Good News!

R.J. had his 2 week check up on Wednesday, (wow, it seems like longer) and got a clean bill of health. His energy level is low and if he does anything very active he sleeps a lot the next day. But we were told today that R.J. can do what he wants with in reason, he can run and swim. He does have to be careful not to hit his chest for the next 4 weeks. So bike riding is out in case of a crash and handle bars to the chest. Cardio exercise with the soccer team are okay but anyone kicking a ball at him, not. They have removed all the bandages and stitches and he is trying to get used to his shirt touching his chest where the incision is. He does not have to see the cardiologist again for 6 months. He ran half a mile yesterday on the treadmill and a mile and a half today. He says it feels so good to run.

We are looking forward to camping at our Woodside Family reunion the end of this month and enjoying the rest of this summer. Thank you again everyone for your prayers and concern for us, I know our family has been blessed and comforted because of you.

We had a little scare on Wednesday. RJ. woke up with a migraine and started throwing up, he slept most of the day (when he wasn't puking). Finally went away by late afternoon, thank heavens, scared the crap out of us. Thursday R.J. felt so much better and had a visit from his sixth grade teacher Mrs. Wright. Thanks for the carmel popcorn Mrs. Wright. We are hoping for a nice lazy holiday weekend, parade on Monday, and neighborhood BBQ that night with some fireworks. We will take pictures to post and show how much better he looks.

Looking Good

R.J. has spent the last few days watching TV/movies and resting. Yesterday his big sister Tiera flew in from New Mexico and surprised him, it was so much fun to keep it a secret from him. She is staying until Saturday and will help entertain him. :) he's kind of bored. Since the surgery R.J. has had to rest a lot but he seems to have a lot more energy today. We have taken two walks up the street and so far he hasn't taken a nap. Right now he isn't supposed to lift anything over 5 lbs. and only allowed limited activity, but walks are encouraged. He will visit the Dr. on July 6th and see what they say. Hopefully they will have great news. Thanks to everyone who has come by to visit, it makes R.J. feel good.

Home

R.J.'s home! He's very tired and sleeping right now, we think all the excitement wore him out. We are happy to be home and hope that R.J. will continue to improve. We will keep you posted.

Today may be our last day in the hospital! R.J. has made amazing progress in the last two days. A few people have asked for specifics on his surgery so here's some specifics. R.J. had a growth of tissue removed from the aortic chamber. His Aortic valve was not closing properly because of the growth and they were concerned that the tissue might be attached to one of the valve leaflets. The surgical plan was to remove the growth and repair the valve. Fortunately the valve did not need repaired. There is still a slight regurgitation of the valve, but it's so slight the surgeon chose not to mess with it and take the risk of additional surgery in the future. R.J.'s surgery was scheduled for 4 and a half hours, it only took 3 and a half from the time he left us to the time we coud see him in the ICU. We are extremely grateful for the family that came and helped distract us during that time, it was the most difficult. I will post again when we actually get home and let everyone know we are there!

Superstar!

They are calling R.J. a superstar and talking about sending him home on Saturday! Four days from open heart surgery to being released, (to be perfectly honest has us a little scared) but R.J. is doing everything they tell him too and the staff here at Primary Children's have been amazing. We will see how tonight goes and let you know what they decide tomorrow. Thank you for all the visits, phone calls, and thoughts sent our way, we do appreciate it.

We are ready for visitors!

R.J. has now moved to a new room all his own. There's a playstation, TV, DVD player, and his own bathroom with a shower. Plus a lot more room for more visitors and an extra bed so one of his parents can stay with him. He's still a little sleepy but will be taken off the morphine this afternoon. R.J. is making wonderful progress!