Preparing for Surgery...Kathlena

We have all of Kathlena's pre-op paperwork and visits completed as of today.  We were cleared by her pediatrician last week and deemed healthy for surgery.  She is now set for strabismus surgery next Wednesday, Sept. 8th.  We are excited even though it seems to have come about rather suddenly.  We have always known that it would be likely that she would need surgery.  In the past three months though it has become evident that sooner rather than later is necessary.  We have been in glasses all summer and while they have been helpful, especially in slowing down her nystagmus, her eye continues to turn out so, surgical straightening is what is required to keep her vision as strong as possible in both eyes.  We are thankful for our ophthalmologist, Dr. Mazow who also did Andrew's surgery a little over a year ago.  As Kathlena would say, "we know the drill" so, that has made it a little easier.  Kathlena at the beginning of our talks about surgery was not so thrilled...in her words "no, thank you surgery" to be exact.  Points for politeness were given though!  She is better now and is actually looking forward to it.  I think it has helped knowing that Andrew has had the surgery and recently one of her friends at church also. 

I have been reading and thinking back to when Andrew had his surgery and have been surprised to find so many similarities.  Andrew was also missing a front tooth at the time of his surgery.  He look so little back then and that was only a little over a year ago.  He is growing up so fast!  His surgery has been such a blessing and we are so grateful to have the technology to help restore his vision.  Such a different world this past year has been for him.  We pray that we see such a change with Kathlena from her surgery as well. 

Kathlena's surgery will be the same type of as Andrew's surgery just on different muscles.  We had been expecting to eventually have nystagmus surgery which is more extensive surgery than strabismus.  It would seem for now that her nystagmus has dampened on it's own and that type of surgery will not be necessary.   We are so thankful for this!

For Mom and Dad pending surgery on one of our babies is never easy.  We pray for the Lord to minister to us and Kathlena as we trust Him through this time.  I am thankful for the many friends and family who are praying for us and who have been so kind to check on us...Thank you!!

"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:30-32

Andrew's vision update

Andrew went back today for a check-up with Dr. Mazow. Mommy did not make the appointment as the car ride is just too long and causes the swelling to worsen. So, the boys (Daddy and Andrew) were on their own today. The appointment went well Andrew was at a strong 20/40 (yipee!) and was even able to start seeing partial letters on the 20/30 line. Dr. Mazow was encouraged and has us keep up the patching regiment of 8+ hours a day for another 6wks. Andrew is still not able to see any of the 3D stuff, but hopefully as his vision in the left eye more closely matches his right eye he may have an opportunity to recover his stereo vision. His right eye is holding at a strong 20/25 so we are getting close. Hurray for Andrew....it is hard work doing the patch therapy, but he continues to have a great attitude and never complains about wearing them.

We are so thankful that we continue to see progress. Please continue to pray for Andrew and for us as we seek the best for his vision. We continually ask for the grace to accept whatever the outcome the Lord has for Andrew and to encourage Andrew to trust the Lord as well. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement we are so thankful for you.