Day 1: Surgery

First of all, Billy and I want to thank all of you for your support and prayers. People have been praying for Weston all over the United States, and even halfway across the world. We are so fortunate to have such a support system.

The surgeon confirmed Biliary Atresia this morning with the cholangeogram and went right into the "corrective" Kasai procedure.

Weston's gallbladder was grossly underdeveloped along with the duct system. Dr. M (surgeon) removed the damaged areas and attached his small bowel to his liver for direct bile drainage. Weston was in surgery for approximately 6 hours. He received about 40cc of blood in the OR and only lost about 30cc from the whole procedure. I have a whole new appreciation for blood donors and will have to become one myself in the near future...

The surgery went well and Dr. M was pleased with the outcome and is hopeful that he will do well. Weston is currently in the Pediatric ICU. He is still intubated (machine helping him breathe), has a special IV called a central line under his left clavicle and has various other drains in his nose and abdomen.

They are planning on trying to extubate him tonight or tomorrow morning. This is a fine balance because they want to keep his pain under control, but the pain meds depress his natural drive to breathe.

As much as I tried to prepare myself to see Weston in this state, it was one of, if not the most painful and heartbreaking thing I have ever experienced. Even though I am very comfortable with all of this equipment in my professional life, I can't bare to see it on my baby. I am taking comfort in knowing that he really doesn't know what is going on, thanks to some sedation and pain medication.

I swear I am really trying not to be a pain in the a** "nurse mom".

A big thank you to the surgical team today. It was really comforting to see a lot of familiar faces. I was so comforted in knowing that Tara (surgical tech), Brooke and Shelia (CRNAs) were looking out for my baby. And even the non-familiar faces took excellent care of him. Thank you all for everything you do. I really do appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.