Monday, March 12, 2007

Celebrating Another Anniversary

We are celebrating another anniversary over here. It has been more than a year since Clare has had a heart procedure. After Clare's last cath in March 2006, her cardiologist said we were most likely good to go for 6-12 months. This is the first time Clare has gone longer than expected. Usually she's back in the cath lab much sooner than the doctors predict.

I have a good friend whose four-month old daughter underwent her first cath today (with flying colors, I just heard!). We have been sending prayers and good vibes down to Boston all day. As I talked over stuff with my friend prior to the cath, it brought back the slew of memories and emotions of when Clare had her first cath when she was around the same age. I still have a hard time believing Clare was that small when she underwent her first cath - she still seems so small and fragile now, I can't even remember how tiny she must have been over a year and a half ago. Although I would never wish this on any parent, it has been nice to have someone close who understands what we've been going through with Clare. When Clare was first diagnosed, we were put in touch with a woman who had three sons with Clare's type of heart defect (we met this woman through a friend and then discovered coincidentally that the children also shared the same cardiologist). It was a great help to have someone to ask questions of prior to Clare's cath, but at the same time, I barely knew this other mother, so it was also awkward. I am so glad to be able to share my experience and knowledge with another mother and maybe make someone else's experience a tad bit easier. I know nothing can completely take away the stress, fear, and worry, but it can be a comfort to know there's a friend you can talk to who has been there. And somehow survived!

Clare's next sedated echo is scheduled for May 18, so we know she won't be having a cath before then. I have a sneaking suspicion that our time is up, however, so we'll see what happens in May. Of course, I am due on May 4, have a history of being post-due in my pregnancies, and this is the only date our cardiology office can do echos under general anesthesia in the surgical center, which is what Clare needs. It will be very interesting to see what happens come May.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hurray for Miss Clare!!! She will forever surpass the expectations set for her!! We love & miss you al, Aunt Joan

Kerry said...

Wow- what a great anniversary to have! Keep up the good work and we'll keep up the prayin'. :)

Lisa said...

So glad she has kept her little self out of the cardio office...Funny All the echo's Tate has had and she has had 16 since birth none were sedated...think positive she may have more time still :)

Anonymous said...

It didn't seem like it had been a long time since I had checked your blog, but I guess we've been a bit busy. :-) Anyway, I hadn't seen your blog before I saw you the other day. I am equally grateful to have someone who has been through some of this stuff before! Your advice and support have been invaluable. Having a friend who understands the impact of a child with scary health concerns -- and all that entails every time you look into their little face -- is a gift. Even more than that, the way you and Shawn have handled everything has been an example of how to cope with what life hands you -- namely, with grace, a sense of humor, and a lot of dignity. Thank you! -- Ross