grace led in life

Justin and I have so much on our minds. Justin has been so amazing in all the research and prep he has done to best understand the journey ahead. He has read medical books, found amazing articles of detail, and has diligently been keeping a medical journal for Isla.
We praise the Lord for making us a team! The days are not always peachy-keen when there is stress...but we have the goal of being joyful in H O P E...(Romans 12:12)

Yesterday was pre-op appointments day. We were at CHOP for 6 1/2 hours to prep for tomorrow. 

We met with Anesthesia, labs (blood work), Orthopedic team, Dr. Campbell, and Otolaryngology.
All appointments went well...and things appear to be a "go" for surgery day on Wednesday, May 2nd. We are so thankful for Dr. Campbell. He is the right doctor that we were led to at the right time.
We thank God for guiding us to CHOP, Dr. Campbell, and his team.
He is so kind, gives us the reality of Isla's situation,

but delivers it with H O P E.
He let us know that this is not an easy or simple surgery to do and heal from and there are no guarantees, but we know he is brilliant, careful, and will do all he can in this journey for Isla. 

Isla's first rib to rib VEPTR placement surgery (VEPTR is a Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib)is set for tomorrow, May 2nd, 2018. She will be having a VEPTR placed on her right ribs. They can only place a VEPTR on one side at a time because of the intensity of the surgery and recovery. We will find out Isla's exact check in time, this afternoon, but most likely we are checking in at 6:30am eastern time. There is always time spent in prep prior to surgery: talking with the doctor, talking with anesthesia, etc...but the surgery itself will be approximately 4 hours. Dr. Campbell says that he cannot put an exact time on the surgery...he wants to take his time to be very aware of detail in surgery. He said it is like a rare diamond, a diamond cutter does not rush in cutting the diamond...he takes time and attention to detail.
We appreciate that concept! Dr. Campbell said he will be checking in with us a few times during surgery.
Isla will be in the ICU for at least a couple of days before moving to recover in a room on the surgical floor. Recovery is a guessing game because each patient handles the surgery and recovery differently, but their guess is that Isla will be hospitalized approximately a week. She will be discharged once they know her pain is managed and we will stay at the hotel a few more days to be near the hospital before flying home to WA. We know that Isla will be in a lot of pain. She will have a large incision, muscles will be pulled on greatly, and her ribs will be cut through and a lot of pressure will be placed on them from the VEPTR. Pain management is of high priority after surgery. This surgery has a higher risk of infection than other surgeries. There are a lot of unknowns...so we pray!

We thank you all, so greatly, for praying for Isla and our family! 

Zeke is asking for prayer "that Isla will sleep in peace during surgery and that God will help Isla to not have to cry. Please pray for me to not be nervous and I can sleep too. I praise God that Elise is coming to play with me and I have toys to play with" 

We ask that you pray for the doctors to have clarity and wisdom in surgery. For protection for Isla's body...that it would accept this VEPTR. Pray for NO infection! (if Isla would get in infection during recover at home, it likely means we would have to fly her back here to Philadelphia)
We pray for our minds to stay at peace and trust during this journey.

For endurance and strength. 

My sister, Becca, set up a prayer calendar for tomorrow! SO SWEET!
If anyone would like to sign up for a time, the goal is to have people praying all day!
PRAY FOR ISLA <----- click here! 

We will communicate as we can during surgery and recovery.
Check this blog and the Isla's Journey - #prayforisla
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/prayforisla/

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND PRAYERS!