Sam’s Surgery Updates
4:45 am: We got up at 3 am to get ready to bring Sam to the hospital. Since the boys decided to get up an party at 11 o’clock for an hour and a half, we did not get as much sleep as we would like. Now we are on our way to the hospital.
7:45 am: After arriving at the hospital, they prepped Sam for surgery. They gave him a sedative to help him sleep, I swear it just made him more wired. After lots of kisses, love, and tears the nurse took him to the operating room. Sam is such a strong little guy; you just know he is going to be ok.
9:10 am: Jackie, our OR phone nurse, just called and said Dr. Kirshbom (Sam’s Surgeon) had started. We’re told this could take 6-8 hours.
10:10 am: We just got word from Jackie that Dr. Kirshbom has put Sam on the bypass machine and has started the repair. I have to admit that this is the hardest part for me knowing that Sam is dependent on a machine. Despite this, we are keeping our spirits up and ourselves busy with a variety of electronic devices. My buddy Dan and my sister-in-law Colleen are on their laptops, my mother-in-law on a DS, and me on my kindle… oh, then there is Laura trying to remove the knots from a big wad of purple yarn. We often get looks from other people in the waiting room because of our disruptive behavior.
1:05 pm: Jackie called again. It is 4 hours into the surgery, and they are still working on repairing Sam’s heart. They are working on putting in a homograft which is a heart valve repair/replacement. The waiting room has cleared out and we are they only ones waiting for their child’s surgery to be finished. Good news is that the unruly wad of yarn is slowly being conquered.
3:25 pm: On our last update at 2:00 pm, we were told they were finishing up, but they were working to control some bleeding issues. We just got another update that the repairs are completed and they are working on taking him off the bypass machine, but are still trying to control the bleeding. Renee (who relieved Jackie) told us that this is normal with this type of procedure. Even so, this is totally nerve racking. We should get another update in about an hour.
5:15 pm: We just talked to Dr. Kirshbom. After 8 long hours the surgery is finally over. The doctor said that Sam tolerated the operation very well. The bleeding is under control but he is going to be closely monitored in CICU. We will get to see him in about an hour. Thank you to all for your thoughts and prayers during this time. Now we are praying for a speedy recovery.
I will continue to put updates on our site to let you know how Sam is progressing. Until then Thank You again.
thoguhts are with you guys for positve results, quick recovery and lots of smiles from Sam.
Wish we could be there…. Your in our thoughs and prayers… Thanks for the updates!!!!!
LOTS of people are praying for Sam and your family.
Thanks so much for the updates. I sent a normal email earlier. I am one of several holding space for this little one and his parents and doctors. Love, Jeannie
What Great news!!!!!!…Thanks for the updates….Lots of love & continued prayers
So glad that things are going well. We are thinking of you. We are in Tampa with Joe. Lots of love.
We wish Sam a quick recovery! We’ll keep all of you in our prayers.
The Bettis family is praying for Sam and all of the Butera family. He has been such a little miracle even before he was born – what a little fighter! We will continue to watch for updates and continue to pray for you all!
Terry Bettis
(I work with Colleen at the gym)
yey! good to hear
i hope sam gets better soon! tell him and max i miss them so much, i miss you guys too!
love you all!