112 days ... and Max is finally going home.  Praise the Lord and all of the wonderful care givers and pray warriors and supporters.  The family could not have made through these past 3+ months without you.  While Max's CHD journey will never be over, at least he can be home and get back to being a four year old.

Max has been inpatient so long that he's known throughout the hospital.  They made him a "Dr. Max" badge and he collects accessories from all the nursing staff.  The Seacrest Studios team calls Max in to join them in the studio, equipped with headphones and a microphone.  They are all doing their best to keep Max occupied and happy while to continues to get healthy enough to be discharged.  When the weather is nice it's time to ride his bike in the outside courtyard.   

Max is still in patient at Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.  He had another heart catheterization last week to adjust the fenestration in the Fontan.  Max is still being fed via NG tube to get his weight up.  He continues to be very active - riding his bike around the halls, going to the playrooms and participating in events.  There is not a planned discharge date at this time.

Almost 3 months since Max was admitted for his Fontan.  This past weekend he moved out of the ICU. His chest X-rays are clear and he's taking daily walks and bike rides in the hospital.  Best times are when his big sister comes for a visit.  Please keep your prayers and support coming.  We are still waiting for a discharge date.

Max is still in the ICU.While he looks so much better on the outside, he's still having challenges with fluid around his lungs.  Some days the X-rays look greatly improved and others, not so much.  They are manipulating the medicines and fat content of feedings to see what works best to have Max get in the best shape possible to hopefully go home.  While the postponed the surgery to reverse the Fontan, the procedure is not off the table.  Continued prayers and support needed while Max and Katie continue to be in patient.  A beautiful, sunny day last Sunday with Max's first walk to the Children's Hospital outside garden. 

The past 2 weeks have been a roller coaster of difficult news and emotions. Time was needed to process and prepare for what was to be Max’s 3rd open heart surgery in the past 3 months to reverse the Fontan yesterday. But for the grace of God and Max’s warrior determination they called off the surgery. Max appears to be healing in his own time. We are cautiously optimistic. His fight is not yet over. Please keep Max and Katie and family in your prayers.

Max moved back to the ICU a few days ago and had new, bigger chest tubes placed. Today he had two procedures done to alleviate some of the fluid buildup around his lungs, map out his lymphatic system and widen the fenestration in his fontan. He handled everything really well and is in recovery now.

Doctors are concerned that the Fontan isn’t being accepted by Max”s anatomy causing issues with his lungs. A couple of procedures are being planned for the coming weeks then an assessment for next heart surgery. Not the news we were hoping for but Max is a champion.  

Max is having another cath today. Our 6th surgery in 56 days. He had another chest tube placed a few days ago but his Pleural Effusions aren't getting any better. Hoping this will give us an answer even if they don't find anything. I'm almost hoping they don't find anything, because that means his body is just taking longer to heal. He's been through so much. 6 surgeries in two months is alot for an adult, let alone a 4 year old. He is taking all of this so well though. He's the strongest person I know.

Max spent Christmas in the hospital (again).  He was there in 2020 for his first open heart surgery.  At least we are close to the hospital and can visit daily.  Max has lots of family stopping by to play, ride his cozy coupe and walk to the playrooms.  They are keeping him until his sodium level gets to where it needs to be.

Max is a fighter.  He's still in the hospital, but finally out of the ICU.  His chest tubes were removed yesterday.  Now the focus is on ensuring the fluids around his lungs stay in check so he can come home.  Hopefully in time for Christmas.  Thank you for your continued prayers and generosity.

Max has had his good days and not so good days.  Doctor's say his heart is working fine, but yesterday he was having trouble breathing.  Last night he had a procedure done by the ENT team to remove scar tissue and blockage from his airway.  Hopefully this resolved his issues and he can start eating again.  Continued prayers are needed.  This is a longer hospital stay that was anticipated.  Your support is essential and greatly appreciated.

Max has been sedated for 4 days now.  Yesterday they closed his chest.  Today they removed him from the ventilator.  Due to the amount of time Max has been under sedation he is experiencing bouts of delirium, which is not uncommon in these situations, but hard for Katie to witness.  Hopefully this will subside by tomorrow and better days are ahead.  Katie is thankful for all of your generosity and love.  Keep holding Max and Katie in your prayers.  Blessings.

Words can not express the gratitude and appreciation for the love and support for Max and Katie.  We thank you all for your caring and generosity.

Max is recovering after the unexpected 12 hour revision on December 5.  The doctors completely reworked his Fontan that they performed on November 11.  He is resting, still intubated, and sedated.  We are praying and hoping for a positive outcome.