Our beautiful daughter Jessica was born in September 2011 with a severe heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. This was diagnosed at her 20 week scan and we were initially told that she was unlikely to be suitable for surgery. However, a pioneering in-utero operation at 28 weeks to enlarge a hole in her atrial septum was carried out and she was able to make it to term and get through her first open-heart surgery at just eight hours old. Jessica underwent five more surgeries during her life. Her final surgery - the Fontan procedure - took place in December 2017. She initially made a good recovery but sadly passed away suddenly on 14th April 2018 at the age of 6. This is the story of a little girl whose half a heart overflowed with love. She was, and will forever be, our little miracle and brought joy to all who knew her.

Friday, 28 October 2011

Jessica at 7 weeks

After spending last week out and about, visiting family and going to weddings, it was time for a quieter week at home with Jessica although we have still had lots of visitors. Auntie Maxine and cousin Kieran came to stay for a couple of days and cousins Maria, Chris, Steven and Ryan also came for a visit.

Jessica is continuing to do well and have regular checks with the community nurse. She has had her newborn hearing test and her six week check, both of which were fine, and is gaining weight well – now up to 3140g (6lb 14.5oz). Jessica is following the 0.4th centile line so seems to be taking after Louise size-wise rather than Michael! She is also starting to be more aware of things around her – this week she has been really looking at the toys hanging above her pram when she is in it and starting to smile in response to things which is just magical.

We are still waiting for the date of the catheter procedure to be confirmed although anticipate that this will be happening sometime in the next couple of weeks. Jessica has her next heart scan at Oxford in a week’s time and hopefully this will continue to show that she is doing well.

No comments:

Post a Comment