9.15.2011

surgery update

Sadly, yesterday's appointment did not bring the results we had hoped and prayed for. It looks as if, over the course of the past month, P's ventricles have continued to grow in size. At this point, neither the neurosurgeon or us see any need in waiting to place a permanent shunt (the longer the ventricles stay enlarged, the more chance they could do permanent damage to the brain by placing pressure on it). Pierce's surgery is on the books for October 3rd at 8 am, but could get bumped up sooner if an opening becomes available. He will go into the Pediatric ICU this time around, and if all goes well, will likely be in for 2-3 days. The biggest risk of this surgery (aside from the risks that come along with any surgery) is Pierce's lungs. He will have to go back on the ventilator for surgery and will be on until he is fully-awake. Of course, we are so thankful that Pierce is SO big and much more ready to endure this surgery. We are thankful that we've been able to postpone this surgery this far (something that's pretty much unheard of). And we are praying that P will bounce right back from this.

I will admit, it's been hard to wrap my mind around this surgery. It's been the one thing that we've prayed we wouldn't have to endure. I don't know why. Probably because it seems...well, so permanent. And it's one more thing to add to the list of concerns (we will constantly have to be on the look out for infection, malfunction, etc.) It also means that Pierce will need more surgeries in the future. (The shunt has a life-span of 8-10, but a good number of them need to be replaced before then due to malfunction.)

For months now, we have prayed and asked God to give us wisdom regarding a vp shunt and we think he's answering that prayer with a "go ahead" to get this done. So we will humbly submit and be grateful that God has placed a very talented neurosurgeon in our life to help our little boy. We know God is sovereign. We know He is good. We know that He wants the best for our son. But we also know that everything he does, is to bring glory to himself. And so we are trusting in that tonight. Trusting him with our son. Trusting him in our pain. Trusting that He will use our suffering to bring good.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Much love,
Lindsay, Nik and Pierce
Posted by Nik, Lindsay and Pierce Franks

12 comments:

  1. CherylSeptember 15, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    So sorry to hear about P's surgery. I will continuet to pray!

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  2. JenSeptember 15, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    praying for you guys!!

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  3. MarcieSeptember 15, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    My prayers are with all of you. I continue to be amazed by your faith and strength. Pierce is so very lucky to have you as parents. God bless!

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  4. MichelleSeptember 16, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear this news. I will continue to pray for all of you, and I will pray for Pierce's surgery to go just as planned. God bless!

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  5. Jenny (from Raleigh)September 16, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    One step at a time......on this long journey so many are prating for Pierce and for you. God is with you each step of the way.....Praying for a sucessful, uneventful surgery.

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  6. Joines FamSeptember 16, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    We are so bummed to hear about this, but are amazed at your faith and hope in the midst of it. We love you guys and will continue to be in prayer over Pierce.

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  7. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    Keep your faith, God is Good!!! I pray that Our Father in Heaven will be with all of you during this surgery. God bless you an You are in My Prayers!!!

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  8. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    I have a 3 yr old who had his vp shunt placed when he was 16 days old and approximately 4.5 lbs. He has only needed one revision so far and the hospital stay was so minimal, revision done at 11pm, released by 9am. My husband and I thought, much like you, is there any safe way to avoid this, is there an alternative. Unfortunately no. But it gets so much easier. Most days now we don't even think of his shunt. It is just chugging along, doing it's job, which is a blessing. God bless you and especially your little one on this journey!!

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  9. ShaunSeptember 19, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    The American College of Surgeons is pleased to announce the launch of New Surgery Update, a monthly electronic newsletter created in collaboration with Elsevier.

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  10. Andrew and Lauren HessSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Hey guys, I'm so sorry that Pierce has to have the surgery, but I will tell you that our son had one placed at 4 months after having been released from the NICU with just the temporary shunt. We too thought that we could avoid the permanent one but did not. Now that he has had it we almost forget about it some times. It in no way keeps him from doing anything at all. Carson did have to have his first revision this past May but we were only in the hospital for a little more than 24 hours. I completely understand your fears and concerns. We will be praying for Pierce and for you both. Y'all are doing an amazing job with this amazing child!

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  11. Volcano VaporizerSeptember 22, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    Julie's surgery was today. The surgery is completed and the report is that things were going well. She wakes up in recovery now.

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  12. Charis O'Neal/The Elegant OwlSeptember 22, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Not sure if you have gotten my messages, but I need to mail the check from the jewelry fundraiser for Baby Pierce and was wondering your address. Can you email me at sirahc5@aol.com? Thanks and I am continuing to follow Pierce's progress and pray : ). Glad he is going so well!

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