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.

Monday, 20 November 2017

Preparing for the Fontan

We’re back on Ocean Ward ready for Jessica’s Fontan tomorrow. It’s been a busy day full of the usual pre-op tests and getting ready for the surgery. Jessica has coped well with it all and has been enjoying collecting stickers for her sticker chart to show what a brave girl she is being! She and Sophie have also enjoyed playing together in the playroom.

Jessica having an echo


 Nanny, Auntie Fizz, Ebony and Erin and Godmummy Katy have all been in to visit Jessica today. Sophie has now gone for her sleepover at Nanny’s. Jessica was absolutely adorable when it was time for Sophie to go; giving her sister big hugs and telling her to “make sure you tell me all about your sleepover when you come back.” This was the hardest point of the day for us but we are sure that Sophie will have a lovely time with Nanny while we focus on being with Jessica.

Jessica and Sophie sitting on Jessica's bed


Jessica is second on the list for tomorrow. There is an urgent procedure due to take place first and we are not expecting her to go to theatre until around 1pm. We have also been warned that there is a possibility that Jessica’s surgery may have to be postponed if the first procedure takes longer than expected. Hopefully all will go well though and she will be able to have her Fontan tomorrow as planned.

Me, hubby, Jessica and Sophie


Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers so far. We will let you know how we get on tomorrow.
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1 comment:

  1. Heart Mammi21 November 2017 at 06:40

    I hope everything goes well today Louise, you’re an amazing family and I’ll be holding you all in my prayers today xxx

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