Cincinnati trip 2: Results!

We set off to Cincinnati for a second round of tests and scopes at Cincinnati Children's Hospital for Emmett this past week. It was a quick trip.

Emmett does well on the airplane, we loves watching the hustle and bustle of the airport and the planes taking off. He requires support from oxygen while on the plane when we reach the higher altitudes. FDA regulate that we must take a certified personal oxygen concentrater (POC device) with us on board.

POC device

We don't exactly pack light.  The only bag that housed Michael and my belongings is the red duffle bag seen in the picture. The rest belongs to Emmett, containing all of his medical equipment. Most of which we had to carry on board with us. Almost all medical equipment stays with Emmett.

Emmett relaxing during one of the layovers in Denver.

After research, speaking with physicians and much praying, we have decided that it is time for Emmett to have an Esophageal Transplant. The muscle, nerves and tissue of his esophagus is non functional. We have known that this was coming for some time now. It's difficult to think about all the pain that Emmett is going to have to go through again. The surgery is complex, complicated and not a  common surgery. 

Emmett at Cincinnati Children's Hospital

The surgeon who will be performing the surgery in Cincinnati told us to plan for Emmett to be in the hospital for a minimum of 4-6 weeks post surgery. Our family will be taking up a temporary residence in Ohio. The date for surgery is unknown, but it will take place in the next month and a half.

Michael and I are prayerfully making the arrangements and pre planning for this endeavor. 

I will be out in Ohio with Emmett the entire hospital stay, Michael will have to go back and forth to work in Phoenix. Ethan will be staying with family for the first couple of weeks. The first two weeks post surgery, Emmett is very fragile and unstable. I don't want Ethan to see or remember his brother that way. I know it is going to be really hard for Ethan to be away from Emmett for that long. One of his Grandparents will bring him out to Ohio after a few weeks.  Michael and I are so grateful for the love, support and help from our wonderful families and parents. It will be difficult to be so far from home during the holiday time, but we are hoping for a fresh start for the new year.

The plan is to stay at the Ronald McDonald House that is on the hospital campus.  We are so grateful for all of the love, support and prayers in behalf of our family. We could not do all this without your prayers and faith.

Right before we came home, Michael and I took Emmett to as quaint little park. The grass was so green and the leaves were so beautiful in their fall shades of red, orange and yellow.

My heart is always torn between helping Emmett and being with my Ethan-bug. I regret not being able to be with him  all the time. He is so patient and caring for his little brother. He has been through so much emotionally but I am grateful for his endurance and faith. He is such a joy to our lives!

I sure love you Ethan!