Sep
26
     
It’s surgery day(Day 65)
Posted (The West's) in All Posts on September-26-2007

To our surprise, Dr. Kays called this morning to let us know that Ella had been bumped up on the surgery schedule. They are taking her down around 10am EST, doing some prep and starting the surgery. The surgery itself should take about an hour and a half, but we will not likely have an update until around 1pm EST.

Once we have the outcome of the surgery with all the details, we will update the post.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Ella.

UPDATE (1:00pm EST): The nurse practitioner just came out to let us know that Ella is stable and looks comfortable. We’re waiting to go back and see her as well as hear the details about the surgery from Dr. Kays. Stay tuned…

UPDATE (3:00pm EST): We spoke to Dr. Kays. He indicated that surgery went ok, but he had to limit the procedure due to Ella’s tolerance. In her left cavity, he placed two larger chest tubes and worked to break up some gelatinous protein build up that he found. Due to Ella’s stability though, he chose not to make any changes to her right side at this time.

For now, he’s going to let her stabilize and then will perform some additional procedures to help her progress forward. One of these may include an intentional chemical scarring of her chest cavity, forcing the lungs to adhere to the chest wall. It sounds worse then it is, but it’s not something you want to have to do either.

We know Dr. Kays carefully weighs all his options, and we trust that if this procedure needs to be done, it’s in Ella’s best interest.

One additional item: Ella’s feeding tube didn’t make it into the right place the other day. So Dr. Kays was able to resolve this during the surgical procedure by passing Ella’s feeding tube by her pyloric valve. This will minimize her stomach expansion while still providing food to our baby girl’s intestines. Ella’s food was stopped temporarily for the procedure today, but we hope they can start it up again real soon.

UPDATE (10:30pm EST): We called to check on Ella tonight. Nurse Janet, one of the Fabulous Four, is taking care of her. This always makes for a peaceful night’s rest!

Since the surgery, she has had a total of 142ccs of chest fluid output (35 right, 107 left). That is a lot of fluid output for less than a 12 hour span!

They took a blood gas this evening and you can tell that Ella has less pressure on her lungs. Her pH level is 7.3, cO2=64, pO2=132. Part of the high pO2 is reflected in the ventilator giving her 60% oxygen versus 50% before her procedure. But even so, we have not seen these types of numbers in a while.

We are still holding out that maybe Ella’s body can resolve this fluid issue before Dr. Kays has to chemically scar her chest wall. Her blood gases and chest x-rays are the most determining factors. For now, we are going to get some rest and pray that Ella has a restful night too.

Thanks again for all the continued prayers throughout the day. We know it makes a difference.


Eusey Family on September 26th, 2007 at 7:40 am #

Sending many prayers this morning for a successful surgery and some answers for you guys.

RSMRCR

Fran Jarrett on September 26th, 2007 at 7:45 am #

Prayers for a successful surgery and answers for for what is happening with little Ella.

Cliff, Diane and Sonic Blue on September 26th, 2007 at 7:48 am #

BIG PRAYERS FOR YOU !!! C D & SB

Loren on September 26th, 2007 at 7:50 am #

We are praying for a phenomenal surgery outcome! God Speed.

Tracy Mitchell on September 26th, 2007 at 7:51 am #

Praying for Ella, Dr Kays and his team and for strength for you two!
Tracy

Joan Odell on September 26th, 2007 at 8:06 am #

Father – we pray for Dr Kays and his staff and know Your hands and Your will is the guiding factor during these next critical hours. We fully trust Your love and Your will. Let Ella be peaceful and restful during this procedure and surround her parents with Your love and angels for their peace and support. Thank you Father for all blessings and for all the people who have come together in Your name and for this dear family. In CHrist’s name we pray. Amen – We love you West family – Steve and Joan

Joel Snyder on September 26th, 2007 at 8:20 am #

Ella, My little “Gator Girl” I am praying for you and Dr.Kays and his wonderful team today. Josh and Tina remember to keep the faith. Love, Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!

Melissa Morris on September 26th, 2007 at 8:37 am #

What a big day!! 9 weeks old already. What a blessing she is and what a sweet little life.
Lord, we pray that you would be right with Dr. Kays this morning as surgery is taking place. Guide his hands and give him wisdom to fix the fluid issue so Ella may continue to heal and recover. May your will be done Lord today and every day.
We pray for protection over Ella. That the surgery would go quick and smoothly.
Please be with Josh and Tina right now. Give them peace, courage and strength as their baby girl that you have blessed them with is going through surgery. We know that you are holding all of them safe in your arms.
We pray that this surgery would be successful and that Ella’s body would just be able to recover and get stronger from this day forward.
We praise you for this sweet baby, Ella that you so knowingly placed in Josh and Tina’s care. That you then directed them to the care of Dr. Kays and his staff. May you continue to bless and keep all of them. You knew just the right family for Ella!! You are awesome!!
Love, Melissa

Becca Richards on September 26th, 2007 at 8:40 am #

I am prayin BIG time! :-0

Char Snyder Jordan on September 26th, 2007 at 10:10 am #

Dear Father, look down upon this little family and bless them with the knowledge that you are there. Strengthen Ella’s parents. Give life to Ella. Help Dr. Kays and his staff to do no harm and help Ella to overcome her problems. We love you little family. We pray for everyone connected with this child. In Jesus name. Amen. LOL Aunt Char and JIM

tamara tessmer on September 26th, 2007 at 10:45 am #

Believing that God is working a miracle right now and continuing to pray for resolution in this fluid issue. I pray that He continues to fill the two of you with the peace and strength that you have displayed so far. Just know we are thinking about the three of you, and PRAYING HARD!!!!. We will wait upon the Lord and his perfect timing (though honestly would be nice if that time were NOW!!!)
Love you guys,
Tamara

John & Estela Williams on September 26th, 2007 at 10:53 am #

Awesome news to hear that Ella did to good during the surgery. What strength you both have.. I would be a basket case. Love and miss you guys!

Laura Marold on September 26th, 2007 at 10:59 am #

I’m so happy to hear she’s comfortable and stable. Keeping all three of you in my prayers today. Laura M.

Kristen on September 26th, 2007 at 1:25 pm #

Thank you for the update. . .even though we have never met, I am glued to the website (as is my husband) and we pray like crazy people for your precious child, and for you, and for the staff. We are behind you 100% and look for the miracles along the way. Bless you today and Ella as she starts to feel better following the physician’s careful care and wise call to allow her to rest! Blow her a kiss for us!

Grandma West on September 26th, 2007 at 1:28 pm #

Oh my Dear ones so happy to hear things went OK I will pass this on to the Cooks they are anxious to hear love Mom

Joan Odell on September 26th, 2007 at 1:28 pm #

AWESOME!!! How wonderful!!!! We will stay tuned – THank you Lord and hugs to the two of you – Joan

Kelli Billman on September 26th, 2007 at 2:34 pm #

Praying for stabalization after this surgery and hope that Miss Ella will start feeling better very soon!

Eusey Family on September 26th, 2007 at 8:20 pm #

Good news tonight. Sounds like surgery was a success. We will pray for more fluid to flow and her stats to remain VERY strong.

Hugs,
RSMRCR

Angie on September 26th, 2007 at 8:30 pm #

I pray Ella will gain strength every day. Hang in there! Thoughts & prayers always. Sweet dreams baby Ella! 🙂 ~Nurse Angie

Melissa Morris on September 26th, 2007 at 8:38 pm #

Praise GOD!! That is such awesome news.
We thank you Lord that Ella was able to remain stable through the surgery and that her stats are looking good. Thank you for giving her life. We pray that you would continue to strengthen her body day by day.
Continue to strengthen Josh and Tina. Thank you that they continue to cling to your promises and remain steadfast in you.
Let your peace flow over this beautiful family.
We thank you for your grace.
May they all rest in your ever loving arms tonight.
AMEN!!
Josh and Tina- I am thrilled to hear that the surgery went well and little Ella is feeling much better.
I hope this is the beginning of her final road to recovery.
Our God is an awesome God!! Hold tight and keep believing.
Ella you sure put up a good fight. Keep it up! Go Ella Go! Go GOD GO!!
Stay strong everyone. I hope you are all able to rest well tonight.
Sweet and peaceful dreams – West family!!
I am so greatful for Dr. Kays and his staff. The knowledge that they have is amazing. So glad it was successful.
Love, Melissa

monika on September 26th, 2007 at 9:18 pm #

we thank GOD with you that the surgery has helped, and we pray ella will have a huge turnaround and not need the scarring. my family, friends and i are all praying for you ella, tina and josh. love and miss you. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND THE MEDICAL STAFF TOO. love, monika

Char Snyder Jordan on September 26th, 2007 at 9:59 pm #

This child is such a trooper. It seems that her fluid output is so much better. I am continually impressed with the similarity of the prayers that come from heartfelt families that love Ella. When I am humble and contrite in spirit it seems that Father hears my prayers. I am so grateful that the procedure went well. I Thank God for your success and of course the ever vigilant team of Josh, Tina, Dr. Kays and his nurses and staff. God Bless you all. LOL Aunt Char and Jim

Joel Snyder on September 26th, 2007 at 10:02 pm #

Ella, I am thankful that your surgery went well today. Rest up and I am praying that your stats will improve tonight. I am on my way to work and will check on you in the morning. Sleep well little “Gator Girl”. I Love You, Grandpa!!!!!

Adrienne (Melissa's sister!) on September 27th, 2007 at 3:52 am #

Wow…. suffice it to say that your family, the staff, and obviously your dear sweet baby have been at the forefront of most of my thoughts and DEFINETLY my prayers for the last 48 hours! GOD IS GOOD – ALL THE TIME. We are waiting with anxious hearts to hear from you the next few days! I am so happy to hear she is doing so well! Praise to God! Hang in there. When we are weak HE IS STRONG!

Post a comment

Name:  (required)
Email:  (required)
URL: 
Comments: