MRI simulation of blood flow helps plan child's delicate heart surgery

This new technique allows surgeons to virtually operate on the heart and see probable outcomes via MRI and computer programs. They can try various "surgeries" to see which works best for each individual heart. Very cool, and glad that Abby is going in for it this month. Her third surgery could be this Fall or next Spring depending on our end of August evaluation at CHOP. Keep positive thoughts headed Abby's way
-Bryan
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MRI simulation of blood flow helps plan child's delicate heart surgery

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Another Summer of Fun Is Underway

Just wanted to post a little something here to update the blog. We are having another great Summer with lots of trips to Amusement parks, pools and water parks, the beach, and overall fun in the sun with family and friends. Abby and her big sister Anna are doing well and they both continue to amaze us with all the things they say, do and learn everyday. Hope you and yours are doing well and having as much fun as we and ours. Take care and keep sending good thoughts Abby's way!
Anna and Abby's dad,
Bryan

Abby turned 2 today

Abby blew out the candles on her 2nd birthday cupcake today. If you asked me 2 years ago what Abby would be doing on her 2nd birthday, I probably wouldn't have said "jumping off the big wooden platform at gymboree and running around with all the other kids". Amazing little girl we have here. I am grateful for each day with her, especially days when I can post pictures like this, especially on days when it marks 2 years of her having fun, smiling, laughing, running, playing, and not having any idea that she has beat the odds for 2 years and running. Go Abby!

Thanks for checking her out here on the blog. Happy Holidays and a prosperous new year to you and yours.

Abby and Anna's lucky dad
Bryan

OK,, you can stop asking me for an update now

I know. I've been a bad blogger. But we've been having way too much fun this summer to stop by for a proper update!

First: Abby had a checkup today with Dr. Castro. Everything is great! Dr Castro said that she "couldn't look better!" I asked about a time frame for the Fontan and she said she'd like to see Abby have surgery as close to her third birthday as possible. To avoid her having surgery at the height of cold/flu season we're looking at late next summer/early next fall. So for now, we'll just enjoy having three months until her next check up!

Second: Anna started at her new preschool in September and she is doing fantastic there!

Last: We finally, after two years, got a ruling on our house proposal from the township. It's been denied. Although we are disappointed, we are excited to start looking for a house!

Thanks to everyone whose been checking up on us! We really did have the best summer ever. I promise I'll be back soon with pics.

We feel so blessed that Abby is doing so well!

All Wired Up

We had our check up with Dr. Castro on Tuesday. Abby had an echo and everything with her heart function looks great! That was the good news. Then Dr. Castro told us it was time for a 24-hour Holter Monitor to see if she has finally outgrown her rhythm issues from her first surgery. For the life of me, I could not imagine how I was going to keep the monitor attached to Abby and convince her and her very technologically inclined sister from messing with it.

They both surprised me and did a great job. Here are some pics of my girl all wired up:

Now for the even better news: Dr. Castro called this morning and said Abby's monitor results look "pretty darn good!" That means she can come off the Propranolol (a beta blocker) that she used to get 3x a day. This will make our lives so much easier. We are thrilled!

Abby just continues to amaze us, and we continue to enjoy a wonderful summer together as a family. We are truly thankful for every day. Bryan has had a lot of time off from flying, so we've been making the most of it!

I guess It's Time for an Update

Now that the nice weather is here the time seems to fly by. I guess it's time to update the blog!

Everything here is status quo. Abby is now walking around like a maniac, climbing on everything, and trying her hardest to keep up with her big sister. It's a joy to watch, but totally exhausting for mommy.

Friday was the one year mark since Abby's last surgery. It's so hard to believe that a year has gone by already, and even harder to believe that in another year (or so) we'll be back at CHOP for Abby's last surgery. Not a day goes by that I don't think about it at least a dozen times.

In the meantime we're just trying to enjoy ourselves and do "fun things!" (as Anna says) as much as possible.

If I don't post an update soon it's just because we're too busy going to the beach, the playground, the boardwalk, Six Flags, or on some other adventure.

We check in with the cardiologist on 7/8, so I'll try and update then.

Here are some pictures from our summer so far:

Abby's first ride at the boardwalk. Yes, I checked with Dr. Castro first.

Playing in the yard:


At the sprinkler park:

She's Doing It!

Abby is finally walking. *sniff sniff*

Anna walked at 10 1/2 months, so we've been patiently waiting for Abby to feel like joining the world of upright walkers. A couple of weeks ago, she starting letting go and just standing there. Then last Thursday, she took a step. After a week of practice she is still a little weeble wobble, but she's coming along quickly! We're so proud. Anna is her biggest cheerleader, clapping and shouting, "Go Abby! Go Abby!" when she takes off walking. It melts me to see Anna so happy for her sister.

Here's a couple short clips for your enjoyment:


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
I've said it before, but I'll say it again. Milestones are special with all children, but for us, milestones like this with Abby are truly a blessing.

Now I can't wait to see her run.