Hello There,
It has been some time since I have blogged. Time has passed by so quickly! As the header of this post reads, "No News is Good News" stands true. We haven't had too much going on until this point. Cannon and Colton are both doing great! They are both loving school and keeping us very busy. Cannon is now in Kindergarten and Colton is in Preschool. Cannon continues to grow and thrive just like any normal 5 year old. He is very excited to be 6 in a month. He can't wait! They are both ready for Christmas!
In July we went on a trip to Maryland for their aunts wedding ceremony. It was a beautiful wedding and a great family trip. Before we headed out on the trip we met with the pediatric cardiologist for Cannon's annual check up. They performed the normal echocardiogram, EKG, and the quick excercise test (Cannon running up and down the hall) to check for the active oxygen level. According to Dr. Reddy not much had changed in any of the results. Cannon's oxygen level was about 85 with excercise and low 90's at rest. Dr. Reddy informed us that we would go another year and see how things go. We were informed to keep an eye on the oxygen level throughout the year. If it falls near 85 at rest, they would more than likely intervene. He also mentioned he would consult with the surgeon (Dr. Charles Frazer) and get his thoughts.
In September, we received a call from the surgeons office and he wanted to have a consultation with us. On October 21, 2011, we met with Dr. Charles Frazer at Texas Children's in Houston. He discussed with us once again Cannon's condition and the multiple surgical repair options. At this time he feels that Cannon is best fit for the surgical repair within the next year or two. He discussed each surgical options pros and cons with us in detail and left the ball in our court to decide which procedure we want for Cannon. WOW!!! Now that isn't a decision I thought we would have to make. We've always known that surgery was inevitable, but we thought the professionals would make the decision on which procedure was the best for Cannon. However, we were able to conclude which procedures the surgeon thought would be best for him. In the end, we have decided to try to schedule the surgery this coming summer and we will go with the Double Switch/Restilli Operation.
After speaking with the surgeon, we really felt a sense of peace about the whole situation. Seeing Cannon on a daily basis makes it hard to see his struggles. Being our first child, his actions and ways of doing things are the "norm" for us. Even Colton follows after Cannon in many ways and to us it is all normal. But to someone on the outside, Cannon is obviously not as healthy as the other kids his age and it shows in things like when he interacts with other kids in his class. He is not able to keep up during physical activities. As Colton is getting older they are like all boys and becoming very competitive and it becomes obvious that Colton has much more energy that Cannon has ever had. Also, Cannon always seems exhausted, he still takes 1-2 hour naps everyday. Pulling all of this together, we have complete peace in knowing that we are making the best decision for his quality of life. I am told we will be amazed at how much more "alive" he will be post op. Now I tell myself, I can't wait to give him that opportunity.
We should hear from the surgeon around Spring and hopefully have a surgery date. I will post an update when we get closer.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. I know the times will be tough but the other side will be so much brighter and God controls everything.
