The big day, surgery day, started off early. We had to be at the hospital by 7:00 so we left for the morning walk to the hospital at 6:30. We were checked in and after a short wait Nurse Maureen took us back to the pre-op holding area. This area was very busy with patients, families and nurses. Around 8:00 another wave of nurses and doctors arrived to meet their patients. Dr. Al, the anesthesiologist from yesterday’s MRI stopped by to say hi to Wes which meant he got a big smile. Another anesthesiologist came in to give him the oral sedative. We held and rocked him, Emily sang “Happy Birthday” per Henry’s suggestion before we left home, we gave him lots of kisses, and they took him in at 8:30.

We went back to the waiting area, checked in with the nurse liaison and then Dr. Emani stopped by. After reviewing the MRI, based on the aorta’s location, he’s decided to pursue the Nikaidoh procedure which will involve moving (translocating) the aorta. Dr. Emani also confirmed that a pacemaker will likely be needed, which we had been anticipating since our first meeting with him last August.

We grabbed breakfast at Brueggers before coming back to start the long wait. We will be updated every 90 minutes or as necessary. We’ll have multiple updates today so please check back.

As I was writing this update the nurse liaison came by to tell us the surgery officially began at 9:45.

Thank you all for following and for all of the kind thoughts and well wishes.