Double Switch Surgery Scheduled

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 I received a phone call from Diego’s Boston cardiologist, Dr. Marx.  He explained that he was pleased to say that Diego’s left ventricle had responded favorably to the PA banding.  In fact, it seems that the PA band had released pressure off the tricuspid valve and reduced his moderate regurgitation to mild tricuspid regurgitation.  One of the original possibilities, before the PA band surgery, was that Diego’s ventricle might not respond within a year.  If this were the case then possibly we would have to wait for Diego to go through a decent growth spurt in hopes that this would have a positive effect on the left ventricle.  I had commented several times throughout the previous year that Diego had not grown much in height.  Then sometime around January he started growing and it just hasn’t seemed to stop…he is growing, and growing, and growing.  God is good!

During our phone conversation, Dr. Marx explained that he needed to visit with the surgeon, Dr. Del Nido, before we could proceed forward.  The following Saturday, I received a call from Dr. Marx stating that he had a thorough conversation with the surgeon.  Dr. Del Nido felt that Diego would benefit greatly by waiting 1 year from the time of the PA banding to perform the double switch operation.   A few weeks later the scheduling nurse called to schedule Diego’s double switch.  The surgery date will be Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Children’s Hospital Boston.  Bittersweet.

The Iron Man Award

There is an amazing man that I have had the great pleasure of knowing, Coach Gregg Grant.  Coach Gregg has taught all 3 of my children how to play the game of basketball.  He has spent the last (approximately) 10 years coaching Eisenhower students from the kindness, love and passion of his heart.  Coach Gregg is known for teaching his players how to play the game to the best of their ability as well as from the passion that resides within them.  Coach can go from stomping his foot on the court in the middle of the game to crying because he is so proud of his team whether they win or lose.  I have never seen so much dedication and love rolled up into one human spirit like Coach Gregg.  At the end of every basketball season Coach insists on having a celebration for the kids.  As you can imagine, the kids always love this opportunity to celebrate with their teammates and receive awards from Coach.  This year, much to our surprise, Coach Gregg presented an award that will be forever cherished in our home…

The Iron Man Award~Diego Segovia~ The Come Back Kid!

It was a blessing for Diego to receive this award at this time.  Diego was finally feeling strong.  It had been a long 6 month recovery.  The award was presented at a time when Diego was being forced to face the reality that he would soon be starting this process all over again.  The Iron Man Award is displayed in Diego’s bedroom and it serves as a constant reminder of everything he has conquered thus far and the strength that he has within him to conquer again!  Thank you, Coach Gregg!  We love you!!!