Cole is ready to go into surgery on Thursday morning. We haven't heard for sure yet, (we'll get a call tomorrow), but being the only one on Dr. Novak's surgery list for the day he'll probably be scheduled at 6:30am. Thank you for joining us in both thanking the Lord and praying for the following things...
Here are the things we are THANKFUL for...
- wonderful care from the ECHO team in preparing us for this moment
- an amazing response from our student insurance (which is normally limited) approving this incredibly expensive procedure (approx. $40k each ear for the device and surgery and post operative aural rehabilitation) This truly is a miracle!!!
- Cole is HEALTHY with no colds during this chilly weather! Praise the Lord...
Please pray for the following things on Thursday morning...
- a steady hand and unwavering focus for Dr. Novak (watch the video I posted last week if you want to see a video of the procedure)
- both implants FREE from mechanical failure of any kind...his brain's response to the implants will be tested immediately after they are implanted and any mechanical failure would mean they would have to be removed and new ones implanted causing more damage to his cochlea :(
- no complications from the anesthesia
- a smooth recovery free from any kind of infection...bacterial meningitis occurs in 3% of patients implanted...please pray for the kind of recovery where he is up and playing the next day as is most common
These are some pictures my Dad took when my parents visited in November that symbolize for me, this journey to hearing for Cole...the 1st picture reminds me of the world of silence he lives in now, not realizing the gift of sound he is missing...
And finally, on January 2nd my sweet boy will hear after his stitches heal and his implants are activated! I can't WAIT for this day! I'm so glad my mom will be here to witness it all too and we'll hope that Cora stays cozy inside my belly until then :) What an amazing day this will be!
If you've followed our journey for a while you know that we have seen and felt the Lord's hand guiding us toward this miraculous surgery for Cole, giving him the technology that has already helped so many and now our sweet son. We are SO excited to be moving forward with helping Cole hear but every once in a while I get nervous thinking about all that could go wrong and what an intense process this is for one so small. It is in these moments that I am drawn to scripture since God's words are the only true thing we can cling to in the midst of circumstances that are uncertain...The verse that keeps coming back to me is one that Ryder memorized from his class at our church on Wednesday nights. It is Joshua 1:9 "Don't be afraid, God is with you."
In the same way that I saw Ryder be wheeled down the hospital corridor toward the operating room in August, I will see Cole wheeled into an operating room this Thursday morning. Thankfully the audiologist that we've grown to know and love will be with him since she will be testing the devices once they're implanted. The only peace I have comes from knowing the Lord will never leave or forsake my child. He will be with him then, as he has from the moment He created him. Thank you, Lord, for the way you surround us now and Cole on Thursday...we praise You for your tender compassion and mercy on us. Be with your child on Thursday we pray...Amen.
You will be in my prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery!
We'll be praying, Danice!
We're Praying for you, Coley! Jesus is with you!
EMMANUEL, God is with us! He'll never leave us or forsake us!
WE LOVE YOU, BURDETT'S!
-Derek and Christiana
We will be praying for all of you.
Same name as me.. im hopeing your little guy pulls though cole has a lot to look forward to as for hearing and all it will light up his face when he hears the sounds of his toy truck and everything.. As for me i had my hearing in my left ear for 20 and 1/2 yrs and lost it one night due to load noise i have the condition called Tinnus mildly to extream ringing in that ear that takes away all sounds expect for that annoying rining i was born completly deaf in my right so i never heard from that side.. As going though being deaf over a yr now it comes with a few adjustments but nothing to overwelming to overcome... I have my surgury on Jan 8/08 for my CI in my left ear and i have mixed feels over it but might aswell give it a try and see what the difference is.. I hope your little guy has a speedy recovery and all cuase we need as much Coles in this world as we can.. Best Wishs Merry Xmas guys...