Surgery is Recommended

Many of you know that Kendall was born with a congenital heart defect, a right aberrant arching aorta.  This was not diagnosed until she was eleven.  We had known from birth that something was not right because she always had eating and digestive issues.  It was always diagnosed as gurd or acid reflux disease.  However, in 2011, I had her and her team that I co-coached at the Little League State Championship Game where Kendall got really sick and was loosing a lot of weight which she was already very tiny frame and didn't need to lose any weight.  Once we got home from the championship game, I took her to her doctor who referred her to a pediatric gastroentolgist specialist at the University of Virginia Hospital.  Upon hearing her symptoms, the doctor immediately determined that this was not a gastro issue, that she had a congenital heart defect.  I was in disbelief as he is describing this and referring us to the pediatric cardiologist at UVA. 

At our appointment with the cardiologist and many tests performed, it was confirmed that she was in fact born with a congenital heart defect.  Further procedures and tests would be performed where the team of doctors would meet in conference to determine a prognosis for Kendall.  The determination was that nothing could be done because surgery would be too risky.  Her main heart aorta is going the wrong way which each time it pumps blood, it is crushing her esophagus down to the size of the end of a pencil point. 

Every day Kendall feels discomfort that has affected her way of life that what seems normal for most individuals is challenging for her such as simply eating.  Kendall is unable to eat a meal without concern if something is going to get stuck and choke her.  She worries if she will get sick while she is eating and have to throw up.  She always feels nauseous everyday whether she eats of does not eat.  Most people looking at her would have no idea what she goes through on a daily basis.  In order to cope with this, she will not eat all day if she is going to school, if she is involved in activities outside of school or will avoid going to restaurants, friends or families homes to eat for fear she may get sick.  As you can imagine, this has caused intense anxiety for her. 

Not only does Kendall struggle with the physical structure defect of her heart and esophogus, but is has mentally and emotionally affected her way of life.  After struggling and working with UVA for nearly seven years with lots of prayers, tears, frustration and anointings over Kendall, we were finally led to Johns Hopkins Hospital a few months ago.

Upon our first appointment with both pediatric cardiologist and pediatric gastroentologists, we knew God was answering our prayers and we were exactly where we were supposed to be.  We felt heard and were offered hope for answers to help get Kendall finally relief.  I will never forgot the one doctor kept repeating that, "I don't know if this is a coincidence or not, but I have recently had several other kids younger than Kendall with the same symptoms."  She continued to share that those kids had surgery that were fairly successful.  I told her that we knew it was no coincidence because we have been praying about this for a very long time for God's complete healing upon Kendall.  We knew that it was an appointed time.

Kendall had another follow up at Johns Hopkins with a team of doctors ruling out other possibilities.  She have two more procedures that she had to have done.  Johns Hopkins worked in collaboration with UVA for these two procedure because Johns Hopkins does not accept Kendall's health insurance.  This was also a blessing that the hospitals worked together.

Then what I thought I was prepared to hear, I quickly realized that I was not prepared.  The cardiologist called me Friday morning to tell me that the team of doctors met about review all of Kendall's health history from the past to currently.  She stated, "We do RECOMMEND surgery."  I was flooded with mixed emotions recognizing that I was trying to hold back my tears as I was talking to the doctor.  I must not have done a very good job of holding back my tears, because the doctor then focused on me and asked what was going on for me, which made me even more emotional.  I told her I knew that this was an answered prayer that we have waited for so long for.  It was also a realization of the risks that are involved with this type of surgery.  I was navigating in the tension of feel overwhelmed that God had finally heard and answered our prayers, but also feel scared. 

While we have been waiting for the doctors to review all of Kendall's recent tests, I have specifically been praying that God would give me a dream or revelation somehow to let me know that this is what we are supposed to do.  Just two weeks before we heard that Kendall would need surgery, God gave her a dream that would reveal that she went through surgery, and it was successful.  She saw them x-ray her after the surgery and everything was now healed and restored.  I know God gave Kendall that dream for not only her to have peace and confidence that she is going to be just fine, but also for me as well to have peace, trust and belief that God has orchestrated her healing for this appointed time. 

Out of curiosity, I began to research her surgeon that would be performing the procedure.  He is from Italy that came to the US 20 years ago.  He studied under the first doctor to successfully perform a heart transplant.  He then practiced at George Mason University and has not been at Johns Hopkins for the past ten years where is over the pediatric department.  His specialty is congenital heart defects and has performed this procedure before. 

Last Friday, I had to cancel all of my appointments so that I could just sit with God and hear His heart and ask Him for understanding for my mixed emotions.  This is what the Lord said to me:

Beautiful One,
I have heard and answered your prayers.  This is where you are and Kendall are supposed to be.  I have orchestrated the timing of this so that Kendall is mature to help make her decisions, but also have this surgeon trained and equipped to do this type of surgery.  Kendall and you already know that you are supposed to move forward with this surgery.  I gave her the dream that it was all successful to give her peace and confidence.  You know that I speak to her as we as I did to her on November 26th, 2011 when I affirmed that I have heard all of your prayers that may not be answered that night (on November 26, 2011), but that I was answering them.  The appointed time is now.  This surgeon came to the US 20 years ago and has been at Johns Hopkins for the past ten years.  He is the best of the best and the time is now for Kendall to be healed with a quality way of life that will propel her speaking and in leadership roles to encourage and inspire other who may also be suffering with their own physical or mental health struggles.  It is a time for Kendall to arise and shine and move into her destiny that I created her to be and do at the foundations of the earth.  She is going to offer HOPE, her testimony and My goodness for all to hear, see and know My Son Jesus Christ.

All I can say is, "Thank you Lord for using Kendall, her congenital heart defect, her mental and emotional struggles of who you are going to use all of this to reveal and show your glory for all to see who you are, God."  God you are amazing in how you have been with us through everything down to the point of preparing and making a way when we continued to hear repeatedly that there was nothing that could be done. 

Friends, let this be a testimony to never give up HOPE!  Contend for all of God's promises for you because the enemy is always trying to defeat, hinder to delay our blessings.  With God all things are possible, for it is written and God's plans are irrevocable. 

We have some more hurdles to jump through because as of December 31, 2017, Kendall no longer has health insurance.  I am trying to figure out what health insurance is available to her and one that Johns Hopkins accepts.  We need prayers for this.  Once this is resolved, then we will have a consultation with the surgeon, then surgery will be scheduled.  After the surgery, Kendall will recover in ICU for about three days with another three to four days in a general room.  I will be staying with her the entire time.  I appreciate ongoing prayers for Kendall's surgeon, doctors, nurses, and those caring for her to make this possible.  We have and will continue to proclaim a successful surgery and complete healing in the Name of Jesus.  Please be in agreement with us.  Where two or more are gathered and in agreement, God hears and answers are our prayers.  God bless each of you.  Amen.