3 years ago today Camden had her 1st of 2 heart surgery's. I'm sure most of you have heard the story many times. She was 2 1/2 months old. We went to D.C. with some friends for the weekend. As soon as we arrived there she was having breathing problems. We rushed her to the E.R. and they couldn't figure out what was wrong so they transferred her by ambulance to Children's National. It was there we found out that she had a heart condition. She had a minor cold and her heart couldn't handle it and that is why she had trouble breathing. She was going to have to get surgery to fix the problem. The plan was to get her well enough and then have the surgery here in Philadelphia @ CHOP. We sent Mason back to home with our friends and my neighbor kept him for a few days. She was in the NICU for a few days and then she was transferred to the cardiac unit on the floor. She was making progress. One morning she was really having trouble breathing. I remember telling the nurse that she didn't look right. She said she would be right back. When she returned only 30 seconds later she hit some button and then every doctor and nurse was in there, surrounding her. This was one of the scariest moments of my life. Daegan wasn't there that morning. They immediately intubated her and transferred her back to the NICU. We found out she had pneumonia. Great, her heart couldn't even handle a cold how is she going to handle this. Which is why she was heading down hill again. After trying for about two weeks they decided she wasn't making progress and she would need the surgery there. I was a little relieved because I was afraid of what might happen in the meantime. She had the surgery the next day. All went well. She had an amazing surgeon. Not that we have had much experience with heart surgeons. He told us that her mitral valve was leaking fluid, he fixed it as much as he could, but wasn't sure how long it would last. He said she might need another surgery down the road. We just didn't realize that it would be 7 weeks later. Anyways, 3 weeks after arriving in D.C we were able to go home.
This picture was taken right after her surgery.
When we arrived home Camden was going in twice a week to the doctor for weight checks. At one of the appointments the doctor said she really hasn't been gaining weight. She wanted me to take her downtown to CHOP that day to be checked out just to make sure everything was okay. After not getting better with medication they wanted her to have another surgery. So, I would go to the hospital during the day and be with Camden and then come home at night and spend some time with Mason. It was hard. We had a lot of very good friends and neighbors that helped us so much.
Here she is today. You would never know that she has been through so much when she was a baby. She is my angel and I love her so much. I thank my Heavenly Father every day that he sent her to our family. Thanks again to all of our dental friends and friends in our ward for the love and support you gave during this time in our life.
11 comments:
Those pictures make my heart sink. That was a terrible memory, especially for you I'm sure. We are so grateful she's so healthy and happy... well, at least most of the time she's happy ;)
I'm so glad that part of your life is over. Love ya!
I can’t believe she was that little. Seeing those pictures just makes it so real again. What a blessing she is. Now look at her three years old and as cute as ever.
As I was watching her play today at church I was thinking about that terrible time and thinking how beautiful she is and how happy I am for you guys that heavenly Father blessed her to get better. I can't beleive it has been 3 years. I am so glad everything turned out the way it did and that your little girl is so happy and healthy now.
Amy not to get too sentimental, but I am putting you on a pedistal and admiring you and Daegan for making it through that whole ordeal. I really can't begin to imagine how hard that must have been. We love our Camden...
Ok, the pics actually brought tears! We love Camden and love you guys! What are we going to do next year?!
I think we met before at one Phoebe's birthday parties, (i could be wrong)...any way this story hit home, God is so good at doing miracles, isn't He? LOL! Your daughter is living proof! She is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
They say we are given trials to make us stronger and teach us lessons in life. I admire you for your strength at that time. I remember it all too well. It hardly seems like it's been 3 years. She is a beautiful girl and so lucky to be here after all that.
Oh do I remember that. It was a sad time, but so glad everything worked out so well and now she's this beautiful little girl. Blessings huh?!
It seems like yesterday that all that happened! Time flies! Glade she made it through all that stuff! Happy Birthday Camden.
It is amazing to see the Lord's hand in our lives and his many miracles. We love you Camden.
Post a Comment