Great News today!

I am again thankful for the doctors at Vanderbilt and their ability to collaborate together, discuss their thoughts and make collective decisions in unity.

It was decided to order another echo today before his Cath procedure to review the pressure in his left atrium and it was lower than before. All of the doctors decided to delay the Cath procedure for now. It may be something that is still needed, even within the next couple of weeks, but for now we will hold fast and continue to wait for a heart.

Thank you for praying with our family and praying Psalm 91. Prayer is a real weapon and I believe today we received unity in a decision because you all stood with us!

Again, if something changes, because that does seem to happen often we will keep you all posted.

Cheers,
From Townes

03.10.20 Cath Update 

As we have learned quickly in the hospital, things can change.  Townes had an echo done on Monday (which he has every Monday) and it showed that the hole in his Atrial Septal was smaller than it was previously. 

Tomorrow, he is scheduled to have a Catheterization procedure done to increase the hole which will help with the flow of oxygen. The doctors have mentioned this procedure to us several times since his birth as something that may have to be done because some small atrial holes close during infancy. The main goal is to keep Townes in the best health (all organs) until he receives a new heart. Since there is no way to know how long we will wait, the doctors believe it’s best to move forward with this procedure. 

Essentially once in surgery, the doctors will decide to place a stent or use wire to increase the hole to help support the efficiency of his right ventricle. Currently, his right ventricle is supporting the flow of oxygen to the lungs and the body.  The left ventricle is the part of the heart that receives oxygen rich blood from the right ventricle and pushes it to the aorta which then sends the oxygen rich blood to the body.  The catheterization procedure will help keep his lungs healthy while we wait.

Townes will be taken for preparation around 1:00 pm with a start time of around 2:00ish. The surgery can last between 2-4 hours. 

Every morning Scott and I read Psalm 91 – The Prayer of Protection over Townes and take communion. We would love for you to stand with us in this prayer tomorrow over Townes, our family and your own.

Psalm 91: Safe & Secure

When you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai,

you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.

2He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me,

the only God for me, and my great confidence.

3He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,

and he will protect you from false accusation

and any deadly curse.

4His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.

You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.

His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.

5You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night

nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.

6Don’t fear a thing!

Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,

nor will the powers of evil launched against you.

7Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,

you will remain unscathed and unharmed.

8you will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,

for they will be paid back for what they have done!

9-10When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,

our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm.

How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?

11God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,

defending you from all harm.

12If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you

and keep you from stumbling.

13You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness,

trampling every one of them beneath your feet!

14For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:

“Because you have delighted in me as my great lover,

I will greatly protect you.

I will set you in a high place, safe and secure before my face.

15I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,

and you will find and feel my presence

even in your time of pressure and trouble.

I will be your glorious hero and give you a feast.

16You will be satisfied with a full life and with all that I do for you.

For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”