delve into the depth of reality.
We are back from Ben’s visit to the cardiologist. We are tired. Ben and I both. Emotionally exhausted from the day. The results of the visit were good and bad.
The good first . . . There is still no sign of growth returning under the aortic valve, and the valve, although still leaking, has not increased significantly. This is good.
The not so good . . . First. The area above the aortic valve has narrowed again. During his last surgery the doctor widened the aorta by adding a Dacron patch. This area has started to narrow again. Although still minor, it is not good that this has already started. Second. Ben should not have high blood pressure this late past his surgery. This is not usual for a patient with his condition. So the doctor feels like something else may be going on. She feels that we need to do further testing to find out why he has high blood pressure. Most likely it could be that the same narrowing of the aorta could be happening to the arteries leading into his kidneys. So we will go in the next few months to have a doppler done of his kidneys and more lab work. If that isn’t it, then he will go to the hypertensive clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital to try to figure out what is going on. Hopefully we will find some answers. We go back to see the doctor in six months (but we will be talking to her about all of this testing between now and then).
I called and communicated all of this to Chris (who is still in Europe). Not the best news to give over the phone. Luckily I had my mom there to hear all that the doctor had to say and to just be there, so I wasn’t by myself on this visit.
I am still just completely numb. I was really hoping for better news today. But I guess it could have been worse. That is something to be grateful for. I hate to be selfish and ask, but I think that Ben could use more prayers again. I was hoping that we could let those prayers go for others who might need them, but Ben really could use some again.
Ben is at my office door and says he is “staaaarrrrrrving” and that they are all “staaaaarrrrrrving.” I guess they are all ready for some dinner. Besides, it is getting too quiet in this office and my mind needs a break from all of the emotions that are churning right now. My kids are a good solution for that problem. They will certainly keep me busy, so much so that I won’t have time to think.
The Puddles 
what do you mean–“start praying for Ben again”, we never stopped praying for him–Hang tough Kath-Nebraska love being sent you way.
I always pray for Ben. And so does Cousin Gordon. We said a special prayer for Ben tonight. Gordon folded his hands. We are still working on the closing the eyes part.