Thank you, loved ones. I'll update as often as possible.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

as you can see, i was anxious for information. Do I get a prize for being first here? I am thrilled you have gotten good news about his ability to have the surgeries and get relief from those. Pain is good. It teaches them how to be tough as adults (at least this is what I tell myself when my boys are in physical pain). As for the questions, they will all be answered and I have, no doubt, that your amazing spirits and smiles will carry you all through. Thanks for keeping us posted. Gae

Val said...

Glad to have an update - I'll stand for being second. Glad Nicole was able to be there, though. Val

Caron Guillo said...

Gae gets first place in the blog response competition (???). :)

Thanks for your encouragement ladies.

M from Texas said...

Thanks for the update. Yes, it's definitely a journey.

I'm sorry you're having to go through this. I'm thinking of you lots.

M from Texas said...

Sorry, Caron. M from Texas is Michelle P from Amarillo.

Unknown said...

praying, Caron. May the Lord give him the breath of His spirit and sustain him through all of these tests and procedures. Is 40:31

Brent A. said...

Thanks for the update. Very grateful that Nicole is there with you. We continue in daily prayers for Caleb. Will look forward to other updates, but don't let it become burden. Our Father knows what goes on and He really cares for you. Brent