Closing up her chest

Gwen is having surgery right in the CICU now.  Dr. Spray came and felt now was a good time to close up her chest.  They leave the chest open after a open heart procedure because the heart and tissue around the heart swells, and there may be bleeding that would add pressure on her lungs and heart.  Gwen didn't swell very much and what she had has gone down.  She also didn't bleed much.   We are expecting a call anytime now telling us they are done.

Yesterday surgery was 110 minutes from when the heart and lung machine went on, until it went off.  One of the other surgeons who came by to get our consent for today's surgery told us that any other surgeon than Dr. Spray would have take three times as long. 

Gwen still needs our prays.  Pray that:

• She doesn't get an infection
• That did not have a stroke or have a seizure during surgery
• Her kidney's keep working

Pray for Lillian as she's not totally comfortable with being away from Mom and Dad.

Praise:

• We had the best surgeon
• We had the best nurse
• We have such great help in the form of our mothers and my sister.

Gwen has gotten a lot of attention because of how rare her condition is.  It's very rare for anyone to have two donor valves.

We are making friends with the other families here.  They are showing us the ropes.