Update: Prayers for Samuel

[Samuelsmommie]

Hello everyone,

Thank you all for your prayers and support, I know Jacqui started a thread about Samuel. Thank you Jacqui for keeping everyone updated when I can't. Ok as many of you know my 2 year old was diagnosed with a Chiari malformation a few months ago, long story short he was referred to a neurosurgeon and we were praying that they would be able to monitor his condition and she (neurosurgeon) had that same hope as it didn't look that bad. But she needed to get an MRI of his spine to rule out a tethered cord etc., we took him in last Wednesday for that. Sammy was sedated and scan preformed. He had a really difficult time coming out of the sedation this time and had a lot of vomiting so we kept him in a quiet room, lights off me rocking him until the doctor was ready to see him. When they were ready we took him straight into the room and doctor came right in and I could tell she really just didn't want to tell me. Unfortunately they found (short name) a syrinx, which is a collection of spinal fluid about mid way up his spine and it is causing a "significant" space. It is due to his Chiari and they have no choice but to operate to fix the Chiari. We called his pediatrician and other doctors everyone is in agreements. They wanted to do it before Christmas, but I asked if they could wait and at least let him be happy and pain free for the Holidays she said yes but that we really needed to take care of it afterwards. His surgery is set for January 15,2013.
Words really can't express how devastated I/we are. She was very upfront and honest about how serious it is and the amount of pain he will be in. The surgery itself will take about 4 hours and then he will go straight to ICU were he will remain for the first 2 days sedated. The are concerned because of his sensory issues (not knowing if the surgery will fix that) how he will handle the pain as well as how he will wake up from the anesthesia (because of the previous vomiting) so they don't want him vomiting or straining and possibly tearing the graft that they will have put in place when they remove a piece of his skull, because that would mean they would need to go back in and repair it. Then they will slowly start to wake him up. He will likely be in the hospital 5-6 days.
In 6-9 months they will repeat MRI to make sure the syrinx has corrected itself. If it hasn't and the initial surgery has held not a lot of scar tissue or any reason to indicate it wasn't a success then they will have to operate and put a shunt in to drain the fluid.
His doctor is a pediatric nursurgeon who has preformed this surgery many times over, she actually did one the day before she had to tell me about Sam. Please only post positive comments, yes we've had other opinions etc. I don't need to go into this second guessing myself or his doctors. I'm trying to hold it together and do what's best for my baby.
Again thank you all for your prayers and support, well wishes etc. Right now our focus is making sure Samuel has the BEST Christmas ever. My faith is strong it has NEVER wavered, but I am human and a mom and I carried this lil boy in my womb, put my life on the line (literally) to have him so I'm hurting in a major way! But I know that God has a purpose and a plan for my Sam's life and even though I can't see it right now through my tears, I still KNOW it, he will do GREAT things!

[rubymoon2072]

i am so sorry your precious baby boy is having to endure all of this testing and surgery. i can tell you as a mother of a child who had an 8 hour long spinal surgery...they have miraculous healing ability at a young age so that is on his side. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I WISH YOU AND SAMUEL JUST THE HAPPIEST CHRISTMAS EVER. hugs to you.

[horsnaround]

Wishing you all a great Christmas. And will keep your family in my prayers. I agree God has a plan.

[richards6402]

May God be with you now and through his surgery Jan. 15.

You and your sweet boy are in our prayers.

[kjc]

Wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas. Keeping you, Sammuel, and the family in my thoughts and prayers, and in my heart.

[MandiesMom]

Keeping Sammy and your family in my prayers. What a brave little boy he is. I'm glad they are going to let him have Christmas before doing the surgery. Cyber hugs to you!!

[GeorgiesMomma]

Tracy you are a wonderful Mom and person! I will be praying for you all. I am a phone call away if you need me. Love you!

[Teresa Ford]

Prayers for you, your family and Sammy. May God's love and blessings surround your family.

[GuinnessStout]

I just emailed you today Tracy to let you know I was thinking of you and Sammy.

[navillusc]

Oh my...that's quite a bit for such a youngster and his family. I have some idea what you are going through...my older son (3 yrs. old) and his daughter (4 yrs. old) both had open heart surgery, and my younger son would have seizures and quite breathing, requiring resusitation. I completely understand wanting to make something critical wait for the child to have a happy holiday...that is why my older son's open heart surgery was postponed until after Labor Day. It also gives you a bit of time to catch up mentally...very important...because such things are whirlwind.

No one has a firmer grip on believing that we are given only what we can handle, despite not believing ahead of time that we'd ever be able to do it. It is with firm conviction that I send my sincerest best wishes to you, your family and Sammy for the best holiday of his life up to now, with an even better one every year thereafter. At least you have good medical staff, and a positive outlook, and tons of YT'ers in your corner!

Happy Holidays! Get better quick, Sammy!!!

[msyorktown]

Tracy you know I'm here if you need me...just 10 digits away...love you girl/sis! As always you are in my prayers....

[Samuelsmommie]

I really can't thank you all enough for your support, well wishes and prayers! Alisha, I'm on my way to check my emails now sorry. Morgan and Jacqui, thank you both sooooo much for everything. Thanks everyone!

[chestermama]

praying for you and the little one

[TxVicki]

Prayers do still continue for Samuel. I will be saying prayers for the surgeons to guide their hands for a successful a surgery.

Sending out lot's of hug's to your family during this difficult time.

[Prince Toby]

I am sorry your little one is having to go through this, but reading your post I really believe God has a big plan for Samuel. God will be in the operating room too guiding the surgeons hand. I will be praying for him every step of the way. I wish all of you guys a very Merry Christmas.