Preparing for Surgery......

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to update everyone on how Jenna is doing. Last week we went to Cincy and saw the Dental group regarding her tooth pain. They examined her and determined that yes, we will have to go to the OR to have at least one tooth extracted. He located that she has two large cavities in her upper 1st year molars (one is larger than the other) and a smaller one in her lower teeth. He felt like the smaller one could probably be filled in, but he is not sure if both uppers will have to be extracted. The doctor discussed with another doctor regarding her situation and how long to wait, which they determined that they wanted to move up her scopes and echo in March to sooner so we can take care of her teeth at the same time. Once she goes in, they will do all of her tests and then fully examine her, clean, and determine everything that has to be done. So hopefully this will go well. Jenna was thrilled because she got another cute toothbrush to play with, and of course she enjoyed herself because the doctor was a "boy", which we all know that she likes to flirt. She had no problem just walking right up to him and being friendly, silly girl. :) So after the visit we were able to see our friends at the hospital, which was great, we miss them so much. Of course they said they miss us too, even though I know that Jenna is the one everyone misses! Haha, just kidding you all. The dental team said that they would have to coordinate with all groups-pulmonary, ent, cardiac and themselves to determine when the procedures could be. So, Monday of this week we got the call from the hospital. We are set for surgery on Tuesday March 2nd @ 7:30am and all procedures will be performed. Once complete, we will stay overnight and come home Wednesday, as long as Jenna behaves :) We will be driving up Monday night since we have to be at the hospital on Tuesday at 6am. So early! But I am glad that it is being taken care of now, since she has occasionally complained of pain on her left side now and also back to her ear on the right side. Luckily she is not swelling yet, which is good. Plus she is having another cath in April and if they have to put more hardware in (like a stent) they will not be able to if she is having mouth issues.

This week she has been good, we went to see her cardiologist on Tuesday 23rd and she weighed in at 26# 9oz and 35 inches long! She is getting so big! She played with a my little pony during her entire visit and Dr. Heydarian even brushed the horses' hair. So funny! He said that her chest xray is the same as usual, extra bloodflow pushing to her right side. He listened to her and felt that she sounded really good, he was pleased with her. He said that we do not have to come back until after her cath in April, again as long as she behaves. We all know how Jenna is when it comes to attention, she craves it! We will find out next week after her echo regarding staying on the oxygen if she will need to continue. We will see, hope for good news. I am going to kill myself on her tubing if we have to do this much longer!! Today we went to see her pediatrician for her pre-op physical. The visit went well, Jenna was herself, all over the room. At this visit she weighed in a little more @ 26# 12 oz. Such a chunky monkey!!! We will see Dr. Walker again in a couple weeks for her last RSV shot and followup after surgery.

She has been doing well, walking everywhere, climbing, still not running (more of a shuffle) but we will get there eventually. She is attempting to do more word phrases like I eat, play mommy. This week when we have been out for her visits we will go to leave and she will say "ride, home, eat" over and over. She is trying so hard to do better with her words. She will get there. Today I could not keep her away from the fridge which is crazy, since she was never much of an eater before. She probably went at least 10 times and just stood there, not knowing what to eat, but wanted something and could not say. It is frustrating for her and us, but we are working on it with her speech therapist. It will just take some time.

So again, we will leave Monday evening for Cincy-hopefully the snow will stop so we can go. And then come home Wednesday. Please everyone (I know you continue to do this all the time), but pray for her these days in the hospital. We hope everything will go smoothly. I will keep you posted on how she does as soon as I am able to get to a computer. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers.

Love, Jenny, Justin and Jenna