Update on Gabriel Cross

This is the email that Dawn sent me today....
Dear Friends and Family,

There have been many new developments that I wish to inform you all on. Last week Gabriel went into Arkansas Children's Hospital for a routine Heart Cath test. This test was done so the cardiologist and surgeon could see detailed pictures of his heart, measure pressures, and look for any obstructions. The test was successful and an agioplasty was performed on his aortic arch where there was a gradient (not too bad). This area is where the first surgery was performed on and this was an expected possibility. He was addmitted over night for observation at which time he spiked a 102 fever. This is also a normal reaction to the dye used in the test. He recovered nicely execpt for having lower oxogen saturation. His pulse ox was normally in the mid 80s. It is however now in the upper 60s to lower 70s. This a source of great concern. He did not, however, come home on oxogen even though while in the hospital he did need it.

On Monday, the surgeon and his team did meet and plan Gabriel's next major heart surgery. On November 8th, 8:30am Gabriel will undergo the next stage. This heart surgery will involve the reconstruction of the blood vessels leading directly to the lungs. This will allow all the upper extremeties blood to be directed to the lungs first and then to the heart to be pumped out. He will be on a by-pass machine and this proceedure is expected to take many hours. He will be in CVICU at ACH afterwards for an extended time. We are optimistic that his recovery will take less time than the first surgery.

We will be leaving for Little Rock on Monday, November 6th. Gabriel will be admitted on Tuesday for many pre-operation tests, x-rays, and EKG. This process will take all day in order to prepare for the next day's surgery. The other 3 children will be picked up on Sunday next, to go and stay with my parents in OK. Brian's parents and family will help when they can.

Please pray for all of us as we prepare for this seperation and for Gabriel's healing. We knew that he would need surgery before the end of the year, however, given a weeks notice seems it is coming too quickly. We are all worried and under a great deal of pressure during this preperation time. Brian has informed his work and his boss and co-workers are encourging.

As we find out more about the proceedure ect., we will e-mail everyone and keep you all informed.

I am reminded of all the letters, cards, and e-mails we received during our last stay at Children's Hospital. It was so wonderful to read each of those and remember how much we are loved and are being prayed for. Thank you all for your prayers and encourgement. Our lives have been truly blessed by all of you.



Love and Blessings,

Dawn