Post-op Day 1

Hello from MUSC! Lilly's surgery went well. The hole in her heart was closed with a patch without any complications. Lilly is doing well! Her breathing tube came out at 2 AM. She has been breathing on her own without difficulty since then. Her vital signs are excellent. She is having some nausea and vomitting. This is to be expected after having anesthesia. She is awake and alert, but she has been restless and moaning off and on which is so hard to see. They will not let us hold her yet because she still has a chest tube in. At this point, the doctor plans to reassess her around 12 noon and hopefully the chest tube and central lines will come out then. If all goes well with that, they plan to move her out of ICU later today if a room is available. If the floor is full they will keep her in ICU but she will be "floor status" and then I can stay with her for the night. Without any complications, she may get to come home anywhere from Sat. to Mon.

We are so thankful for God's provision of Lilly through her surgery and the first 24 hours afterward which is the most critical time! God has also blessed us with amazing doctors, nurses and other staff here who have been so attentive and kind. We have shared our story with many people here, and we pray that God will lead others to an increased awareness of the plight of orphans in China and elsewhere. Specifically, a sister of another patient who had surgery has always wanted to adopt from China, and Lilly's nurse last night said she too has felt a desire to adopt a child. Maybe God placed us here in their path to encourage them toward adopting a child in need of a family.

Thank you all again for your prayers.