We recently met with a surgeon, James DeCou, to review the results of Owen’s CT scan. This test gave a much clearer picture of his left lung than had been provided by the x-ray shortly after birth.
The mass on the lower portion of Owen’s lung is still there. It is a portion of tissue which did not develop normally and which is not contributing to the normal function of the lung.
Based on these images and everything we’ve learned about this condition, we’ve made the decision to take our little Owen to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital on Friday, August 18th for surgery. The procedure is expected to last around four hours; the goal is to remove the lower lobe of the left lung.
Owen is not currently experiencing symptoms from this condition. However, there are a few reasons to remove the mass:
- The abnormal tissue makes kids more prone to pneumonia and other infections
- If left untreated, there are slightly higher risks for the tissue becoming cancerous later in life
- Removing the non-functioning tissue makes space for the healthy tissue to grow and increase lung capacity
The surgery will be done using a scope. The procedure, requiring three incisions, will first close off the blood vessels feeding this portion of Owen’s lung. It will then be carefully removed and drawn out through the largest incision. A tube will remain in place for a short period after the surgery to help drain fluid which sometimes forms around the affected area. We expect to be in the hospital for two to four days.
Although we’ve known this step was likely for months, it is still difficult to think about taking our sweet, seemingly-healthy boy in for surgery. We know there will be challenges in the coming week and beyond. But Jen and I have peace about the decision and the timing for Owen.
Here are our biggest prayer needs right now:
- Please pray for a smooth and successful surgery. If there are complications, it could potentially require a larger incision and more invasive procedure.
- We need God’s peace and reassurance. We need to feel his presence, his comfort, and have his wisdom if it becomes necessary to make on-the-spot decisions. We also need the strength to say no to worry and what if fears.
- Because of the need to protect Owen from sickness before surgery, we are in a quarantine period right now. We’re avoiding public places and situations which are most likely for our kids to pick up sickness. As a result, we’re a little lonely. We miss all the friends and family God has blessed us with.
Thanks again for your prayers and support. We will post a quick update the day of surgery once we know the exact time the procedure will begin. And we’ll share news as soon as we can after Owen is done with surgery.
Owen’s joy, sweet spirit, and incredible smile have blessed us since the day he was born. We are so thankful to have him and trust God to help us walk through this next step.
Grandma Kerr says
August 12, 2017 at 8:48 pmLove to you all. We are lonely for you, too. But it’s a small price to pay for the ongoing health of our little Owen. We are praying for each one of you. We remember when each of our preschool sons (one of them being Owen’s daddy) had to have surgery. We could only trust God for what happened once they were taken from our sight. It wasn’t easy at all, but as Great Grandpa Grage was prone to say, “It turned out good.” May God not just provide all you need, but BE all you need at this difficult time. Xoxoxoxoxo
Jen says
August 15, 2017 at 10:31 pmJust the words I needed to hear. Thank you! We love you and look forward to seeing you again soon. We give glory to God for all He has done and will do, and we look forward to saying “It turned out good.” 🙂
Karen Stewart says
August 13, 2017 at 8:55 amWe will be upholding you all in prayer, trusting our loving Heavenly Father to take the best care of you all. I can’t imagine not worrying with a parent’s heart, even while you know that little Owen is in the finest hands possible and how very precious he is to God. Prayers for success and peace! Love from Dick and Karen Stewart
Jen says
August 15, 2017 at 10:33 pmThank you! I know this surgery will probably be the hardest part of our journey so far, but we’re confident God will be right there with us as we go through it.
Fochtman family says
August 13, 2017 at 3:24 pmPraying for strength of spirit for you during this difficult time. So glad we were able to visit when we could. Praying for you all to stay healthy and to have clear confidence in God’s provision, and that He will meet you each moment where you are. We love you all!! We’ll see if we can’t write some fun letters in the meantime to keep little kids busy and happy. 😀
Jen says
August 15, 2017 at 10:34 pmThanks for all your love and prayers!
Karen Meyers says
August 13, 2017 at 3:34 pmI can sympathize with your parent heart. Thank you for letting us share in this through committing this into the Father’s care. Praying that you will have peace and that the doctor will have the wisdom and skill needed for the surgery. Also praying for healing and quick recovery. Keep us informed.
Jen says
August 15, 2017 at 10:35 pmThank you so much for praying! God is giving us peace beyond understanding, and we know He will help us through the challenging times to come.
Edwin and Carolyn Kerr says
August 14, 2017 at 12:52 pmPraying for you and Owen!
Jen says
August 16, 2017 at 9:12 pmThank you!
Gretchen Whittaker says
August 17, 2017 at 5:26 pmJen,
I haven’t been in touch since Alma, but came across this update on Facebook. Many prayers for Owen, you and Aaron and for your whole family. Interestingly, you will probably meet my husband tomorrow in the ICU following surgery. May the Lord bless all of you. Much Love,
Gretchen (Petersen) Whittaker