Update on Sofia

So many of you have known about and been following Sofia's heart condition for the past couple of years now. In our preparation for Peru, we all went to Lubbock yesterday to consult her pediatric cardiologist as well as a heart surgeon regarding her prognosis and what step is next for us to take. The news we received was not what we were hoping for in regard to her current condition. The details, in a nutshell, are as follows:

The doctor performed an ultrasound that showed that the hole between the two upper chambers has grown. He measured it at approx. 9 mm which is considerably bigger than the last measurement in August before we left. He is recommending that we have a heart catheterization procedure before the hole becomes too big to fix minimally invasively. In short, we have decided to have the procedure done on February 9th (We will spend one day in the hospital). The measurements he took were via an ultrasound in his office which is accurate but not as accurate as the one he will perform in the cath lab the day of the procedure. There is a chance that the more accurate, maybe better said the more in-depth ultrasound, could determine the hole is actually too big for minimally invasive surgery. This would leave us with having to do an open heart procedure which would be scheduled for a later date. I do believe he feels this won't be necessary but he mentioned it so we'd be aware of that possibility.

We are weary from the events of the past few months (past year if you will) and request your prayers for the coming days and weeks. We pray obviously that she will be safe and well taken care of. We pray also that the surgeon will be able to fix the hole minimally invasively as opposed to open heart.

Thanks for being so supportive, kind, loving and interested in us and Sofia's heart problem. We are thankful for your willingness to walk this road with us.