Today Rachel had her angiogram to check for the severity of her two heart conditions: bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation of the aorta. She did really well during the procedure. They said they had to give her more sedation than expected because she was so feisty, she kept trying to talk to everyone instead of settle down. As expected, the first condition will not require any action at this time, but she will have to have surgery to correct the coarctation (or narrowing) of the aorta. It is basically a part of her aorta that narrows, which hinders the blood flow from her heart to her lower extremities and puts too much strain on her heart. They will go in through her side between her ribs to remove the section of the aorta that narrows, and then reattach the two ends. Thankfully, they don't have to operate on her heart or go in through her chest. The surgery will be next Thursday, Jan 6th and she'll be in the hospital for 5-7 days. We have family coming in town to help with the other kids that week and for some time after. Thank you so much to all of you who have been praying and offering your help. We are so grateful to be blessed with such wonderful supportive friends and family. We know God is in control of this whole situation and we trust in Him completely to keep His hand on Rachel through it. We'll send another update after her surgery. Please continue to pray for our sweet girl.
