Monday, January 10, 2011

Surgery Was a Success!!!

Our prayers have been heard and answered once more...Stephen has made it through surgery and is recovering in his own private NICU room as we speak!!!! The surgery went really well, albeit really long, and he has successfully had both kidneys removed, a GI tube put in (a feeding tube), and his peritoneal dialysis tube also put in. We expected that the surgery would be between 3 and 4 hours. But the surgery was almost 7 hours from the time that Bill and I left Stephen in the OR, until the time the surgeon came to talk to us. It was a grueling, long 7 hours of waiting, but we knew all along that the surgery might be longer and that Dr. Kim would take his time making sure everything was exactly perfect.

The surgery actually took longer than expected because of the size, shape, and orientation of the kidneys. They were much larger than expected, so it was very difficult to remove the first one, and they were set deep in his abdominal cavity and were sort of turned. So the incision had to be bigger and it was a bit trickier to remove them. But our amazing surgeon, Dr. Kim was able to do it, and essentially saved our little guys life.

He is now looking much better and sleeping the night/day away for awhile. His tummy is completely deflated, his color is fantastic and it's wonderful to finally see his beautiful little face and nose. He no longer has the CPAP machine, but for the time being is on a ventilator until his little body can heal a bit from surgery. And he now has his own private digs in the NICU! They have given him the greatest little room all to himself and His amazing nurses, Jessica E., Jessica T., Val, Belinda, and Lisa, will all continue to take care of him. I know it doesn't sounds like a big deal, but it is a big deal that he moved rooms in the NICU but is allowed to keep his established nurses. I keep joking that he's got his nurses wrapped around his already!!!

And the best part about today, was that the grandparents were able to catch a glimpse of him for the first time. We asked that when they wheeled him down to the OR from the NICU, they wheeled him past the waiting room. And they were able to grant our wishes. It was a quick pass, but an important and emotional one.

Once again, bill and I owe you all a huge heaping pile a gratitude for all your prayers, love, and support. We have been receiving support and prayers from all over the country. We could never adequately thank you all and explain in words what that has meant to us, so I won't try. But please know that we love you all and sincerely appreciate every effort to help save our little boy. God bless you all!!!!!

Love
Lindsey



12 comments:

  1. Praise God!!!!!!!! This is the most wonderful, amazing news. I am crying tears of joy. We will continue to pray for Stephen, just as we have done every day! How happy we are. Stephen, you are an incredible guy!!

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  2. Praise the Lord! This is fantastic news! We will keep praying for Stephen, as well as you and Bill. Sending so much love!

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  3. So the little miracle man has the ladies wrapped around his finger already...I knew he was a lady's man from the very first picture!! With good looks coming from both the Schwartz and Noll sides of the family how could he miss!! We are so thankful for this miracle and are happy this first hurdle is over for you. Keeping you all in our prayers....
    Love,
    Aunt LuAnn & Uncle Dick

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  4. I am so happy for you, that I am going to cry any moment! What a crazy pregnant emotional wreck I am but I just feel such elation at your news!

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  5. I cried when I read this post. I'm so grateful that God has heard everyone's prayers and that Stephen has such an excellent team at the hospital.
    Love, Colleen

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  6. Yaaaayyyy!! I am happy for you all -- and so proud of Stephen! What a strong guy...must take after his mommy ;)
    Continuing to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
    xo,
    Kristin

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  7. Aimee Lippencott-RodgersJanuary 10, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    Amazing news!!! We pray for Stephan each day. We are so happy he crossed this hurdle! What a strong little guy. Take care of each other, Love to you all, Aimee

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  8. Amazing doesn't begin to describe it! Stephen has touched so many souls already. Such a blessing!

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  9. Wonderful news! He is such a fighter!

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  10. What amazing news! I will continue praying for your family and thanking God for the blessings that He has given Stephen!

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  11. I am so thrilled! I know this is a long road, but what a big step in the right direction. What a strong boy you have. You must be so proud! Continue to stay strong & positive Linds!

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  12. What wonderful news! So glad to hear the surgery was a success. Continued prayers for you, Bill, little-man Stephen and the rest of your families; that includes Miss Mabel as well :)

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