Who: Andrew and Emily, again. (Hi!)
What: Updating this blog, likely with assistance from Wes’s Aunt Sarah, again.
Where: Boston Children’s Hospital, again.
Why: Update our family and friends on Wes’s upcoming short trip to Boston for a cardiac catheterization.
When: We travel to Boston on Sunday, October 4 and will be returning home on Wednesday, October 7.
Wes: Wesley Ryan is now a six-year-old first grader. He is funny, hard-working, and particular. Self-confidence and pride abound, as do compassion and a willingness to share literally anything he has. His world completely revolves around his older brother…and snacks…and gum. He loves Lego and helping. He still loves being in water, does a mean cannonball, and is surprisingly good with flippers and a full-face snorkeling mask. There’s always a song in his head and his knack for the lyrics is probably helped by his amazing memory. The highlight of any day is catching him dancing and singing along with whatever current obsession is on repeat. We could go on but would never be able to capture all that he is. We just shake our heads wondering where on Earth he came from, amazed at our good fortune that he is part of our family.
A little more about this trip: The need for a procedure is not a surprise. We were told 5 years ago that the typical timeline is 5-8 years, though for some reason we just assumed we’d get to 8 years, maybe even 10. Wes has been seeing his cardiologist only annually since 3 years post-op. One thing Dr. Kamenir has been keeping an eye on is the difference in pressure from one side of Wes’s homograph conduit to the other – it has been increasing over the past couple years. (During his prior surgery the homograph was installed from his right ventricle to his pulmonary artery to bypass the pulmonary valve stenosis.) At this year’s June appointment the pressure differential had reached a point where we should figure out what’s causing it – there could be scar tissue or some calcification of the homograph. It’s not something that will get better on its own – a little investigation was only going to be a matter of “when,” not “if.” The most likely scenario is that the cardiologists will install a stent through the catheterization to ease the pressure. We know (though it lives FAR from the front of our minds) that at some point another surgery will be necessary to change out the conduit to a larger, fresh one, but a stent now would let us delay that a couple more years. So here we go…
Adventures in Wes 
Boy, we are so proud of Wes, and so thankful that there’s a right and proper path. Looking forward to wishing him well, and to his safe journey ‘there and back again.” – Pappy
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Sending quick healing thoughts and prayers to all of you!!
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What a handsome youngster Wes is. It certainly sounds like he has developed and matured as well as any six year old, perhaps better. He sounds like a delightful young man. The photos are wonderful.
Thanks for bringing us up to date. We will be thinking of you on Monday and hoping that a non-surgical approach will be feasible. Please keep us posted.
With love and best wishes for Wes and family,
Bill and Gail
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We’ll keep you all in our thoughts and prayers – he is remarkable! Thank you for sharing his journey with us. Love to all
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I did not know all of this!
I love Wes- he is quite the character when I see him at camp
He kept giving me the “my eyes are watching you” sign when we spent the day on the lake this summer. Not quite sure why but he cracked me up!
Best best wishes and hope to learn all went well and that he is home and better.
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Wes’s smile and super guy cape speaks volumes! We will send positive thoughts to you all for safe travels and a successful procedure. Thanks, Kohout Family, for finding the power in positive and nurturing Wes. Can’t wait to hear the sound lyrics around the corner. Awesome writing, Aunt Sarah!
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You guys are so brave to be doing this all in the public spotlight. I thank you so much for sharing and hope you do even better than the first go round. Go get ’em, Wes!
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It sounds like Wes is a typical 1st grader and will adapt just fine. On the other hand Wes’s family will need the support from family and friends. All our love and support is headed your way 💗
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Wes is a real life super hero! I’m so impressed with his bravery and all of your grace through this…..! You’ll all be in my thoughts this coming week! Sending lots of big hugs, love and support from Texas! Love, Alison, Adam & Nate
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You all are in my heart, mind and prayers. Such a challenge and you are handling it with grace and humor. I love you🙏🙏🙏💕
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You got this buddy!! We will be sending positive thoughts this weekend.
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Best of luck and our good wishes go with you. Anything we can help with, let us know.
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Sending lots of love, support and prayers to Sweet Wes and ALL the Kohouts!!!
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We’ll be thinking of you and sending lots of love to Wes, mom, dad, big brother and the rest of the Kohout clan!
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