"I Can't Like It"

This is Bernie's favorite response when there something in her world she doesn't want. We've adopted this way of expressing disapproval and even though it's harder than hell getting out the door for this sort of affair, we gladly choose it over the alternative of not having a way to fix our baby. 

We made it to Ann Arbor yesterday afternoon. 

Just trying to savor some easier moments before things really get started. 

 

 

 

 

We have Bernie admitted for handoff at 11:30. The surgery will be anywhere from 4-6 hours and begin around 1:00. 

The most challenging part of the surgery will not be actually replacing her valve. It will be getting through the chest wall and through the scar tissue from four other surgeries. There will be a series of brief updates during the operation. 

We are very fortunate to have had a series of helpers this week to help with injections both in Ann Arbor and at home. It's not so easy finding pediatric homecare independent contractors in Traverse City! Kathy, Samantha, and Tammy we so appreciate your special attention and willingness to relieve Jeff and I of this extra stress. 

 

Nurse Kathy shows Bernie pictures of her kitty after administering her last pre-op Lovenox injection. 

 

 

Thank you for the amazing outpouring of support and your messages. We really appreciate this especially since it's hard to pick up the phone and make FaceTime when there so much going on (and we are trying not to verbally surround Bernie with these foreboding conversations). Your connection means and says so much. We love you all!

Thank you for keeping Dr.Romano(her surgeon and Godmother,formerly Hirsch) Dr. Ohye(surgeon on reserve), Dr. Charpie (attending in the PCTU today),the entire pre-op and OR staff, and the PCTU nurses and staff specifically in your prayers.