News From the Cardiologist

When we first committed to adopt Quinton, we knew that he had a heart condition called an open oval window. After having him checked by his pediatrician, he was referred to the pediatric cardiologist. Both the pediatrician and the cardiologist said that Quinton's heart murmur was very faint and thought to be very "innocent" and something he would likely outgrow. Quinton had an EKG done and even after the results of that came back, the cardiologist still believed that his heart was healthy. There were no signs of hypertension or arrhythmia. He sent us into the next room to have an ultrasound done to confirm that the murmur was indeed innocent. Quinton was a champ through the entire 20 minute ultrasound (his daddy might just tell you otherwise though-Quinton may have peed on his leg LOL). We went back to the office so that the dr. could review the ultrasound pics. When he came back in, he had a diagram in his hand and I knew that the murmur was not so innocent. Surprisingly, Quinton does have what is called an atrial septal defect (ASD). The hole in his heart is about 4mm and will most likely require surgery. The ultrasounds showed that one side of Quinton's heart is enlarged. There is too much blood flow due to the hole, so one side is having to work much harder than the other. The good news is that the defect is in a good place and the surgeon will likely be able to repair it through a procedure called a heart catheterization. Instead of having to cut his chest open as they would in open heart surgery, they will go up through an artery in his leg and follow it up to his heart and repair the hole that way. This is a one day surgery and if all goes well, will only require a one night stay in the hospital. We will go back to the cardiologist in January of 2013. At this time the hole is not affecting his oxygen or energy, so the doctor would like to give the hole every chance to close on its own. So, for now we are in the clear and will revisit surgery when Quinton is closer to 3 years old. This is definitely not the news we were hoping for, but we are very thankful that open heart surgery is not in the future for our little guy.

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS:
While I hopefully have your attention, our family is going to be fundraising for another sweet orphan who is listed on Reece's Rainbow  (the same organization that helped us find Quinton). Her name is Katelyn. She is 5 years old and has down syndrome. Unfortunately, she has already been transferred to an adult mental institution. Her time is running out. At these institutions, an unthinkable amount of people die within a year because they are left in their cribs, oftentimes with no one to feed them or change their diapers. They lay all day-head banging and repeatedly hitting themselves. Katelyn lays there alone without a mommy and daddy and it breaks my heart. She is so tiny and so sweet. I just know that if we raise enough money, an adoptive family will step forward to be hers. The Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree lasts from November 1st to December 31st. During this time we will be working diligently to raise Katelyn's grant by $1000. This is where you come in. Maybe you are not in a position to adopt, but you can still help. I would like to host a satellite bake sale during the month of November. Would you be willing to host a bake sale in your area and donate the proceeds to Katelyn's grant? It is super easy. Just talk to your network of friends and host a bake sale at your work, church, girl/boy scout troop etc. and deposit what you make into Katelyn's fund. As a small incentive,  I will offer 10 free entries to my advent giveaway coming in December (also benefiting Katelyn). I will also send you a batch of homemade goodies and if you donate at least $35 you will receive a beautiful ornament with Katelyn's picture on it. I know that I have some very dedicated readers who have just as much of a love for Quinton as we do, so would you please consider helping me raise money for Katelyn so that she can find a family and bless the socks off of another family as Quinton has blessed us? If so, please  email me at millerdec804 at yahoo dot com or comment below. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Playing before seeing the doctor. 

I will leave you with a few pictures of Quinton at the cardiologist. You can see what he thought about being hooked up to all of those wires ;)