Sigh of Relief

For the last few days, Zoe had us on high alert. Our alert levels are somewhat similar to Homeland Security - high alert and very high alert. Rarely do we have time to breathe a sigh of relief, until today.

Zoe's oxygen sats, for the past few days, skyrocketed to 96% - definitely not the norm or a good level for a Stage I hypoplast. With the increased velocity of blood flow found on last week's ECHO, elevated sats were one of the symptoms to watch for, indicating a narrowing (coarctation) of the aorta.

After reporting Zoe's high sats to her team of cardiologists over the weekend, an impromptu ECHO and blood pressure check visit was in order. And so, this afternoon, we received some reassurance.

Zoe's ECHO looked similar to last week with the increase in velocity, however, her blood pressures did not indicate that immediate intervention (i.e. cardiac cath or balloon angioplasty) is necessary. The cardiologist explained that Zoe's rebuilt aorta (the ascending aorta) is much larger than her native aorta (the descending aorta) and could naturally be causing an increased velocity and not a true narrowing. Either way, we're just happy we don't need to board a plane and head to Philly sooner than planned. This morning we were debating, if intervention was needed, whether to allow the angioplasty to take place in Phoenix, or get our butts to CHOP asap. Thankfully, we don't have to worry about that.

Please continue to pray that Zoe's aorta remains unchanged, or improves, over the next several weeks. Sometime next week, we will get a date for Zoe's Glenn. September can't get here fast enough!

We return to the cardiologist on Friday for another check of Zoe's vitals. Wow, two cardiology visits in one week. I think we deserve some sort of frequent visitor punch card. Nine visits and you get the next ECHO free.

Thanks for all of your support and prayers. In addition to Zoe, please keep the following CHDers, who we've come to love, in your thoughts and prayers:


Jacob who is undergoing his Glenn, at CHOP, on Wednesday, August 4th.

(Jacob and his mom, Kathy, in front of CHOP.)

The Marrone family who suffered the loss of their CHD warrior, Mia Grace, on Sunday, July 25th.

(Mia Grace Marrone, April 29, 2010 - July 25, 2010)

And Emma who continues to struggle while awaiting her new heart.

(Emma, a true CHD Warrior!)

Please check back soon for information on TEAM ZOE who will be participating in Phoenix's Inaugural Congenital Heart Walk. There will be opportunities to donate and/or join TEAM ZOE on November 7th. Mark your calendars. Deets to follow...