Update on Baby Elliot

Tonight I received this note from Jan via Ken.

Dear Ones,

We received news this morning that Elliot's suture lines that attach to the lower part of his esophagus have pulled loose. They confirmed by X-Ray that there are no threatening complications presently such as internal bleeding, etc. They will continue to stretch the upper portion of his esophagus. On Monday morning, the 21^st, the doctor will do exploratory surgery to see if the esophagus is long enough to attach. It is 'estimated' that he has been stretched to over five centimeters over this two week or more period. The doctor is wanting six full centimeters for the attachment. They will not know until tomorrow during surgery exactly how much esophagus they have to work with. If it is long enough, they will do the complete attachment. If the esophagus is too short, they will redo the suture lines and stretch again for an unknown time frame (possibly a week).

The Lord has been so faithful to us. Dr. G. is extremely happy about the fast growth and stretching of the esophagus using this maneuver. We know the Lord has done this and give Him the glory. We are thankful the sutures have not pulled out before now and pray the Lord will let the esophagus be long enough tomorrow to easily attach.

Elliot has done quite well over the past two weeks. He has been for the most part heavily sedated and kept as comfortable as possible. We have seen his IV removed from his head, his suction tube down his throat is now gone along with his chest tube. He is over eleven pounds now and when he awakens gives tons of smiles.

Thank you again each and every one of you. We now know another facet of what 'fervent prayer' means. When we heard that Elliot had twice the gap distance than previously thought, we were somewhat amazed. However, we see God's good hand in this. We hope that Elliot's success in the doctor stretching his esophagus with such a long gap will open doors to more and more babies at Children's to be offered this technique. The hospital Elliot is in is one of the premier hospitals in the Southeast and many children with little hope come here to receive the best of care. Elliot is the first baby with this long of a gap to have this technique attempted at Children's by our doctor. He had done one other child, but evidently he was not as far of a distance to stretch. It is imperative to try to keep the esophageal muscle if at all possible in order for him to eat appropriately the rest of his life. We thank you all for your consistent prayers and ask that you will hold Elliot and the family before the throne of grace tomorrow.

Phil. 1:6,

Jan