William's Surgery is Scheduled

William will have surgery on Friday, Dec 19th at 11am to have a port placed to allow infusions without an IV.

The procedure is fast and "simple." The surgeon said they don't even like to call it an operation because it is so simple. But, being that they will be cutting my 4 year old little boy, I'm a bit nervous. As I understand it, they insert the catheter into the jugular and align it very close to his heart. I'm glad the surgeon is calm about it, but that sure sounds dangerous and scary to me.

The surgeon is wonderful to work with, he has bent over backward to get us in this week to avoid another IV for William. I spoke with the anesthesiologist tonight as well and she is terrific too. There is a chance that she is in-network for our insurance, which would be such a huge blessing as we have met all deductibles and maximums and it would be covered 100% if she is.

William is a little anxious, but only because he doesn't know what to expect. He's mainly focusing on the "no more IVs" good news. When it is his turn, they will give him some "silly juice" to take the edge off before they take him from me to go to the OR. That will be the most difficult part for him. He will breathe in the anesthesia and be asleep in about 20 seconds, after which they will insert an IV for pain medication and any emergency drugs. Recovery time is about 30 minutes and then they will remove the IV and he will be returned to me to recover for another hour before we are sent home.

His first in-office infusion will be on Tuesday with a second dose on Wednesday. We'll get to try out the port then.

Thank you for your prayers.