Tucker's Surgery Updates, Day 1

Update #8 8:34pm (9:34 Boston):

Tucker is out of surgery!! Yay!! Karen and Todd and sisters have not seen him yet but they will within a few minutes. Tucker will be moved to his room shortly as well. So here are the details.

There were NO SURPRISES during the Whole Heart Repair. Dr. Del Nido said it went very smoothly and very well. Tucker is currently at 100% O2 which is awesome. he's never been able to reach that even when on assisted O2. So that is wonderful!

The left side, which was the "bad" side of his heart, is performing very well. It's learning how to operate and pump the blood through. Before, the right side was doing all of the work.

Both sides of the heart are doing what they should, however, the pressure in his heart is a little high still. This will correct itself once the right side realizes it doesn't have to do all of the work and when the left side starts growing bigger and stronger. The high pressure is normal but is being monitored of course.

Tucker will remain heavily sedated for the next 3-4 days. They want him to be still and relaxed and let his "new" heart learn to work the proper way; to heal. Tucker is also in-tubated and will remain so until he's awake and they are sure everything is progressing as it should.

And finally, another VERY GOOD piece of info, Dr. Del Nido is sending Tucker into recovery with his CHEST CLOSED. This is fantastic!! The doctor felt that everything went so well that there was no need to keep Tucker's chest open for the next day or so. In Tucker's previous open heart surgiries, his chest was open for a couple of days after.

So, that's what I have thus far. It's been a long day and it was nice to hear the relief in Karen's voice. We are so happy that things went so well. Unless something comes up and The Bryant's feel the need for an update, I will not post any more updates until Friday morning.

The next 24-28 hours are going to be critical. Tucker will be monitored very closely. PLEASE keep those wonderful thoughts and prayers coming his way.

Update #7 5:56pm (6:56pm Boston):

Tucker has come off Bypass. The surgeon will be out to speak to the family within the hour. At that point I am sure we will have more info to report, specifically in regards to how the surgery went.

Update #6 3:45pm (4:45pm Boston):

Tucker went on Bypass about 10 minutes ago. Tucker's heart is being worked on now.

Update #5 2:46pm (3:46pm Boston):

Surgeons are still dissecting. Tucker has not been placed on Heart and Lung machine yet.

Update #4 2:25pm (3:25pm Boston):

There has not been any additional information since the incision. Karen and family are hanging out in the waiting room "eating junk food and watching Grease 2".

I'm going to take this update and pass on some important info about what to send Tucker and his family if you choose to do so.
First things first, NO FLOWERS will be allowed in Tucker's room. Please do not send flowers. Balloons, Cards, Toys and Stuffed Animals will be okay.

Other things you might consider sending the Bryant Family are fruit baskets, goodie bags, and meals. There is a Bertucci's accross the street from the hospital that will deliver. (Blackfan Circle) We all know how hospital food can be sometimes.
There is also a CVS available to them and gift cards might be a nice idea for any snacks or such that they need.

And finally, to help pinpoint a time frame, Tucker's Whole Heart Repair will take around 6 hours. Give or take. With that in mind, it could be around 7pm (8pm Boston) before he is out of the OR.

Update #3 1:10pm (2:10pm Boston):

The first incision has been made on Tucker in the OR.

Many of you are asking about an addy to send flowers, cards, balloons and gifts. This will be fantastic, but please wait to send anything until Tucker is out of surgery and recovery and has been placed in a room. Boston Children's is a massive hospital and the staff will be running all over trying to locate him. Once Tucker gets his very own room, I will make the info available. Thank you!

Update #2 12:05pm (1:05pm Boston):

The time has come and Tucker has been taken back to the OR.

Update #1 11:56am (12:56pm in Boston):

Tucker and his family are waiting to be taken back for surgery. Tucker was doing good this morning with the exception of a slight fever. They believe the fever is from the 14 coils put into his heart yesterday. The fever is common after heart coils are placed.

As soon as Tucker goes back to the OR, I'll update. Keep the prayers coming.

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There will be no Thursday Thirteen for Izzy 'N Emmy this week. Instead I will be be focusing on Tucker's Heart Surgery and any updates I can offer to the many of you who have been following his journey for a whole heart.

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Tucker has been cleared through pre-surgical testing and will undergo the surgery we have all been waiting for. Tucker and Karen have been in Boston since Sunday night and have underwent 3 days worth of testing. Every test you can imagine along with blood-work has been performed to ensure Tucker was a match. (Daddy and Sisters are there too.)

Tucker is a perfect match. He's on the surgery schedule for Noon tmrw, Thursday.

I have asked before but I am asking again, please keep Tucker and his family in your thoughts. Send him good vibes, prayers, happy thoughts, and well wishes.

Thursday will be a hard and long day for Tucker and his family. If you would like to send them a message or a special prayer, do so by leaving a comment or emailing me at crackerjacks51603@yahoo.com

I will be able to send them directly to the Bryant's through out the day.

I will be at hand to update as news becomes available. You can check here or over at The Bryant Family News or I "Heart" Tucker. I'll also be Tweeting any small updates, marked #Tucker. You can follow me (Alisha) on Twitter.

We "Heart" you and your family Tucker.

Godspeed Little Man