Dr. Sheldon Appointment went well

So we had out transplant talk with Dr. Sheldon today. WOW... information overload! Like all doctors, he had to tell us the good, the bad and the ugly. The risks that go along with transplanting Max are tremendous, but Dr. Sheldon is confident that he can do it with the size that Max is now. With that said, he has told the nephrology team that he is ready when they are. It still looks like we are going to let him grow for as long as we can, but at this point I feel that it could happen at any moment.

Dr. Sheldon did tell us that preparing for the worse and having everything ready makes for a successful transplant. Because of Max's size and other health complications, Dr. Sheldon feels that he will spend 3-4 weeks in the hospital after the transplant. The majority of this stay will be in the ICU, which is where Tim and I want him. Right now, I think the major concern is the added pressure of the kidney on Max's lungs. They fear that they won't be able to get him off of the ventilator. We have been prepared to expect this for a few days, maybe longer. I have faith that God has gotten Max this far and that he isn't going to let this perfect kidney enable him from breathing on his own. That is NOT how Max is going to leave this world.

Dr. Sheldon has also decided to remove Max's right kidney. This particular kidney has grade 5 reflux which increases the risk of infection. So once he is in there he will remove it and place the new one near where it was. This will allow a little bit more room for the new kidney as well, which will hopefully help with his breathing.

With all of that said, we are glad to hear that Dr. Sheldon is feeling a little bit better about the transplant. We don't like hearing that it's going to be a very difficult surgery and that the risks are huge, but we have confidence in his surgeon. As Dr. Sheldon puts it, "I am one of the most experienced transplant surgeons that deals with cases just like Max." Cocky? Yes. I am all about cocky if it means that he feels that he can get our son through this alive. It's going to be the scariest time of our lives, even scarier than when he was first born, but we can get through it. He has the best doctors on his side and they are preparing for this surgery as best as they know how to.

Please pray for Max's team of doctors. Pray that all of their knowledge and expertise gets Max through this transplant with minimal complications. Please pray that Tim and I have the strength that we need to get through this. Most importantly, please pray for Max that he continues to fight the good fight. That he stays strong and pushes through this hurdle just like he has with the others.

One more prayer request goes out to my cousin Chris and his wife Jessica. We got a phone call this afternoon that they have arrived at the hospital to welcome their son or daughter into the world. Pray for a quick and easy labor and that little Elliot or Tessa are healthy.

Enjoy your weekend!