Amazing News

Simon went in on Wednesday to have surgery, as planned.  The surgeon and I had spoken previously about getting rid of the string in Simon's nose, but he wasn't 100% sure he was really going to take it out.  Much to my surprise, when the doctor came to the waiting room to get me, in addition to saying everything went great, he also said the string was GONE!!! 

     

The string was the doctor's insurance policy of sorts to make sure the esophagus was not able to close completely.  Early on, there was more than one surgery where his esophagus was only open the diameter of the string.  The string served no other purpose... it is not a feeding tube, that is in his belly.  The doctor is confident that we all know what to look for now, and that we will be able to get him into surgery before it gets too tight.... thus the string is no more!! Other than for a couple minutes here and there in the NICU (when Simon pulled his tube out) this is the very first time we have seen his beautiful face without something taped to his cheek and going down his nose.  Needless to say, we are over the moon!!

Overall, the surgeon is very happy with the progress Simon has made.  The plan from here is to dilate every 6-8 weeks (instead of 2-3) and see where that gets us.  I asked about repeating the major surgery and he said though it is not off the table, that for now, we can put that decision off for a while.  All in all it was an amazing day!! Simon woke up from surgery in a wonderful mood, he was smiling and flirting with all his beloved nurses (his favorite thing to do).  So he is home, and doing great!! It is so nice to be able to kiss his little cheek and see those beautiful dimples!! The next surgery should be right before his FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!  I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone.