grace led in life

Today was the day...
Today, Isla had her first VEPTR placement surgery.
Isla is now "titanium strong" - she has a rib-to-rib size 6 VEPTR on her right ribs.
Dr. Campbell, Dr. Nance, and spine fellow Jason Anari (soon to be attending VEPTR surgeon) worked hard as a team for this surgery. We were told other doctors would be there as well, but these three were the main surgeons.
A look at the day:
We were up and at 'em at 4:30am and arrived to CHOP at 5:30am
It was crazy to arrive to a big hospital that had majority of the lights off and know how busy the place would be as the sun came up. It was a quiet moment to reflect on what was ahead that day and thank God for this hospital and team of doctors.
We got all checked in and waiting to be called back to the prep room before heading to the operating room.

Starting out a big day...

Cuddly girl was apprehensive and stayed close to Mom and Dad

Artwork by Dr. Campbell of Isla's surgical plan as he spoke with the anesthesiologist

Dr. Campbell marked Isla's back - Which side the VEPTR will be placed

I (Molly) was able to bring Isla back to the operating room and be with her until she was asleep by mask. This is a blessing to do. It really aids in Isla's bonding that has taken place these last 5 months...for her to feel secure that we will always be there for her.

I walked out of the operating room at 7:50am and joined Justin in the waiting room...
And there we waited...
We appreciated that Dr. Campbell likes to update the families on how everything is going.
Marguerite, a nurse, was bringing us updates from Dr. Campbell.
Here is a list of the surgical events:
7:50 am - sweet Isla went to sleep and Molly left the operating room
9:30 am - We were called and informed that Isla's PICC line was in place.
9:40 Isla was being positioned for surgery
10:00 am Incision for surgery began
12:00 pm - "V" Osteotomy of ribs (cutting a V shape into her ribs) and VEPTR placed.
12:55 pm - winding down and closing her up
1:30 pm - Dr. Campbell came to discuss the surgery with us.

We keep telling Dr. Campbell how grateful we are for him!

Dr. Campbell said the surgery was a success and Isla did so well. They were able to place a "size 6" VEPTR, rib to rib in Isla on her right side ribs on her back - it was a size bigger than they anticipated, which is great! They measured that by moving her ribs, Isla had already gained 5cm of room at the base of her ribs...that is room for her lung! AMAZING!
They had to pause surgery twice - once for her Picc line to be adjusted it was "tickling the heart"
and once due to her right deltoid becoming dislocated.
He told us that this was a "big assault on her body and recovery would be another hurdle now"
but, we were so thankful that surgery went as planned, the VEPTR is in place, and we continue holding on to H O P E for our girl in recovering well!

Our B R A V E girl was moved to the ICU to begin recovery...

Sweet baby with her blankies