Surgery Date Set

Smiley Abby!

Abby's already 7 weeks old!  She continues to be asymptamic in regards to her CCAM.  We're thankful for that!  However, after meeting with the pediatric surgeon on Monday, he would still like to remove it when she's three months old.  They took an x-ray that showed that the right lung (her good one) has been growing and developing since birth.  This is positive news because it had been smaller than normal due to it's shift against the chest wall.  They've had success removing masses with similar sizes at this age.  It will allow the heart to shift back into place and to give both lungs time to develop.  Lungs continue to develop until kids are about 7 so the more time she has the better.

I look so cute, but don't take my picture!

The CCAM is in the upper lobe of her left lung so they will remove the entire upper lobe of her lung.  The body is such an amazing thing that the lower lobe will take over and continue to develop in its place.  She shouldn't have any limitations once it's out.  The surgeon said you'll never know she had an issue.  We hope that's the case!  The surgery is set for September 10th at the University of Minnesota Children's Amplatz hospital.  She'll be in the hospital for only a day or two after surgery.  While we'd rather that she didn't need surgery so young, we think we'll feel a big relief that the mass is finally removed from her body and we won't have to worry about it anymore.

Abby's been doing well.  If you've met her, you know that she's still a little peanut.  We've had some problems trying to breastfeed.  I'm too stubborn to give up, but it's been a rough journey.  The first thing they should tell moms at breastfeeding classes is how hard it can be.  Our feeding schedule is a bit intense, but we've got her gaining weight now which is the important thing. 

We'll be sure to keep you updated the day of the surgery. 

Much love,

Scott, Sarah, & Abby (and Max - he's been feeling a bit left out) : )

C'mon, mom!  Enough with the pictures!