Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The Fight of our Lives

As many of you have now heard, the surgery did not go as well as we hoped. In fact, we find ourselves in a very grave situation. Here are the facts:
  1. Evie's surgeons successfully switched her arteries, fixed her aorta, and patched the hole in her lower ventricles. They were pleased with their results.
  2. During the surgery the doctors discovered the pulmonary artery would also need a patch, so they continued to work through the afternoon on that. Unfortunately, in their work to sutcher (sp?) the artery, another small perforation was made in her heart chamber.
  3. The doctors would have tried to fix that as well, but she had now been on the table for hours and her heart had been through so much that continued surgery would be very risky.
  4. They decided not to pursue that fix at this time, fearing that her heart would be too week from all the surgery. They were correct. When she was weaned off the machine it became clear that Evie was in trouble. Her blood pressure and blood oxygen were frighteningly low.

Thus, the situation we now find ourselves in is a desperately sick little girl whose heart is too weak. She is back on a machine with the hope that a few days "rest" for her heart will help, but because she is in such a volatile situation right now with blood thinners and such, this is now the most dangerous position Evie has ever been in and she is at incredible risk.

The good news: If Evie can make it through these next few days and build up some strength in her heart, the remaining surgery should not be difficult and she will go on to live a full life.

Words cannot describe the depths we find ourselves in now. In fleeting moments we can cling to some hope, but at this time they are few and far between. There is little that we or even the physicians can now do for Evangeline. God help us.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

My heart just aches for the 3 of you. As our prayers continue we hold you up to the Lord to protect, heal and keep you strong. We love you all and wait with you....love the Benders

cyclopticcupcake said...

the three of you are in my thoughts and prayers...may you all be cradled in the palm of god's merciful hand and be blessed with strength as you continue in this fight. with much love, hope, and steadfastness...jessie oliver.

Anonymous said...

You all are in my prayers tonight. God doesn't do things to hurt people, but does things for a purpose. We may not know what the purpose is at the time, but with his help, you will some day. Evie is in awesome hands and knows how much you love her. Keep your faith and know what ever lies ahead will strengthen you. May the Lord shine upon you, and give you peace.

Angel

Unknown said...

God is stronger, and nothing can hold His son Jesus back! Becky and I are praying hard.

Lisa said...

Lord, we plead with you to heal this sick little angel. We ask for your guidance for the doctors and nurses as they are dealing with not only Evie, but also Matt and Nicole. Lord, we ask for peace and rest for everyone. We ask for healing and strength to go on. Remind us to keep our eyes on you during these days.
amen.
love you guys.
Lisa Holmlund.

Anonymous said...

We are aching for you tonight as we pray.

Anonymous said...

We have a mighty God, who weeps and aches along with us. Know we are all united with you tonight in prayer, in hope, in faith.

Hannah & Jordan

Anonymous said...

We are praying for Evie and for God's healing of your precious little girl. May our Lord surround you all with his love and peace.
(I am a California friend of "Grandma Norma K" from our time together on the Covenant Women Ministries Board)

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you, Nicole, Matt and Evie.

Marge

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you Nicole, Matt and Evie.

Marge

Anonymous said...

I wish I could be there with you guys. My heart just hurts for you. When we are weak, He is strong. May He give you strength and peace. And may you take comfort in knowing He is in control. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Brenda

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you. It is in God's hands now, what better place to be is there? I really hurt for you. Love, Jeannine Holte

Unknown said...

I wish I could be there. I am so sorry this has happened to your family. I will continue to pray for Evie. I will ask others to do the same.

Sarah and Joel

Anonymous said...

Still praying as hard as ever.

Lord have mercy on your little girl.

Patty and Andy

DreamCatcher said...

My prayers continue to go out for you and may she continue to fight through this new obstacle in her little life. You are all in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

That poor little girl. We will continue to pray for all of you. May God be with you all, and show you His presence.

-Becky and Ryan

Happytalia said...

Nicole, Matt, and blessed baby Evie,

I continue to pray for you and for Evie. May you find strength in hope and God's love these next few days...

talia

Anonymous said...

We will be praying so much GOD will have to hear us. All 3 of you will be in our thoughts for many days ahead.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL

KIM and KEVIN
CANADA

Anonymous said...

We will pray today that Evie gains strength by the hour. The Bruckners

Anonymous said...

I am praying that God would have mercy and strengthen the heart of your little girl.

IndyIris said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to type in updates on Little Evie Marie. God is bringing her (and all of you) to the forefront of my mind throughout the day. I continue to lift you all up in prayer as you wait on the Lord--our powerful Healer and compassionate Savior.

Love from Indiana,
The Pedersons (Bart,Iris, and family)