Successful Surgery!

Well, Nicky is at home safe and sound! In fact, he was a champ! The surgery was about 45 minutes, instead of 2 1/2 hours, and he was able to breath with out assistance almost immediately following surgery. Nicky's Doctor was the coolest, and it was a major relief when he returned to let us know everything was fine. We know that someone, up there, is looking after our little boy for us!!

The past week has been great. We can tell that Nick is more comfortable, and he is over the pain from the surgery. He also seems to be much more relaxed, and we were told this is because he is not in a constant defense mode from the tube that was previously down his throat. We pray that we will see more benefit from this surgery, such as better breathing and more of an urge to eat, but we have learned to be grateful and celebrate anything positive. Him being more comfortable is enough for me, and I thank God.

We had a lot of support through the experience and we can not put into words how important it is to us.

It would have been a lot more difficult if we did not have Mom, Mom & Dad Ruhana, and Jimmy, there before and during the surgery. It means the world to us. We also appreciate Uncle Shaun, Dad, Grandma Theophanous, Uncle Frank and Aunt Robin, and Aunt Bonnie for visiting.

I want to say a special thanks to my Aunt Kathy, who stayed with him at the hospital for a couple hours each night so we could run home for a shower! Thanks again Aunt Kathy!

Nick has also had some visitors since he has been home, and I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to see him.

The wonderful support system and love around our little boy is helping him fight! We will keep you posted on Nicky's progress and as I said before, my boy is resilient. He is a Torpey, and he is strong!!!!

14 Months Old

We're happy to say that Nick is as lovable, stubborn, charismatic & adorable as ever!! He is doing good & responding well to his physical therapy sessions with Suzanne & Lisa, not to mention with grandma & grandpa too :) He is getting long & chubby (or pleasantly plumb as mamma calls it) , so Kris says we need to cut back on his calories. He seems to be responding well to that as he's lost a few oz & is now at 21.3....Nick continues to show no signs of seizures & we're considering asking the doctor to lower his medications to see how he responds. Unfortunately, our lil man does not really want to eat. He will take a few spoonfuls a day but isn't interested in any more than that. We know when he's had enough when he shuts his lips tightly down!!!! We're actually taking in him for surgery tomorrow to place the G-tube through his tummy. The feeding tubes we've been using since Nick got sick were only a temporary solution. I'm scared to death but know that God is with our son & will protect him & the doctors & nurses who are responsible for his care. When we laid him down to bed tonight, I couldn't help but squeeze him tighter & longer than I normally do each night. This lil guy has such an amazingly beautiful, strong, courageous, loving soul. I cannot tell you how honored I am to be his mom. My son has taught me so much in his 14 months of life, more than I ever knew possible. I pray that tomorrow he fights with the same tenacity his shows us every day & recovers quickly from his surgery. We'll keep you posted with how everything goes once things get settled back at home. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing circle of support & love from all of our friends, family, community & church. We thank all of you for your prayers & love. Jenn