Annual Biopsy

My favorite travel buddy and I made it to Palo Alto yesterday afternoon.  Travel days are always exhausting, so after a quick dinner at Chipotle and the Melt, we headed back to our hotel to enjoy our Sprinkles cupcakes. 

This morning we had an early wake up call!  We made it to the hospital by 6am and were ready for Owen's annual biopsy.  I realize we have had (what seems like) a million biopsies, but the annual biopsy is the one where they get a good look at the coronary arteries.  Transplant patients are at high risk for developing coronary artery disease and is actually the number one reason patients require retransplantation. 

Preop was uneventful.  Owen was quick to strip down to his Spidey undies and we get him all wiped down with the surgical wipes.  I dressed up in my hazmat suit and walked him back to the cath lab.  There is something so adorable about my brave little guy in nothing but his Spidey undies and hospital socks wandering around the cath lab talking to the team.  He climbs up on the table and helps his anesthesiologist make a flavor cocktail for his anesthesia mask and talks his way off to sleep.  He is braver that I would ever be!

Two hours later, he was back in recovery getting his post op echo.  He was still drowsy, but feeling good as he woke up from his large dose of Propofol.. his anesthesia of choice.  Dr Peng came in to let us know his pressures and coronary arteries look perfect!!  His heart function is wonderful and we couldn't be happier!! 

Owen has to lay flat on his back for four hours with his leg straight to prevent bleeding.  They moved us to a cozy room in the short stay unit to order food and relax.  Owen is watching Wreck it Ralph and eating everything in sight.  He is happy and chill.. so grateful for this boy and his love of hospital life.  He is so polite and keeps telling the nurses how much he loves getting attention.  "This is the life!"  I'm not sure it's "the LIFE", but it's HIS LIFE!  I always say that, but it's so true.  This is all he knows and he is happy as can be with it. 

We should be out of here by around 2pm and back to the hotel for a quick nap.  We'll hit up the town this evening for some dinner and a visit to the RMH.  Thank you for all the prayers.  We'll have biopsy results tomorrow at transplant clinic before we fly home.