Sheriff Sarah

Sheriff Sarah

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Sarah is in surgery

The nurse came for us at 5:36pm PST and I handed Sarah off the anesthesiologists at 6:19. It will likely take about an hour to prep Sarah and then they will begin surgery. Both Dr. Healey and Dr. Reyes will be present, as two teams are necessary for this type of procedure. Dr. Healey came by earlier to meet with me and lay out what the transplant entailed. We also received visits from our social worker and the lead anesthesiologist. We are looking at approximately 12 hours of surgery. Dr. Healey said that it takes 3-4 hours just to remove the sick liver. They will be paging us throughout the process to provide updates. We are in for a LONG night.

Part of the prep will involve likely putting another line into Sarah's neck and two arterial lines in her wrists. She will have the breathing tube for the duration of the surgery and likely for a couple of days post-op. Estimated time in ICU will be about a week depending on how well she is doing. The total hospital stay will probably be about 10-14 days give or take a few days.

You have all been so faithful in your prayers and we are grateful for those who joined us today, in person and in spirit, between noon and 1pm. We had a refreshing time of prayer. Now, we just need to ask the Lord to guide Dr. Healey and the other staff as they move forward, and for Sarah's health following the transplant. We did learn that the liver is an adult liver, so Sarah gets 1/3 of it.

Leaving your 7 1/2 month old in the care of someone else is never easy but it is especially difficult when she will be in surgery for so long. I will provide updates throughout the night if there is anything of substance to report.

God bless,
Kirk

4 comments:

  1. My sirit is there. Holding your hand and praying fiercely. Love to everyone

    Sheri

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  2. Kirk - this is great news, you and your family have been on my mind all day! I'll be checking back in first thing in the morning to see what the latest new might be!!!! Take care!!!! ~Heather Underwood

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  3. We are praying for a supernatural peace to be blanketed over your family. We will not stop praying, and will look for updates throughout the night.

    Even though we can't be there in person, we are definitely there in spirit!

    “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

    Love you all dearly,

    Don & Nikki

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  4. Praying for Sarah....for the team of doctors, nurses, techs and all involved in her care during these critical hours...and for those that love her! What a nervous and exciting time.

    God bless, Sheryl, Justice's mom from LF

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