29 May 2010

My HERO

Exactly three and a half (yes, only 3.5) days after being rolled out of the OR into ICU, Sheridan was discharged from the hospital.

We walked out those front doors and he waved and said bye-bye (actually it's more like buh-buh-buh-buh-buh-bah, but he's working on it!).

funky picture of me, but I love his fresh-out-of-the-hospital-crib look

He slept the whole way home. And arrived to the BEST homecoming EVER! Becca and her family made heart streamers and decorated the outside of our home.


And filled the living room and breakfast nook with helium hearts, stars, and a monkey with a "welcome home" balloon.


Here he is walking with Gary to the front door (showing off our new landscaping we did a few weeks ago).


I grabbed a quick shower (trying to scrub the hospital off me, yuck), and when I got out I heard the tell-tale sound of crawling pitter patter. I couldn't believe it. Yesterday he didn't even have full head control back (more about that in another post), this morning he could barely sit without some support.

Yet this afternoon, within 10 minutes of being home, Gary laid Sheridan on his back on the ground, and Sheridan rolled over on to his tummy, popped up on all fours, crawled out of his room out to the living room, pulled to stand on one of his music tables, and pushed it across the room to walk.


HOW FRICKING AMAZING IS THAT?!

He is still a bit wobbly at times - still trying to regain his balance - and he's not quite as fast as he was right before the surgery, but he's only a little bit slower. This evening he just picked up right where he left off, really. He even helped me with the dishes.


He's even experimenting with standing independently for 2-3 seconds at a time, and he'll take an independent step to cross over to something he wants. It makes me nervous so soon after surgery, but so far he's doing fine...

Just a few more things before I sign off:

  1. I apologize that I didn't do updates throughout our stay at Stanford like I planned/promised. I didn't have as much down time at the hospital as I expected (everything just progressed so quickly), the wifi throughout the hospital was spotty and even where I could access it the connection was painfully slow, and there were no electrical outlets for me to use in Sheridan's rooms (I stayed with him around the clock and outlets are for medical equipment only - they had them locked even if they weren't being used)
  2. I have LOTS of pictures and information I plan to share about the surgery, Sheridan's progress, etc. So I definitely DO intend to share everything, it will just be little more retrospective than planned.
Also, I just want to say that we appreciate all of the love and support we received from you. There is no way I could have survived this without it - especially our family who traveled to be with us the day of the surgery, and my mom who stayed 4 days so she could support me and Gary. A special thank you to Jen, Monica, Sheree, and Jonna who created the best gift a little boy in need of lots of love and healing power could get. And to Jenni whose little ones gave Sheridan a fantastic care package to help him pass the time in the hospital - everything was put to good use!

We're not out of the woods yet... Sheridan's three biggest wounds (the sternum and two drainage tube holes) have to heal over the next 6 weeks or so. There is still a major risk of infection, so your continued support is much appreciated.

17 comments:

  1. Jennifer (Slacker Jr.)May 30, 2010 at 1:42 AM

    Wow, such a strong boy. I'm so happy to hear that things went well, Lisa. I will continue to keep Sher-Bear in my prayers (Oh yeah, I'm starting the Sher-Bear train... all aboard!)

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  2. wow, that's amazing. Marissa was a lot younger when she had her surgery, but she just laid there the entire 6 week recovery period. How cool that he's already doing so well!

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  3. So glad to hear he is doing so well. I think kids bounce back much easier then adults. I will continue to think about Sheridan and pray he heals well.

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  4. Welcome HOME!!! I am not surprised that Sheridan is home and moving around in such a short time.......he IS our SUPERHERO!! Great job Sheridan:) Will continue to pray that Sheridan heals with NO complications!! Rest well, Lisa!

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  5. Wow, that is an AMAZING recovery! I'm so glad to see an update and that you are home! I will keep you all in my prayers as Sheridan heals up.

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  6. AMAZING !!!! This looks like a promo ad for the Children's Hospital...you should show it to them! I'm SO PLEASED to hear all this, Lisa. And your mom has been calling me to keep me updated on Sheridan's progress....quite a MIRACLE! Uncle Eddy told me to tell you that he's been praying daily for Sheridan, too.
    LOVE you! Now set the date for that kidlet's birthday party!!
    Aunt Patty

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  7. YAHOO!!!! Soooo cute all those hearts and balloons for Sheridan- I bet he LOVED it!
    My mom just got back from a NICU conference on hearts and she wanted me to share this website with you. You may already know about it but she wanted me to pass it on to you. It's www.tchin.org ! Can't wait to see you guys!

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  8. Wow, Sheridan, you are a total ROCKSTAR! I'm so happy that things went so smoothly. I will continue to pray for his healing and for your amazing family. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

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  9. I am just in absolute AWE of Sheridan. What a ROCK STAR! He acts as if nothing ever happened. WOW WOW WOW!!

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  10. He is a rock star! Go Sheridan!!! So thankful that you are home and he is doing so well. We will keep praying for his quick healing and no infections or any other bumps along his healing path!

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  11. Hi! I found your blog the other day...my baby boy has Mosaic DS. Glad to here things are going well with Sheridan, and hope things continue that way.

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  12. So glad he's doing so well!!! He IS amazing! Love the landscaping too;)

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  13. Yeah, Sheridan!! Way to conquer!!! We are SO proud of you! All our love, the Capell Family

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  14. Amazing, but I really didn't expect anything less! It must feel so good to be home and the big part behind you! You are often in my thoughts! xoxo

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  15. WOW - all i can say!
    so happy you are home and he is doing so unbelievably well :)

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  16. Yay Sheridan! You are unbelievably healthy and strong! Mommy and Daddy take such good care of you and now your heart is whole. Sweet boy, can't wait to see you again. Prayers for the next 6 weeks (although it'll probably take you 1/2 that time to heal!) Miss you LISA!!!! So glad you're home. The heart streamers were a very sweet touch and I love your new landscaping. HUGS Sista!

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  17. I bet it was just wonderful to get him home; and what a homecoming that was!

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