2hearts - Corbin archive

July 03, 2006
Dear Carepage Family,

I must confess that I have struggled over the past few days with doubting the wisdom of the services and burial rituals which would take place today. The preparations were tiring and seemed to drain T&T, and certainly myself. I felt that I could not face it. But as often, I was wrong. God AGAIN provided amazing Grace, Strength and Peace and the healing process has begun. But better yet, God has been glorified. In addition to the hundreds of messages placed on this carepage to comfort and encourage us, I received a very special phone call, all the way from Ireland, from dear Pastor David to start my day focused on the Lord.

I am especially pleased that our church has made the testimonies, a special song, and the pastor's message available to listen or download on our website (there are gaps between each one, be patient). Many have written about our faithfulness or strength and we pray that by sharing today's memorial service with you, you will be blessed, it will help you celebrate Corbin's life, and may help you understand our peace and comfort from the Lord.

(cut and paste the following link into your browser)

http://www.sovgracefairfax.org/home/audio/2006/07/03/corbingrabb

The pastor mentions an article about infants going to heaven. You can read that article at:
http://www.sbts.edu/mohler/FidelitasRead.php?article=fidel036

You will hear an example of the wonderful, Godly teachings we receive regularly from our pastors -- those which have helped to prepare us for trials such as these.

Today God was as amazing as He's been every other day. My only regret was that I did not get to speak with every guest. Many I spoke with, many I hugged, many I saw and others I hope signed the guest books. I am so grateful for and thank God for each one who came, and we are all overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. We had our pastors and church family, the pastor and wife from T&T's NC church, EVERY MEMBER of the extended Grabb family from 3 states, 5 of Terri's siblings from Michigan and Arizona, my nephew and brother, friends from The Harvester and Immanuel Bible and other churches, Travis' United Rental co-workers brought an entire fleet of UR vehicles for the procession, my business friends and customers, Corbin's pediatrician and staff, nurses who have served Corbin, and, unbelievably, many "heart moms" from Michigan, Massachusetts and Virginia, many others, each of whom we thank. Doctors and nurses from the hospital wrote testimonies which were read and family testimonies were later shared at the gravesite.

Lattany prepared the program, sweet Mary prepared the display which included the usual photos and baby toys PLUS his favorite sanitizer, surgical gloves and other hospital parephernalia. Our church family took care of every detail and prepared, hosted, served and cleaned up a reception/meal for hundreds. Such awesome evidence of God's grace and provision and we were richly blessed.

I don't expect to post again on this carepage, unless it's to share a message on Corbin's upcoming second birthday. I will continue to read your messages and I want each of you to know how special you are to us, how well you have served us, how much you have encouraged us, comforted us, and cared for us. It is our desire that each of you will know God's perfect peace. I welcome personal e-mail messages from you. My two greatest prayers have been answered: Corbin has received perfect healing, and God has been glorified THIS day.

GrandPenny

July 03, 2006
Dear Carepage Family,

(cut and paste the following link into your browser)

http://www.sovgracefairfax.org/home/audio/2006/07/03/corbingrabb

The pastor mentions an article about infants going to heaven. You can read that article at:
http://www.sbts.edu/mohler/FidelitasRead.php?article=fidel036

You will hear an example of the wonderful, Godly teachings we receive regularly from our pastors -- those which have helped to prepare us for trials such as these.

GrandPenny

June 30, 2006 at 03:23 PM EDT
Thank you for your patience. We now have the details for Corbin's memorial service. All are welcome.
(Please refrain from sending e-messages or phone calls to Terri and Travis at this time. They are not able to return calls or messages, respond to questions or requests at this time. You may use my e-mail provided below or mail them a card at the address provided. THANK YOU for understanding!)

Memorial Service for Corbin

Monday, July 3, 2006
10:00 am
Sovereign Grace Church of Fairfax
5200 Ox Road
Fairfax, VA 22030

Interment 11:30
Clifton Cemetery
12855 Yates Ford Rd.
Clifton, VA

Reception immediately following at the Church building.
ALL are invited and welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to congenital heart defect research and family support in memory of Corbin's life to:

U-M C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
Save A Heart (designate on your check)
300 N. Ingalls, NI4D02
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0475

I can provide directions and accomodations information to anyone who wishes to come. Please e-mail me directly at plamons@cox.net.

Cards can be sent to the Grabbs c/o Lamons
10401 Collingham Drive
Fairfax, VA 22032

Early Thursday morning Terri and Travis returned to the Ronald McDonald House, made many phone calls, packed up their belongings and then returned to the hospital to say goodbye to the doctors, nurses and staff. How kind of God to give them the grace to return and thank those wonderful people in their time of grief. They then got in their car and drove directly home. We had shared the news of Corbin's death with Gunnar (7), Aiden (5) and Brodie (3) earlier that morning, but seeing their parents arrive without Corbin brought reality. Their mama had Corbin by her side constantly, 24/7 for 3 weeks short of 2 years. The boys were able to grieve with their parents and comfort one another, then went on home, together again.

Our house is too quiet today, but as we grieve we are surrounded, as are Terri and Travis, with our pastors, church family, friends, neighbors and the amazing grace of the Lord God. Praise God for his mercy and kindness.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope.
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Therefore comfort one another with these words."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

May God be glorified THIS day. Grieving with Hope,
GrandPenny

June 29, 2006 at 09:44
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, Blessed be the Lord!

I know that you have been waiting and we are so thankful for your prayers. I will post again later today or tomorrow morning, but for now just know that Corbin has received his perfect healing as very early this morning our merciful Lord took him HOME. No more suffering, no more pain, no more tears -- absent from the body and present with the Lord. We rejoice that Corbin passed peacefully, never regaining consciousness after the second surgery this week. We praise God that there were no tough decisions for T&T to make and that they were with Corbin in peace and "held" by our sovereign Lord. We are sad, we grieve, but we grieve in hope.

I know as a member of the "heart" family that each time a child passes I have a desire to "understand", to learn to know what went wrong. Well, Corbin's skilled surgeon was able to do miraculous repairs but the complications and drug side-effects and interactions could not be overcome and eventually wore down Corbin's earthly body. We rejoice in the wonderful 2 years we were given as a gift from the Lord and as the scriptures tell us, "he will not return to us, but we will go to him". Corbin is held by Jesus, as a perfect little boy and for that we give great thanks and have great peace.

I have spoken with Travis and shared this sad news with Corbin's brothers, aunts and uncles, and assure you that God has been glorified THIS day.

More later, and our sincerest thanks to all. Our prayers have been answered and God has provided just what Corbin needed. We grieve in Hope.
GrandPenny

June 27, 2006
I'm waiting to see all that God will work through today! When Terri called this morning her voice was strong and she'd slept well knowing Corbin was stable and actually eliminating fluid. I was not prepared for her words, but know that her peace reflects God's grace and work in her heart.

Corbin is going BACK to the OR for his 9th open heart surgery today. Yes, you read that right. Apparently there was late-night discussion with Dr. Ohye. He did not remove the catheter sheath nor the arterial line from Corbin's leg because they had not found the second stent from the earlier procedure, but he securely sewed them into his leg to prevent movement. He DID close up Corbin's chest. Well, when they could not find the stent on the x-ray, they invited Travis to look at it as they were explaining it, and, yes, you guessed it, he immediately saw the stent and it is in a very precarious location, open, in the bottom of the lower vena cava. Praise God for opening Travis' eyes and revealing what the doctors could not see! The stent MUST be removed and then the cath sheath can be removed so that the stent cannot move and do damage.

Hopefully the re-opening of Corbin's chest will not be lengthy or difficult, and Dr. Ohye feels his part will be quick although he must go into a lower area of the fontan circuit that he didn't touch before. Unfortunately, the OR is fully scheduled and they do not know when they can get him in.

Please pray for God to clear the path for Corbin to have this next surgery at the perfect time for him. Pray for Dr. Ohye's strength, wisdom and skill after long days of intense work. Pray that Corbin will be protected from human error and infection. Pray that the surgery will carefully remove all that needs to be removed and that God will give Dr. Ohye eyes to see all that needs to be seen and all that can be improved for Corbin's rapid and complete recovery. Please Pray that Corbin will remain strong, still and comfortable. His sedation levels are dangerously high and they are keeping him paralyzed, but he still opens his eyes despite having more narcotics than most adults could tolerate.

Our pastor must fly back home today. Please pray that God will provide peace for T&T and that Dave's flights will be safe and timely. We are still experiencing heavy, frequent storms here and many dangerous situations have developed. We're fine, except we won't have telephone service for many more days (Praise God for cell phones!).

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

GrandPenny

June 19, 2006
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST !!
The continual retention of fluid and swelling has not diminished, Corbin is in "severe" congestive heart failure and Dr. Ohye (surgeon) is sending him to the cath lab immediately. The ever-positive Dr. O, however, does not feel that he will find anything to "fix" by cath and has indicated that Corbin may be facing a "take down" of the fontan surgery which was completed April 13, from which Corbin has fought so hard and long to recover. I've lost count of how many open heart surgeries he has already had and this would be a major one, returning him to the circulation prior to this hospitalization. All the echocardiograms through Friday showed excellent heart function -- this is a surprise. Terri thought they were looking at weeks, not hours, before something drastic would need to be done.

Travis left with the boys to drive back to Virginia this morning, knowing none of this, although he'd told me by phone that the fluid retention was very scary. I will have to tell him the latest news when he arrives as Terri does not want him driving under such stress, and we may have to get him on a flight back to U of Mich.

PLEASE PRAY. We are tempted to fall into a spirit of fear, but the same God who has provided for Corbin every day of his 23 months (tomorrow) reigns today. We pray for another miracle. We expect another miracle. Please pray for superior wisdom for Dr. Ohye -- he's saved Corbin's life 3 times previously -- pray for Corbin to begin to eliminate volumes of fluid, for protection from further surgery, further infection, further drugs, further pain. Please pray for Corbin's comfort and healing. Please pray, as God has commanded us, for I cannot find the words to know how to pray.

Psalm 56:3-4, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid." 10-11, "In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise -- in God I trust; I will not be afraid."

Thank you for your prayers and caring. May God be glorified THIS day!
GrandPenny

June 11, 2006
Hello Prayer Warriors and Corbin Fans,

Corbin is doing well. He is being a little stinker and has done something bad. He pulled out his J/G tube and is scheduled for the OR!!! Yes, you heard me correctly a weekend could not pass without the words OR in them and so on Monday, Corbin returns to the OR and Pod A ICU for recovery.

He is still doing well happy and playful. We are doing bipap during the day for a few hours for napping times to help him sleep better.

He is still retaining fluid and very diuretic dependant. His tummy is still distended and on the large size. Please pray these issues will resolve and that Corbin will tolerate feedings without stepping to far backwards again.

Terri

277 June 09, 2006
Hi Everyone,

Today Corbin had a better day. Transistioning into Moderate Care was very difficult on him and the nursing staff. It took two days to get it all together but we did and things are much better. Corbin is on 19 different medications given MANY times a day, TPN, lipids, Continous Feedings (depending on the time and day), oxygen or bipap, his risk of aspiration and protecting his airway, he also has the j tube that needs protected by flushing with warm water every 4 hours, and keeping his picc line secure and away from his grabby little hands. This is A LOT of work for the nurses. That does not include daily labs, x rays or other orders that they write for. So we had to adjust as well as the nurses. Thankfully they have a great management team that helped tremendously to straighten out the kinks during these past two days.

Today, Corbin received a wheelchair from physical therapy and was able to get out of the room. He even was able to spend 30 minutes alone outside with me!!!! He was very happy, playful and full of attitude. When the nurses would walk up to him and not pick him up he would respond with a pout and an aughh! He had all of us laughing today. He is still running a fever and fighting these infections.

All our love,
Terri

276 June 08, 2006

Yesterday was NOT a good day. Corbin was vomiting blood, showed elevated white cell count and fever. He did not stop vomiting until they increased his reflux meds and stopped feeding him AGAIN. Scopes and scans show no explanation for the bleeding. He was lethargic and very frightened, but his respiration, saturations and blood pressure were ok on 2 liters oxygen during the day and bi-pap at night. He definitely was not back to where he was before Monday's surgery.

Today Terri reports that he is somewhat better. They will re-start his feeds and at Terri's request, trying to give him some pro-biotics, lactobaccilus, to help his digestive tract. The pharmacy is trying to find a way to give it to him with the less than 10cc's that he can tolerate. His PICC line has loosened and moved out from where it should be, but is working, so they need to re-stitch it to secure it. They will re-xray it in the am to determine if it is going to be alright to continue to use. Corbin seems to feel a bit better today.

May God be Glorified in YOUR life THIS day! Praise to God who sustains life and gives us Hope. Thanks to the Lord for the many miracles in Corbin's life.
GrandPenny

May 30, 2006
My grace is sufficient for you. 2 Cor 12-9

His Grace is great enough to meet the great things-
The crashing waves that overwhelm the soul,
The roaring winds that leave us stunned and breathless,
The sudden storms beyond our life's control.

His Grace is great enough to meet the small things-
The little pinprick troubles that annoy,
The insect worries, buzzing and persistent,
The squeeking wheels that grate upon our Joy.
Annie Johnson Flint

Last Night at exactly 24 hours out from when cultures where drawn the phone rang from Microbiology to tell us that Corbin does have an infection in his blood stream. We will not know the exact infection until later today. Please pray that as this storm trys to overwhelm us we realize that His grace is sufficient and will carry us through this as well.

Corbin is still not tolerating the feedings. He did tolerate a small wean on his morphine drip yesterday. He had a wagon ride around the PCTU Pod A and gave out lots of kisses and hugs to all the nurses he could. He was so funny when a man approached him he would shake his head no but when a lady approached him he would open his arms to give out some love!!! He had us all laughing. He is still doing 12 hours at night of CPAP. He starts at 6pm and comes off at 6 am. Last night his Aunt Kim and Uncle Terry was able to see his fun personality. He played for a few hours with Kim and I.

Please pray that they will be able to get clear cultures from his lines and that they will not have to remove them due to the blood infection. Pray that the infection will clear quickly and that Corbin will start tolerating feedings into his intestines.

Thank you and Much Love for all of you,
Terri

May 26, 2006

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

We rejoice in Corbin having had THREE good days of progress and healing in a row! However, the stroller ride wore him out and whether from fatigue or pain, he began breathing more shallow, his right lung collapsed again, and Corbin had to be put back on CPAP. He remains comfortable and content and they will take him off and let him "exercise" his lungs occasionally as he tolerates. His stomach distention has been relieved by venting it, but his J tube became clogged. So although he was tolerating 25 cc's/hour, they had to stop feeding him again. Terri asked me this morning to pray that an enzymne solution would unclog the J tube as he really needs to be fed. Now she has called again and the J tube has ruptured. Because Corbin's liver is enlarged and hard, continuing TPN is not advised and he really needs to be fed. So he will have to return again to the OR first case tomorrow morning, be intubated again and have the J tube re-inserted. They will also scope the intestines to check for damage. Corbin has been sleeping all day, so labs have been re-done as they are suspecting infection causing the sleepiness.

Please pray that Corbin will continue to be comfortable; that there is NO infection; that he will tolerate the intubation and anesthesia necessary for the J-tube insertion; that God will clear the path for Corbin to get just the treatment he needs at the best time; that Corbin will be protected from infection, human error and technological difficulties; that the lab work will clarify Corbin's condition and treatment requirements. Please pray that Terri will feel God's peace and perfect timing in this newest complication and have strength to trust the Truth and not be tempted to despair.

We thank each of you for your support, your caring and your prayers. Your faithfulness to continue to pray for Corbin and the family blesses us and honors God.

God's promises are True.
GrandPenny

May 21, 2006
Blessed be His name, on the road marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, Blessed be His name.

Thank you so much for all the messages and calls. Your care and prayers sustain us and we loved rejoicing with you in Corbin's improvements and Terri's respite.

It looks like we're doing the "recovery dance": two steps forward, one step back -- at least we had 2 good days, but today brings further difficulties.
Terri reports that Corbin is acidotic with high CO2, he's in pain and back up on the prior high hourly narcotics levels for sedation. Apparently he pulled out the main (medial) chest tube, and although usually that would mean he could be on his tummy, as he prefers, he's so agitated that he just crawls away if they roll him over. The weekend staff does not want to re-place the tube so will wait for the surgeon tomorrow since the chest x-ray does not show any new fluid pockets. They have stopped his feeds and are running tests attempting to determine what has caused the pain and poor blood gases.

When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say, Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Please pray that God will reveal Corbin's problems to the staff, that the staff will have wisdom and skill in treating Corbin, that God will once again give Terri great wisdom to care for her baby, and that Corbin will be content and comfortable. We Praise God for every bit of progress Corbin has made and pray that Corbin will continue on the path to rapid recovery, astounding all who see and hear, and causing all to acknowledge the work of the Lord. We pray for God's peace to pass all understanding as we strive to be content in our circumstances, trusting the Lord for Corbin's healing, for God loves Corbin even more than we do.

Praying that we'll have some understanding and improvement to report tomorrow. Thank you for your care and prayers.
GrandPenny

May 19, 2006

Terri just called to say that Corbin is back up in the ICU, awake and doing well.

Have a blessed evening,

Lattany

May 18, 2006
I know that I keep getting on the care page thanking all of you for your support, prayers, cards, packages, and phone calls but those words seem so small for all that you each are doing but all I can give back right now is those two words. So I am saying them once again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Corbin is still slowly improving from his adventure of last night. He is still getting almost hourly extra doses of morphine and ativan on top of his continous high drips for his pain. As long as he is not moved he is fairly comfortable and resting. This evening when I was speaking to him he put both hands up covering his eyes to block it all away. What a great sign that his fight is ever there! He is getting breathing treatments to loosen everything up to make him cough as the pain from the chest tubes makes him hold his coughs which stops him from clearing up his lungs. His blood pressure is doing great. He has begun peeing like a champ. They have stopped the albumen doses every 6 hours so we are praying that he continues to pee and remove fluid from the right places. His lungs have stopped showing positive cultures for the bacteria and we were able to stop one of his very strong antibiotics. Even under these scary times we are seeing improvement continue. A real gift from God in this that his Heart remained strong during this entire episode of respiratory distress! How great he is!

Corbin is scheduled to go down to the cath lab for new line placement and check for occlussion and clotting tommorrow. He should go down aroung 10am to 11am. Please pray that this will go smoothly and they will find adequate areas for placing his pic line and other needed lines.

For many of the new Mom's and expectant Mom's out there of CHD children. I want you to know that even though this road sounds hard to those of you on the other side of this, for us God not only gives us the strength but also the tremendous feeling of Joy in being Corbin's Mom and Dad and the parents of his three wonderful brothers as well. He will give that same strength and joy to you as well, never fear the future or the unknown for your child, as the joy of each day out weighs anything else. I pray you will feel his peace and joy in each day with your children.

Yes, I am going to say it again,
Thank You,
Terri
Very Blessed to be the Mom to 4 great boys, Wife of a wonderful husband, and "Daughter" to a beautiful Mom

256 May 18, 2006
Corbin, "for whom God will provide".

God's mercy and kindness sustain Corbin and he is improving. Pain is the primary culprit as they cannot sedate him enough to relieve the discomfort. Terri reports that he is no longer clenching his teeth and hands nor lifting his legs as the sedation has been returned to continual drip. He is still working to breathe, with those telltale "grunts" at each breath, but the respiration rate is down and the oxygen saturation up at a reduced rate of 4 liters oxygen. His lungs show only 50% collapse. His blood pressure is now stable but he will get a 3rd unit of blood this week as his hematocrit is low once again. Diuretics have been increased and they've resumed half strength feeds at 5cc's/hour.

Please pray for Corbin's lungs to clear, to open, for his G-J tube site to heal, for protection from infection, for relief from pain and for general stability and contentment. Please pray for Terri to get rest and have peace, and for Travis to feel at peace with being at work in VA while concerned for Corbin and Terri in Michigan.

Thank you so much,
GrandPenny

255 May 18, 2006 at 08:11 AM EDT
URGENT PRAYER NEEDED: Corbin's lungs are both collapsed and he's struggling to breathe. He was receiving Xeoponex treatments for wheezing yesterday but by 9 pm he was retracting, flaring nostrils and panicking. They had to bag him, bring in x-ray, stop feeds, do an echo all while a Code Blue was going on elsewhere in a very full PCTU. They're suspecting withdrawal from the morphine as part of the difficulty, but even benadryl, chloral hydrate, versed and morphine could not get him sedated. They inserted 3 chest tubes without anesthesia.

Corbin is now "shocky" with low blood pressure and high respiration and heart rate. He's retaining 3 liters of excess fluid. Terri expects them to add a lasix drip, but continue albumen for low blood pressure. He's on 5 liters oxygen plus blow-by, but they are trying to avoid the ventilator as it is so dangerous to the fontan circulation. They will continue albumen to improve blood pressure and movement of the fluid. Terri found this situation when she returned from a visit last evening with a heart-mom.

Corbin was scheduled for a PICC line in the cath lab today, but that has been postponed. They may bring in a doppler to explore his right leg where the pulse has weakened.

Terri had a blessed time with heart-friend Colleen last evening. Colleen brought her favorite Mexican dinner and a devotions book. This morning Terri shared the passage for May 18, which is 2 Corinthians 1: 8-9, and I've included 10 - 11 as it is so appropriate:

"For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction . . . that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our HOPE. And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through YOUR prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many."

Thank you for rejoicing with us in all that God has done and will CONTINUE to do to heal Corbin. Thank you for being faithful to pray. Our requests today are that:
God will fill Terri with peace and contentment with Corbin's care and she may have some rest after a very scary night;
Corbin's congestion will clear and his breathing relax for improved oxygenation and circulation;
Corbin's blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration will stabilize.

To God be the glory for great things He has done and will continue to do to heal Corbin.
GrandPenny

May 17, 2006
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good, His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:4-5

Corbin is once again extubated! They had to restrain him last night because he was trying to do it himself, so they determined that it would be safer to remove the tube. He's currently on 4 liters oxygen averaging 79% saturation. His chest x-rays are the same, no worse. Today they will continue to wean the morphine and continue to slowly reduce the volume of steroids.

The new feeding tube site is still bleeding as his blood does not coagulate properly, so no tummy time for Corbin until it is fully healed. He's too shakey to hold things, but showing great strength when they attempt to apply percussion to his back to loosen lung secretions! He's in a private PCTU room now, which may help with getting good rest and definitely makes things easier on Terri.

May God be glorified THIS day in ALL things.
GrandPenny

253 May 16, 2006 at 06:57 PM EDT
Praise God for protection and mercy and THANK you for your faithful prayers.

It was a VERY long time before we heard that Corbin's surgery was over and successful. Apparently it took over an hour to sedate him. He's still on so much sedation that they wanted to make sure he couldn't feel any pain, but don't want to compromise his respiration. They could not get him to sleep! But he was intubated, they will continue working to get him awake and hope to extubate him tomorrow. He now has a G-J tube or a gastro-jejunostomy. There is a tube into his stomach for venting the stomach, a balloon to keep the tube in, and a tube into the second part of the small intestine for feeding. They did a scope prior to inserting the tube, which did require enlarging of the abdominal opening, and found some damaged intestines but nothing that should not recover in time.

Please continue to pray for Corbin's protection from human error and infection; that his fluid levels, electrolytes and blood will stabilize; that he will recover quickly from today's surgery, awaken and be extubated; that his lungs will continue to clear and heal and his respiration will improve. Thank you for holding this family in your hearts and prayers. God is glorified in your lovingkindness to us.

GrandPenny

252 May 16, 2006
Just a really quick update and request for IMMEDIATE PRAYER. Corbin is going to pediatric surgery at 1:30 pm EST to get the GJ tube. This is an extension of his feeding tube through the current site but down into the duodenum (instead of the stomach) to remove the possibility of vomiting and aspirating until he is off of all sedatives. The hope is for him to be able to be fed soon.
However, he must be anesthetized and re-intubated for the surgery.

Will post more later, May God be Glorified in ALL things THIS day. To Him we give praise.
GrandPenny

251 May 15, 2006 at 02:02 PM EDT
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever, sing Praise!"

Thank you for all the Mothers Day greetings for Terri and me. It was certainly the most memorable one of my life, and one of thanksgiving for Terri.

Corbin is more awake, keeping his eyes open 30 minutes at a time, and watching those nurses VERY closely. Although the sedation is still heavy, it will be weaned more slowly now as he becomes agitated and is stifling efforts to cough due to discomfort. This is causing the lung secretions to build up and interfere with oxygenation. Although the oxygen had been decreased yesterday, today it is increased again with occasional blow-by as well, because his left lung is collapsed. His CO2 leves are still high, but not as dangerous as reintubation would be, so as long as he recovers well after suctioning, they will let him continue to rest and recover as he is. They also have C-PAP available before considering reintubation.

His heart function is good, Praise God! Managing the fluid level, diuretics and infection are the main challenges. Today he's having an upper GI series done. The plan is to take him to the OR for the G-J tube and then in 5-6 weeks, when he has been stable for a while, do a complete reflux, pH, and swallow studies to determine how to resume oral feeding. They know that his digestive tract took quite a "hit" during the trauma of blood loss, sepsis, ECMO, CPR, etc, so they need to begin assessing any damage and planning to resume feedings.

Please pray for Travis' return to work, for Terri to be at peace with Corbin's care and get enough rest, for the infections to resolve, for Corbin's lungs to clear and strengthen, for God to heal his GI tract so that he can return to strength and eating all those things he learned to love!

We give Glory to God for Corbin's healing and pray fervently for the continued improvement in strength and recovery. We pray that God will return Corbin to the active, strong, loving, funny guy he was pre-surgery. We praise Him for THIS day and find joy in THIS day despite our circumstances. To He who gives us life, we give all the glory. Thank you for your prayers and many acts of loving kindness and care for our family.

GrandPenny

May 8, 2006

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; . .16 Therefore, we do not lose heart.

How kind of God to bring new mercy and healing THIS day. Although Corbin is still critical and not stable, I feel encouraged by many small steps reported today. I feel that there is improved understanding of his condition and improved strength in his body. I trust that these feelings are from God. .....

Please understand that so much of this report is my impressions. Corbin now has pediatricians, cardiologists, pulmonologist, nephrologists, surgeons, infectious disease, hematologists and other -ologists I don't even know, rendering opinions and ordering (sometimes opposing) meds and procedures. He even has physical therapy apply special "boots" to help re-train his feet and leg muscles. But God is giving me a peace today that is new and brings joy to my heart, as I find new confidence in God's healing of Corbin. I keep hoping for the words "stable" in describing his condition, but my only real security is from the Lord, the Great Comforter, Who is telling me today that each of the "baby steps" add up to forward progress.

Your prayers sustain us and honor God, the Great Physician, who provides for Corbin. Thank you for your faithfulness to pray and to care for our family.
May God be glorified THIS day.
GrandPenny

May 05, 2006 at 09:14 AM EDT
I went to sleep last night and awoke again this morning only by God's grace. Both times I was singing the words written by Casting Crowns, words written for worship, and my heart sings. .

"I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You"

Praise Be to God that He is faithful and true. We can always find Him because He is unchanging. I find comfort this morning in knowing that God loves Corbin even more than all of us do. I find comfort in God.

Corbin had a "bad night" and the nurses are expecting blood labs to confirm sepsis. His blood pressure is very unstable and he is not tolerating movement. He is on the maximum dosage epinephrine but they also have vasopressen available to give, if necessary. They feel that it may take a few days for the anti-fungals and antibiotics to relieve the infections. They are attempting to clear his chest tubes in hopes that will provide some relief. His lungs are congested and cannot be suctioned at this time.

Mercies for today: Two of the nurses will come in voluntarily this evening to sit with Corbin (in addition to his 2 nurses on duty) so that T&T can leave the hospital, with a pager, and go out to dinner with Terri's sister and her husband. Terri did not leave the ICU last night and they've been there now 3 weeks -- this will be a blessed respite.

Please pray for God's healing hand to work another miracle of healing on Corbin; that he will be free of infections; that his blood pressure will stabilize; that he will become responsive; that he is comfortable and content; that he will be protected from human error; that all who see him will feel the love of God; that T&T will feel God's "peace that passes all understanding".

Because there is God, there is Hope, and we pray for healing and complete recovery.
May God be glorified THIS day.

GrandPenny

May 04, 2006
Is there a perfect scripture for today? Try the entire book of Psalms. Thank you for your messages of scripture reminders I read on this site each day. I am focused on Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things not seen, the evidence of things hoped for." This roller coaster ride of Corbin's surgery and recovery for the past 3 weeks is an intensification of what our lives reflect. Lattany has selected this Psalm:

Psalm 42
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you . . .

7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

11 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Terri called this morning to say that what ground Corbin gained yesterday was lost overnight. Apparently the reason we received little news for 2 days is that T&T have had to be "on their toes" in advocacy for Corbin due to inconsistent staffing. They have worked to improve the situation and feel that there is an acceptable plan in place today. Corbin begins receiving physical therapy today to improve the joint movement and muscle tone in his limbs. He's tolerating 6cc/hour pedialyte by the J tube.
Corbin was off nitric and they were accepting less-than-optimum levels to allow his body to work to improve in all areas today. Then we received another call that he was back on nitric and they are working to maintain blood pressure and increasing the vent settings to improve oxygenation.
An hour later I received the tearful call that the chest culture taken Monday had grown the same fungal infection that was in his bladder. The bladder's been treated with anti-fungal "washes", but since they can't do that in the chest cavity they must now begin a very strong IV that requires benadryl and Tylenol before each injection.

Hebrews 11:1 is my "song" today. Thank you God for all that you will do in Corbin's life and in us who call on Your Name. We know that you are working good in ALL things because your promises are faithful and true. Thank you God for your peace and for the knowledge that we are right where you want us to be.

Please pray that Corbin will be free of fungal and bacterial infection; that he will have consistent, skillful, wise, diligent and loving care; that T&T will be content with his careplan and able to leave to eat and rest; that Corbin's body will respond to medication adjustments; that God will grant him healing strength and comfort during treatment. We thank God for the precious child, Corbin, "for whom God will provide" and for the faithful friends who stand beside us in prayer.

GrandPenny

May 03, 2006
"A little better each day". What glorious words from Travis this evening.

There is not much NEWs today, but steady and onward. Corbin's on the minimum amount of nitric oxide and the minimum dose of epinephrine, but not quite ready to come off of either. Oxygen saturations holding in low-mid 80's and mean bp 55-60. They've just begun feeding him a little pedialyte through the J tube extension of his G tube (into the intestine). Probably the very best news is that he's required no additional sedation (beyond the planned IV drips) and is signing "more" and "milk". My household is rejoicing that Corbin is signing -- it indicates so many positive things after all he has endured the past 3 weeks.

A dear friend was up in the wee hours last night praying for us -- that must be why I slept so soundly -- and shared this scripture with me this morning:
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4

We Praise God for His mercy and kindness that has sustained us thus far and will continue without end. His Promises of Unseen eternity are enough. We Praise Him also for what is seen. The joy of Corbin's recovery, those precious hands signing, living proof that Corbin is still Corbin, after so much trauma. How kind of God to bless us with the seen AND the unseen. How kind of God to sustain Corbin's life. How kind of God to provide YOU to support us through the trial. How very kind of God.

Thank you for your prayers, dear friends.
GrandPenny

235 May 02, 2006
His mercies are new each morning.

Don't know much, but Travis left a quick message that Corbin is scheduled to go to the OR to have his chest closed! They do it in the OR so they can control the environment and protect his collateral veins, etc. I'm taking this as good news because they would not be moving him nor closing him if he were not more stable. I don't know his stats, but I'm assuming the best.

Will update when I know more. Until then, we Rejoice in God's healing power and wisdom and perfect timing.
GrandPenny

May 03, 2006
"A little better each day". What glorious words from Travis this evening.

Thank you for your prayers, dear friends.
GrandPenny

May 02, 2006

"I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am"
(Casting Crowns)

I am reminded of how feeble I truly am as Satan enters in to tempt my thoughts to "what if". Today I kept reverting to thoughts of prior elevator rides for Corbin and prior chest closures. Praise God that He is faithful and true, even (especially!) when I'm not!

"I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth" Psalm 121

Corbin is doing well and has been stable for several hours after the chest closure. The oxygen has been reduced in the vent to 50% and his saturations hold at 80%. He's off the paralytics, kidney function eliminating fluids well, and he wakes up MAD! He bites the ventilator tube cutting off the O2 and turns a scary purple! His blood pressure shoots up, but the increased sedation is helping with the pain of today's procedure and Corbin will now calm to the sound of T&T voices and touch. Relaxed, his bp is at an acceptable level. He did not tolerate reduction in the nitric oxide, so they will continue to try to wean it away. Specifically, that would be our greatest prayer, that Corbin's pulmonary arteries and lungs would strengthen and respond to work efficiently and improve oxygenation to his little body. We ask God to relieve the pulmonary hypertension and restore Corbin's respiratory tract.

Terri slept well last night and I pray that she will have another good, long night of deep sleep to restore her tired body.

Praise God for "heart family"! Today it sounded (over the phone) like a party in the ICU waiting room as T&T were "entertained" during Corbin's trip to the OR by several visitors. T&T AND the boys here in Va, have received great packages from heart families and church family. How very clever, unique, helpful and fun each one is. Isn't God kind to meet our every need and then add "surprise and delight" to encourage us?

I am overwhelmed by priceless messages of encouragement I have received from many of you. The stories you share and the love you express bless us so, and the way in which you honor God in your love and care encourages us during this trial. God is truly Glorified in the way you express His loving kindness to us.

GrandPenny

April 30, 2006 at 06:47 PM EDT
This roller coaster ride feels more like an off-cable elevator.

Terri just called for URGENT PRAYER. As soon as they moved Corbin his oxygen saturations dropped from 90's to 60's, the ventilator is not ventilating him and they are "bagging" him continuously.

I'm so sorry to be sending such contrasting and ever-changing messages, but that's the situation at present and all we can do is offer Corbin up to God, once again, for His intervention and healing. Thank you for your prayers and I pray that I can soon write with better news that he is stable.

To God be the Glory, THIS day,
GrandPenny

230 April 30, 2006 at 05:53 PM EDT
Blessed be the Lord, Great things He has done!

Corbin is successfully off of ECMO! I don't know any details except that he's on his way back to Pod A (PCTU) and T&T are with him. That means things are going well because they're kept in the waiting room whenever there are serious difficulties or procedures happening.

Thanks again for your faithfulness to pray. What a privilege to share with you all that God is doing for Corbin and our family.

GrandPenny

April 30, 2006 at 03:55 PM EDT
"My feet are firm held by His grace."

I'm beginning to think that Corbin's sedation should be shared with GrandPenny! Terri just called to say, "They are decannulating your grandson." Well, it was a tense moment until I realized what that must mean -- taking him off the cannulas for ECMO. We didn't expect that to happen today, but Terri will call when it is complete and they have seen him. PLEASE PRAY. Although exciting, this is very dangerous and he cannot go back on.

We pray for God's divine intervention again to sustain Corbin during the change in circuit and to guide the surgeon's hands as they close off the carotid artery and jugglar veins that have carried the ECMO circuit.

I'll post as soon as we hear how Corbin is. God loves to surprise and delight His children. We await His blessings. Because there is God, there is Hope. Making this quick so you can PRAY!

GrandPenny

April 30, 2006 at 09:01 AM EDT
Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow! We rejoice this morning in His great Goodness. What a difference a week can make as God continues to answer each specific prayer.

This time last week the doctors were saying there was nothing more they could do. This morning there is no bleeding and Corbin succeeded in a 3 hour trial off the ECMO circuit with just a little epinephrine, vasopressen and milrinone. He is still on LOTS of narcotics to keep him calm. Last night he was kicking and scooting so much that he kicked the doctor in the chest! Nearly 2 weeks of immobility and he has strength to fight and muscle tone to kick -- praise God! All that activity is not good on the ECMO machine, so they've had to increase the sedation and paralytics while they prepare him to come off the ECMO. We need lots of prayer at this time, because anatomically Corbin can never go back on ECMO. This is his second stint on it and he has used up all access points.

Praise God for Corbin's strength and progress. Please pray:
That Corbin's lung will continue to improve -- last x-ray showed upper lobe still collapsed;
that Corbin will be calm and comfortable, able to come down on the narcotics;
that no infection will grow and he can come off of some antibiotics;
that Corbin's body and skin will remain strong and protected from weeks in bed;
that his kidneys will manage output -- now he's eliminating TOO much and is off all diuretics;
that the doctors will have skill and wisdom and PATIENCE allowing enough rest time and not pushing Corbin too fast and changing too many variables at once;
that the medical team will skillfully prepare all aspects of Corbin's care toward removing him successfully from ECMO at just the right time;
that Terri and Travis continue to lean on God whose timing is perfect in ALL things;
that they continue to rest well and draw strength and patience from the Lord and Giver of Life.

We have great Hope because of our faithful and powerful God. May He receive ALL Glory and Honor for preserving Corbin and upholding our family through this continuing trial. We pray that every one of you would feel the love and care of God in your situations as well.

Thank YOU for your precious prayers and for standing beside us because you care. May God be Glorified in ALL things THIS day.

GrandPenny

April 28, 2006 at 07:22 AM EDT
"Thou hast enclosed me behind and before, Thy hand is upon me" Psalm 139

We ask your specific prayers for Corbin this morning. He is back on dialysis because his blood pressure is now too low so they have been giving fluids to bring it up and his body is not eliminating on its own. Please pray that his blood pressure will increase and stabilize and that his kidneys will begin working again.

His body is not properly exchanging gases and his right lung is still not opening. He cannot tolerate the medicines needed for the lung (caused bleeding inside the lung), so today they will do another broncoscopy to try and loosen and suction the congestion from the lung.

They want to do another trial off the ECMO today, but only if his blood pressure normalizes. Each day on ECMO presents new risks so the goal is to get him of as soon as he can tolerate it.

Please pray for these improvements for Corbin today as we petition our Great Physician, the God who heals. Please also give thanks to God for His Glory THIS day in preserving Corbin. It is two full weeks since his fontan surgery and one full week ago that he suffered the "crash" code blue, that put him on ECMO. God has worked miracles, has intervened to identify the infection, stop the bleeding and preserve Corbin. Great healing has occurred. We know God wants to give us our hearts' desire and today that would be for Corbin to be strengthened, to improve and come off the ECMO.

Please give kisses and hugs to your children, small and large, from GrandPenny, and thank you for your faithfulness to pray. I will update as there is news.

GrandPenny

April 26, 2006
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?. . . Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-27
Hasn't our God been good to carry all our burdens and supply all our needs despite our circumstances?

Although Corbin remains "critically stable" on ECMO, there are some improvements. He is losing fluid weight and now there is pulse detected in all 4 extremities. Today was a resting day and tomorrow they may try his first "trial" lowering the support of the ECMO. The culture grew, proving bacterial infection in his lung, and he could not tolerate the steroid treatments so they continue heavy-duty antibiotics. The infection, plus receiving so much blood, has caused thyroid and other reactions. He is on too many meds to list and his heart is still being paced.

We give thanks for every minute with Corbin and every improvement. The PCTU has been very active again with sad and frightening situations, so please pray for T&T to be protected from despair in their situation.

We give thanks for Corbin's doctors and nurses; for the Ronald McDonald House accomodations; for the old and new friends serving T&T in Michigan and the church family serving us in Va; thanks for each of you who care and pray; God is glorified in our care for one another and we give thanks to God for his provision to Corbin and all of us.
Continuing to pray for good progress, strength and healing for Corbin.

Until tomorrow, May you know the peace that passes ALL understanding and May God be Glorified THIS day.
Grandpenny

April 25, 2006
"I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. Oh Lord my God I cried to you for help and YOU HEALED me...Sing PRAISE to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to His holy name...weeping may tarry for the night, but JOY comes in the morning."!!!!!! Psalm 30:1-5ish

These words from scripture were shared in a message to us today from dear Rebekah, and they are so perfect. God's Word is Truth and His promises are True and we rest in Him.

Corbin is considered "stable on ECMO", which is really an oxymoron, but we'll take it! The best sign was when they removed the "crash" cart from his bedside. He is off the paralytic drugs but heavily sedated due to the trauma of yesterday's surgery. He opens his eyes, is aware and will cry tears when more meds are due. The plan is to let him "rest" for 2 days and work on removing nearly 11 pounds of excess fluid from his body by resuming diuretics. His right lung showed some improvement on today's x-ray so the suction is helping and additional bronc was not needed. These are tiny baby steps in the right direction and we give thanks.

Your outpouring of love and care to our family represents God's kindness and mercy and is sustaining us. The 3 brothers here are doing great and looking forward to staying with friends overnight later this week. Layna's broken toe is set for healing and GrandPenny has had NO trouble with her foot for days -- Praise God!

Blessings to all and thank you for your faithfulness to pray without ceasing during this long trial of sickness and recovery for Corbin.
GrandPenny

April 24, 2006
Please forgive the brevity of this posting but I am physically and emotionally "spent". Spiritually I am "soaring on eagles' wings" with gratefulness to God for today's miracles. In short, Corbin is not bleeding, his chest tube drainage is light and clear, he is off blood pressure meds and I can't even remember what all else, except that he is showing general improvement. The constant prayers and faithfulness of you friends and family has held us up and God worked a miracle obvious to even the skeptics.

Corbin is still critically ill on ECMO, but we have improvement and signs that he can stabilize. I cannot thank you enough for all the prayers and for sharing our needs with your family and friends. Thanks to all who have or will be giving blood. I don't know how many units of blood Corbin has required but it's dozens.
When I feel weak or tempted to dispair, I just read the powerful truths and caring messages you've written to this page.

Praise God alone for bringing a miracle of healing on Corbin today. May God be glorified THIS day and may He give us and Corbin strength for the next.
Psalm 126: And so we celebrate because God has, indeed, worked miracles for us.

I am humbled, speechless, and so in awe of our mighty God.
GrandPenny

April 24, 2006 at 09:09 AM EDT
URGENT PRAYER NEED:

Corbin is bleeding out from his incision and other places beyond the chest tubes. The surgeon is reopening his chest right in the ICU to attempt to find the cause.
PLEASE PRAY

GrandPenny

April 24, 2006 at 08:08 AM EDT
"Faith like a mustard seed can move mountains. God will heal Corbin. I am overwhelmed but not discouraged, thanking God for every moment that Corbin is here."

These are the Truths Terri shared with me this morning. She went on to share the needs of OTHER families in the ICU, their pain and struggle and how we could pray for them. In the midst of her own storm, she is seeking to serve others. How great is our God!

Corbin remains about the same but Terri shared many little (probably huge) things that are positive that she finds encouraging. The major areas needing improvement, thus our prayers and praises are:

Corbin continues to lose a liter of blood per hour and receiving 2 - 3 units of blood products; MANY of you have responded that you're heading the American Red Cross to donate blood today. Praise God for your willingness to give this "gift of life" to assure adequate supplies for Corbin.

The ECMO circuit began leaking and they had the crash cart and a full tray of drawn meds ready to attempt the switch to a new circuit, knowing his blood pressure was too low to safely transfer. Praise God that Corbin's bp miraculously came up and they were able to make the circuit change with only a brief dip in oxygenation.

Corbin remains on dialysis to cleanse his system, but Praise God his kidneys are actually working, they've stopped the diuretics and he is eliminating on his own.

Corbin's heart is back on the pacer, but there have not been any more episodes of tachycardia.

Corbin is being nourished by TPN but has not had the blood changes he experienced previously which had required insulin.

Despite all of the trial and turmoil of the ICU and her concern for Corbin, God granted the gift of sleep and Terri was able to sleep more than 6 hours last night. His mercies are new every morning !

Our pastor must return home this evening, but we Praise God that he has spent 3 days supporting T&T in spiritual and practical ways. We thank God for his service and the corresponding sacrifice by his family. Corbin's heart still beats!

Despite their dire need for love and support, T&T insist that others who have offered to come to Michigan, stay in Va to support us and their other boys. This is the love of God and the power of God's strength in them. Your messages, love and care surround and support them even so far away. The love of God knows no bounds.

God will certainly lead you in your prayers for Corbin and the family, but my prayers are that God will pour out a huge measure of strength for Travis. I hear weariness in his voice and just want to wrap my arms around him. Since I can't do that, I will attempt to take care of some practical needs here in Va. Corbin's body needs to rest and stop losing blood. I pray that God will stop the bleeding while still providing whatever other support is required for Corbin to heal. Terri expects the doctors to confer this afternoon and develop a "plan". I pray that their plan is acceptable to T&T and that God grants them wisdom and skill in caring for Corbin. I pray that God will protect Corbin from infection and human error. The Great Physician is trustworthy and we put our faith in Him, because He loves Corbin even more than we do.

May you all have a faith-filled day of seeing God's mercy and kindness in your lives. Thank you so much for your faithfulness to pray for Corbin. Your care for us is God's provision to us and we are so grateful.

GrandPenny
(because there are so many new readers: I am GrandPenny to Corbin, 21 mo, hlhs, treated at Univ Michigan; and his 3 brothers Gunnar 7, Aiden 5, Brodie 3, who are with us in Va. I am Mom to Travis & Terri (live in Va but travel to Michigan for Corbin), Brandon (caring for T&T's home in Va), Lattany 17, Logan 15, and Layna 13; wife to "Pa", all caring for 3 busy boys in Va.
Now if that's not too confusing, I hope it helps you "know" us!

I am humbled, speechless, and so in awe of our mighty God.
GrandPenny

April 24, 2006 at 09:09 AM EDT
URGENT PRAYER NEED:

Corbin is bleeding out from his incision and other places beyond the chest tubes. The surgeon is reopening his chest right in the ICU to attempt to find the cause.
PLEASE PRAY

GrandPenny

April 24, 2006 at 08:08 AM EDT
"Faith like a mustard seed can move mountains. God will heal Corbin. I am overwhelmed but not discouraged, thanking God for every moment that Corbin is here."

Corbin remains about the same but Terri shared many little (probably huge) things that are positive that she finds encouraging. The major areas needing improvement, thus our prayers and praises are:

Corbin remains on dialysis to cleanse his system, but Praise God his kidneys are actually working, they've stopped the diuretics and he is eliminating on his own.

Corbin's heart is back on the pacer, but there have not been any more episodes of tachycardia.

Corbin is being nourished by TPN but has not had the blood changes he experienced previously which had required insulin.

Despite all of the trial and turmoil of the ICU and her concern for Corbin, God granted the gift of sleep and Terri was able to sleep more than 6 hours last night. His mercies are new every morning !

April 23, 2006 at 09:18 PM EDT
God is always faithful, his loving compassion knows no end.

There is no overall change. Corbin remains critical and his blood pressure is unstable. The volume of blood loss is reduced by half from yesterday, but still excessive. He is on dialysis. He suffered tachycardia (excuse sp?) but once the pacer was removed, he has been holding good heart rhythm and rate on his own for hours. The drugs are causing some thickening of the blood but the chest tubes require constant cleaning. The greatest medical praise is that the ECMO circuit has not had to be changed -- which is very risky.

Corbin needs a miracle of God. Medicine and man cannot heal Corbin, but God surely can. In addition to petitioning for and expecting a miracle of healing, we can pray specifically that the bleeding will stop, the chest tubes will drain clear and the ECMO circuit will not have to be changed.

Our church family prayed at the start of the meeting this morning for Corbin, T&T and our whole family. They focused the praise and worship on our struggles and it was evidence of God's power and might. There is no way we could endure this without the powerful grace and mercy of our God. When Gunnar (7) found out the whole church would pray, he said "yes", jumped up and down with a huge grin saying, "that's what we need, yes that's just what Corbin needs!" Oh, the wisdom of children.

Thank you for faithfully praying for Corbin, for leaving messages, calling, and thanks so much to those who have served in practical ways -- fun gifts for the boys, meals, grocery shopping, hand holding, praying with us, and general comfort. We are so blessed by God's provisions. Remember, Corbin means, "for whom God will provide". In addition to our exceptional church family and local friends, our "heart family" has stormed the gates with prayer using their own carepages to gather more to pray for Corbin, to donate blood and to visit Corbin's carepage. We are overwhelmed with thankfulness to everyone who cares, who prays, who visits the carepage, who donates blood and other acts of kindness. When we are weak, God is strong and He is showing His strength in many ways, including YOU.

Thank you for your faithfulness to pray and I'll update when there is significant change.
GrandPenny

215 April 23, 2006 at 09:12 AM EDT
Because there is God, there is Hope!

Update, prayer request and Call for YOUR help:

We continue to pray for a miracle of healing for Corbin. We have seen so many and we pray and expect yet another. My delay in posting is only because there is no significant change. Corbin continues on ECMO, to lose too much blood, and has received dozens of units of blood products. Although the blood must be thin to prevent clotting off the machine or dangers to the blood stream, his is not coagulating at all. This has resulted in a new medication to promote clotting, but that also means a second ECMO machine has been readied to take over if the first one clots off.

Corbin is constantly attended by the ECMO team which has to rotate due to the busy-ness of their work, plus other doctors 24/7. The U Mich staff is amazing.

Praise: T&T both rested well last night. Pastor Dave is still there with them. Corbin is still with us and God is in control.

Request: Because of the use of constant blood products, U Mich supply is running VERY low. In order to receive more blood from the American Red Cross, the ARC must first HAVE the blood. The hospital and T&T are asking that everyone who possibly can, donate blood through your local American Red Cross. Do NOT specify it for Corbin as that just ties the hands of the teams, but donate so the supply will continue to be available to U Mich to treat Corbin and others who need it. It does not matter where you live or what your blood type is. Just donate to the ARC, please.

Thank you -- I must hurry off to church meeting, but please know that your prayers are precious to us and honor God. We give God all the Glory -- great things He has done. We continue to pray with hope and will post as soon as there is any news or significant change.

GrandPenny

214 April 22, 2006 at 08:32 AM EDT
"Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise,
When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say
Blessed be the Name of the Lord, Blessed be Your Glorious Name"

These have been our darkest hours, yet God pours out His amazing Grace. Corbin's body shut down numerous times, reopening of his chest and direct compressions were necessary, plus pacing, and more to get him onto ECMO. It took hours and the access points are quite delicate, yet through the night the staff worked tirelessly. Travis said he doesn't know how the little room held so many people. They were intent on discovering the cause of the problem after Corbin had seemed to make so much progress.

This morning they have opened him up again, drained far too much from him, re-inserted multiple chest tubes, will continue to transfuse him, and he continues on ECMO. There are theories of pneumonia or sepsis that may have hit fast and hard, but we may never know and really don't need to.

God's grace is abundant:
Travis had planned to fly home to Va today and I'm thankful that he was still in Michigan for this crisis.
Heart friends had stopped by to visit and were able to provide exceptional support to T&T.
Terri's sister, Sherri, rushed to the hospital to support them once again.
Barb, the first person they ever met at U Mich, who has faithfully served them these 2 years, was at their side serving them.
One pastor dropped everything to fly out to support T&T.
Another pastor immediately responded to our needs here at home.
Dear friends rushed over and entertained the boys so we could answer calls.
We had a sweet time of praise and prayer into the late hours of the night.
Friends have offered meals and groceries to free us from that burden.
Nurses went the extra mile by calling and informing us so T&T could be with doctors or Corbin.
Not one, but ALL pediatric cardiologists rushed to Corbin's bedside to confer on the best strategies.
God granted peace to all and sustained us all through the night.
God gave strength to my teenage daughter to answer the phone through the night so we could rest to face today.
God granted grace to those who would faithfully pray, send our prayer requests and hold Corbin up to the Lord throughout the night.
God granted peace to 3 little boys who had to feel the tensions, and they enjoyed sweet sleep.

Hasn't He been good? Has He been so good to us? His mercies are new this morning and because there is God, there is Hope.

We are overwhelmed at the outpouring of love, care and prayers from our heart family. You people and the network we've developed to support one another, are absolutely amazing. Please know that it is your prayers and support that God is using to strengthen me for the next hour, and the next, and the next. I just come to this page and read your precious messages and feel God's grace flowing for us all.

I will post when there is significant change. Pray without ceasing, with thanksgiving, and give glory to God for all He has done.

GrandPenny

213 April 21, 2006 at 08:08 PM EDT
Blessed be the Name of the Lord, on the road marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, Blessed be His Name

Urgent prayer request:
Telephone updates come every few minutes and it's painful to be so far from Michigan. Corbin's being treated with drastic measures in the ICU and is being prepared for ECMO (heart/lung bypass suppport). MANY of the pediatric cardiologists are on hand and many wise minds and hearts are working on Corbin's behalf.

Please pray for Terri and Travis to find peace in the storm, to feel God's presence, and to cling to the only One who creates and sustains life. Arrangements are being made for someone to fly out to be with them. Terri's sister is on her way to the hospital and some dear heart friends are there. Nurses are calling us with updates and details, but I don't think they are helpful to you at this time, so I just ask that you pray for Corbin, T&T, these 3 precious brothers and all of us who know and love Corbin. Your generousity to pray is God's grace, and we thank God for you.

My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your Name.
GrandPenny

April 21, 2006
Friends,

We write requesting your urgent and ceaseless prayers.

After a day showing much improvement, Corbin was being moved out of the ICU to the step-down unit when he crashed. He is now being moved back to the ICU, has been reintubated, showing no blood pressure and grey in color. We've spoken only with the nurses, so this is all the info we have at the time. Updates will continue as we have more information.

We trust in a Great Physician -- the One who holds little Corbin in His all-powerful hands and the One who has sole power to heal Corbin's body.

Humbly falling before the Throne of Grace,

Lattany
(Aunt to Corbin)

April 21, 2006
We are commanded to "pray without ceasing" and that's just what so many of you have done for Corbin. We stand in awe of God's goodness and mercy. Even as there are complications and setbacks we marvel at the grace God pours out.

Sorry I didn't update yesterday, but Thursdays are a "rat race" here and I was waiting for the next update from Terri. Since yesterday Corbin is breathing better, his lungs are a little better and he still needs to cough to clear the right lung which is congested. He is still on high oxygen support by nasal canula. They are weaning the milrinone (cardiac output med) very slowly as his blood pressure drops (to a mean 55). His diuretcs have been changed from pump to IV and they are weaning the sedation. He's awake more, but still lethargic. Yesterday he watched some video and kept his eyes open more, and did smile when Terri signed "I love you". She still calls him "pathetic" but there are many positive signs.

They resumed feeding rice dream during the day (he only took 4 ounces) and tube feeding formula at night, but he is not tolerating food. He's on prevacid and zantac for digestion. Corbin's digestion has always been sensitive so this is not unusual and should improve as his meds are weaned and his system returns to balance. He is off TPN but still receiving lipids.

This morning they have removed his catheter, the arterial line, and the most uncomfortable chest tube! (It will be easier to hold him.) Output from the other chest tubes is very low and clear but will remain until he becomes mobile, as that is when the clearing of chest fluids will be more dramatic. They continue to wean him off the morphine and atavan sedation but he has started some tremors which may indicate withdrawal signs. He's still on sodium bicarbonate for the acidic state of his blood as well as enalapril for his heart. His core temperature is stable as his body fights hard.

Corbin is sleeping most of the time and they would like him to awaken and become more active. That would help clear his lungs and GI tract and help him regain muscle tone. Since he's now lay in bed for 9 days, it will take a while to regain strength. There is talk of moving him out of the ICU, but they are not certain whether he must go to moderate care (the step-down unit) or can go to the floor. In moderate care the parents can stay 24 hours but they may not sleep at bedside (now they leave the unit for shift change, rounds and any complications with any patient). On the floor a parent can stay in the room and sleep in the lovely recliner.

My personal prayer is that once Corbin will tolerate being held he will improve more rapidly and regain strength and digestion. Oh the power of human touch! Dr. Ohye (surgeon) is pleased with the results and my personal daily question appears to be answered -- Corbin appears able to adjust to the fontan circulation and is not expected to need a "takedown" (undoing of the surgery). Nothing is certain until he leaves the hospital. The significant concern at present seems to be that Corbin's cardiac output needs to improve.

So today we ask that you join us in continuing to "pray without ceasing" that Corbin:
continue to wean from the narcotics and regain activity and interaction;
have improved cardiac output from the right side of the heart as it works to perform "double duty";
blood pressure improve as the milrinone is weaned;
body chemistry stabilizes at acceptable levels;
be protected from infection and human error;
be able to tolerate food necessary to restore strength;
has a bed in the appropriate unit as soon as he is ready to be moved out of ICU;
and, that Terri and Travis receive the rest necessary to take over 24 hour care as soon as Corbin leaves ICU;
that they are content and at peace with Corbin's care and progress.

Each of you is a treasure of support and caring, and we thank God for your faithfulness. May God be glorified THIS day.
GrandPenny

April 19, 2006
Blessed be His Name, when I'm found in the desert place, though I walk through the wilderness, Blessed Be His Name

Corbin seems to just be worn out. This evening Terri says he looks "pathetic". They want him to awaken more, especially to be upright, move around and loosen chest congestion. He's not comfortable being held, so they have a therapy chair for him, but he just wants to sleep. What a change from the wild man in the crib yesterday! His temperature is under control and his breathing is less labored than it was this morning, but still on 3 liters Oxygen. His saturations hover around 80% and they want it up to 85%. They have started his regular pre-surgery meds, enalapril and aspirin.

Last night when he was still agitated and acting wild, he was signing "please, more, milk, mama" and every time they'd mess with him he'd say "no, 'op". (Praise God, he's "neurologically intact" even after all the trauma post-surgery!) Finally they fed him to help him calm down and he ate very well, but he's not digesting well and the dietician left without writing orders for food, so he can't be fed again until tomorrow, although the TPN and lipids have been removed. He's off the insulin and losing fluid weight. Since he's more calm (worn out) the narcotics dosages are reduced and he was only getting chloral hydrate most of the day. He's wearing a shirt now which makes him look more like himself, and his heart rate remains good both at rest and when awakening.

That's all I can remember, so it sounds like a day of rest for him.
Please pray specifically for:
T&T to be content and at peace with Corbin's care, effectively expressing their concerns and advocating for Corbin, and being heard;
Corbin to breathe deeper and stronger to reduce oxygen support and help clear congestion;
Corbin to awaken more;
Corbin to be comfortable and content;
oxygenation and blood gases to improve;
blood pressure to remain stable;
Corbin to receive the best nutrition and be able to digest well;
Corbin to be protected against infection and human error.

Thank you for all your prayers and care. T&T are so grateful for the visitors, messages, food and calls. We are grateful for the same, as well as planned and surprise meals provided, and invitations for the boys to visit friends. I don't know if Travis' shoulder is any better, but he's not complaining. My foot/ankle is no worse and the doctor provided some strategies for improvement today. I have to be able to chase these 3 little guys!

May God richly bless you and may He be Glorified THIS day,
GrandPenny

April 19, 2006
Just a quick request for prayer -- will post more later.

Corbin is struggling to maintain oxygenation and is on as much oxygen support as possible without re-inserting the ventilator. Although they let him drink 15 ounces last night, not everyone feels that's a good idea. He is running a fever being treated for now with Tylenol, and is VERY tired.

My personal thoughts are that maybe he came too far off the vent and oxygen too soon and because he has been so agitated, also has stressed his body and worn himself out. Terri will call me later to let me know how things are going and what adjustments are being made, so I'll post details tonight.

Please pray that:
Corbin will rest comfortably, relax and breathe more deeply;
secretions will loosen and congestion will clear;
fever will go away;
Corbin will be protected from infection and human error;
Corbin will regain strength and stability.

Thank you and blessings to all, until tonight . . .
GrandPenny

April 18, 2006
Ask and it will be given . . . pray without ceasing . . .

The power of prayer is awesome. Just this morning we asked:
"We thank you for your prayers that hold us up every day. Please join us today in praying specifically that:
Corbin's lungs will strengthen and remain clear, making progress toward getting off of the ventilator; HE'S OFF THE VENT !!
the sedation will keep him comfortable yet be monitored closely to maintain optimum recovery; HE DOESN'T APPEAR IN PAIN
his blood pressure will continue stable and allow weaning off other medications; BP GOOD, MEDS BEING WEANED
perfusion throughout his body would improve and he would become pink all over; USING ALL 4 LIMBS AND SATS AT 93%
Corbin would awaken more peacefully, calm and strong; WELL, STRONG HE IS, PEACEFUL WHEN ASLEEP

We have witnessed another miracle. Terri called to say that Corbin was so active and fitful that he was endangering himself and had dislodged his ventilator. The staff decided they'd have to re-set it anyway, so pulled it the rest of the way and he's doing fine without it! They started with 3 liters oxygen by nasal cannula but stopped down at 1/4 L and his blood gases are fine. His esophogus was so swollen that they gave him epinephrin and the strider is quite loud, but he's much more comfortable without that ventilator down his throat and he's breathing on his own! The tape has torn up his face, but that will heal.

Corbin's blood pressure is good at a mean 68, heart rate is stable at a good 145, and they moved him IMMEDIATELY into a CRIB -- no longer on the surgical bed, because he's back to his wild man actions and they fear he'll climb out. He's maxed out on the narcotics so he is not very peaceful. Best of all, he was mouthing "MOM" over the ventilator, and even though he's not fully conscious he responds to her voice and tries to talk.

Here are the latest prayer needs -- and we know to pray specifically! Yeah God! Please join us in praying that:

Corbin will have bowel sounds so feeding can be initiated;
He will continue to lose fluid weight to return to "dry weight" and be able to come off the dopamine;
cardiac output will improve and the milrinone can be reduced;
Corbin will be calm and peaceful and awaken more, depending less upon the narcotics.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus who heals, surprises and delights His children. God be glorified!

GrandPenny

April 18, 2006
Morning by Morning new Mercies we see, God's always been faithful to me! God has provided constant care for Corbin and we rejoice in His great goodness and mercy!

We have a new condition category of "stable" -- no more "critical" although he is, of course, still in the ICU. That sure makes me feel better 1000 miles away! Corbin continues to adjust to weaning of his medical support. He is off the steroid and they are weaning the insulin as his sugars levels hold. His blood pressure is still low when the epinephrine is off and having to keep him sedated keeps his blood pressure down. This creates a viscious cycle with the sedatives. He is uncomfortable and the chest tube placements are quite inconvenient. Yesterday they replaced, unclogged or adjusted tubes 7 times, each time requiring additional sedation. Corbin does not appear in real pain, but as he awakens he is fighting to remove everything, sits up, pulls up, rolls over, scoots and even uses his feet to try and move the tubes. As miserable as that is, it's a great indicator of his strength and strong will, as well as one of the best indicators of neurological condition following such a serious surgery and threatening recovery! Unfortunately then they have to start back with the morphine, atavan, versad, and chloral hydrate until he calms, and that causes his blood pressure to drop again.

They have begun reducing his oxygen support on the vent. He went from 75 to 55 yesterday and then did several half-support "sprints" to exercise his lungs. His blood gases maintained satisfactory levels so he's on his way toward getting off the ventilator some day soon, which will be the biggest hurdle of all.

His body temperature is still too cool (partly because he's in the room with a baby requiring severe cooling treatments) so he's on a heated blanket. The heavy antibiotic has been stopped, no signs of infection, and, on a lighter note, his "heart bear" that he carried with him to surgery, had HIS chest closed yesterday. Those doctors need something to lighten their day and so the heart bear had come up from surgery with Corbin with a surgical opening of HIS chest. When Terri arrived this morning, there was the bear, with a note attached that said, "chest closed after 48 hours stable". Too funny! We are thankful for lighter moments.

We thank you for your prayers that hold us up every day. Please join us today in praying specifically that:
Corbin's lungs will strengthen and remain clear, making progress toward getting off of the ventilator;
the sedation will keep him comfortable yet be monitored closely to maintain optimum recovery;
his blood pressure will continue stable and allow weaning off other medications;
perfusion throughout his body would improve and he would become pink all over;
Corbin would awaken more peacefully, calm and strong;
Travis' shoulder (old injury) would heal and pain subside so he can rest well;
GrandPenny's foot/ankle (tendonitis?) pain would subside so she can chase 3 little boys and transport 3 busy teens.

You are so special to us and we so appreciate your prayers, your caring, and all the great messages of support and encouragement. May you draw near to our great God of mercy and comfort and glorify Him THIS day.

GrandPenny

April 17, 2006
Well, this afternoon I'm savoring the words of Dr. Ohye, the surgeon, who conveyed to Terri that he thinks Corbin has "turned the corner" and although there are never any guarantees, his opinion holds weight with me!

Corbin's "numbers" are really no better, but they have weaned down the epinephrine as far as they can go. However, Corbin's blood pressure drops when they try to turn it off, so now T&T are bribing him (Gunnar's new motorcycle was mentioned) and threatening him (no, GrandPenny does NOT spank)so they are telling him to "shape up" and kick some meds.

This is a slow wean day and it is just very hard to get his body to respond to reductions in meds when they have to keep him so heavily sedated to keep him calm and comfortable.

Please pray that Corbin's care team can find a better mix of sedation to allow his body to work and get off of some support and still not be agitated.

For those who are interested, there are some photos on the family website www.GrabbFamily.com. Corbin really looks very good for post-op, once you look past the machines, tubes and wires.

Thanks again for your continued prayers for Corbin. His brothers had a great day of play with generous church friends so that GrandPenny could hold a business meeting and the rest of my family could return to work and lessons. So very much for which to be thankful. We serve a Great God!

GrandPenny

April 17, 2006
I feel like we're dancing a "two step". Two steps forward, one step back, but Corbin is still going in the right direction, with small improvements along the way.

Terri is getting better rest and sounds good. She was so thankful for her visitors yesterday and Corbin made some improvements, but overnight needed some support returned. They've added TPN and lipids (nourishment) which required the addition of Zantac. His body cools too much then fever returns periodically as meds are given and wear off, but he made it off the nitric oxide and vasopressan (sp?) last night with no change on the ventilator. He's on insulin in response to the additional steroid to keep his blood pressure up. They removed the intercardiac line (one less internal line).

Now this morning Terri found that the nitric oxide pump has not been removed from Corbin's room, meaning there's a chance he'll have to go back on, as his blood gases are not where they need to be. They had to go back on the vasopressan and increase the ventilator oxygen support a bit. His chest x-ray shows a pocket of fluid on the right side, meaning a chest tube has clogged or a 4th drainage tube may be required. The CVP (measures the pulmonary arteries pressure) is higher than they'd like since coming off the nitric oxide.

Terri and Travis have had some concerns about pain management and are asking that sedation be monitored more closely, especially as they attempt to wean meds. Blood pressure AND heart rate have remained stable and good, so weaning of bp meds may continue today. Urine output has slowed a bit, but diuretics can be adjusted for that. He's on the ventilator, 12 med pumps, 2 pump lines and 5 additional intermittent meds. Still a long way to go.

Today we pray specifically that:
Corbin will be kept comfortable and not be in pain;
his body temperature will become stable;
his blood pressure and heart rate will remain stable in good range; his urine output will increase and excess fluids eliminate;
the pulmonary arteries pressures will reduce to normal range; additional seadation and other meds can be slowly weaned away;
there be no infections;
the chest tube be unclogged and he not need a 4th one inserted;
blood gases return to good range;
there be improved oxygen perfusion to the right side;
T&T are at peace and comfortable with Corbin's care.

We praise God for the gift of rest; for wise, skilled medical staff; for family and friends who visit, pray, serve and send messages of encouragement (WOW, you all are great!); for sustaining Corbin and providing glimpses of improvement. One of the best things is that Terri continues to say "Corbin looks like himself". You heart moms all know what that means . . .

Thank you so much for your faithfulness to pray for Corbin's healing. May God be glorified THIS day in all we think, do and say.

GrandPenny

April 16, 2006
Christ the Lord is Risen today -- hallelujia!

CJ Mahaney had a wonderful teaching for us today and provided some "gold nuggets" to help me stay focused on God's goodness and mercy in our situation.

Terri reports that Corbin continues stable today with some weaning in medical support. Although they had to add hydrocortisone, with a corresponding need for insulin, his blood pressure is stable at a mean 65, he's losing fluid weight, his heart rate is high at 175 so they are not weaning epinephrine today, they keep weaning the nitric oxide in little bits and hope to have it off by evening, they've added chest percussions to clear mucous, and there has been no growth on the cultures so there is the possibiity of stopping the heavy antibiotics. Corbin remains very sick, "critical but stable", but I see many praises in even these "baby steps" forward.

God has reminded me today how he loves to please his children and give us our heart's desire. Haven't I seen that so often! We have not, because we ask not. I've watched our Pastor, Lou, pray so specifically for Corbin and then shortly hear each prayer, even what we thought impossible, be answered. So although I am uncertain today of exactly WHAT Corbin needs, I purpose to pray specifically for each need, God knows every need, despite how unlikely it may appear to my brain. I pray in faith, that God may surprise and delight his children and His Name be glorified. For today, I know that Corbin's heart rate needs to come down, perfusion to the right side of his body needs to improve, his blood sugar needs to stabilize, he needs to be free of infection and working toward weaning off the ventilator (in general) along with less medication support. I ask you to continue your faithful prayers for Corbin and to join me in praying for these specific needs and those I hope to bring you tomorrow, sharing in the privilege of praying and the mercies of God's grace.

Blessed Easter -- the greatest miracle has already happened, yet God shows us mercies anew day by day.

GrandPenny

April 15, 2006
He is Risen, Indeed!

As we approach Easter and celebrate the Risen Christ, I realize that I will always remember this particular Easter miracle. How kind of God to give us such immediate, tangible answers to our prayers for Corbin. Tonight there is no real "new"s, but that is probably the best news of all. Stable, continuing to hold good numbers and very slowly adjusting to reductions in meds and other assistance. Tomorrow they will try to wean the nitric oxide some, and we pray for continued strength, and compensation for Corbin as he adjusts to the new circulation pathways. Remember, "Corbin" means "for whom God will provide". Praise Him!

Happy Easter from our family to each and every one of you. As I promised, here are some Easter EGGs (EGGs = Evidence of God's Grace).

Travis is able to be with Terri and Corbin in Michigan without employment worries because of the "grace" poured out through his employer, United Rentals.

T&T have the comfort and security of lodging and familiar accomodations because of the diligence of U Mich staff and the generousity of the Ronald McDonald Foundation and all who contribute.

Skilled, caring surgeons apply their gifts to preserve the lives of babies like Corbin all over this country.

Caring friends call at just the right moment, stop by to offer assistance, encouraging words, or realize that a grandmother should not be alone on her grandson's surgery day.

People we have never met cry with us, rejoice with us, pray for us.

Pastors work tirelessly and respond to every immediate need.

Never ending love and the assurance of eternity in paradise, all because of the greatest sacrifice of all.

We see these EGGs because He came to earth, shared His love, was sacrificed for our sins, once and for ALL, rose again and Reigns Eternally. Corbin has breath tonight, only because of the grace of God. We thank God that we know where we will spend eternity, and pray that it will be with each of you, because it is the FREE gift of God's grace.

Hope you find MANY Easter EGGs around you. You are precious to us.

Praying for continued progress for Corbin's recovery, for rest and peace for T&T, and for peace and contentment for each of you.

GrandPenny

April 15, 2006 at 02:23 PM EDT
What a difference 24 hours can make! Praise God for wisdom, strength, perseverence and His infinite mercy.

It appears safe to say Corbin is "stable" and moving in the right direction. I was waiting to post until the surgeon had stopped by today, but having spoken with Terri this morning and just receiving an update from Travis, there are many good indicators this afternoon. I will post again this evening and plan to share some Easter EGGs with you.

Corbin is on many meds, but no new problem areas have developed and they are able to begin slowly weaning him from the vent, nitric oxide, epinephrine and to start the milrinone to improve cardiac output. His temp and blood pressure have both normalized (indicating improved cardiac output)and are holding while meds are adjusted. He is off the paralytics and being allowed to awaken somewhat, while still heavily sedated. His fluid output is no longer just when he receives the diuretics, but he is more steadily eliminating (great sign that kidneys are functioning).

The goal for today was to let Corbin "rest", but it appears that it has been much better than that and Terri calls it a "great, stable day". They will not start weaning the blood pressure meds until the milrinone is where they want it to be, but normal bp numbers are a real blessing even with medical support.

The best part is that Terri says his color is constantly improving even in his extremities, so with better oxygen perfusion, better eliminating, stable temperature and blood pressure, Corbin is heading in the right direction! He has a very long way to go to get off of all the med support and ventilator, but we'll patiently await God's perfect timing. Best of all, T&T are getting more time with their baby.

I'll send the latest news from today before bedtime, as well as some Easter EGGs for you!

GrandPenny

April 14, 2006
I feel that I needed to get on to tell you how much we love all of you, as I finally had a moment this evening to check email messages and received over 175 messages. We are truly amazed at God's goodness and love for us. Thank you so much for all you are doing and continue to do for our family with your prayers.

Corbin is as Grand Penny says hanging in there. As of 9pm his fever has returned but they are working hard at keeping it lower. We are just praying that Corbin can stay where he is and make small steps forward.

All our Love,
Terri and Travis

April 14, 2006
Blessed be the Name of the Lord, Blessed is his Holy Name!

We are overwhelmed by your committment to pray, by the volume of messages and calls, and our God is honored and glorified by your faithfulness. His mercies today are also overwhelming. Each specific need is being met in His perfect timing.

From the day Corbin was born, we've learned "what a difference 24 hours can make", through each hospitalization and even at home. The past 24 hours have been an excellent example. There are encouraging signs of improvement and, although I cannot see Corbin, I can hear my son's voice when he calls, and know that Corbin is somewhat better.

They are confident in Dr. Ohye's assessment and "gut" feelings about Corbin's recovery. Dr. O assured them there were many steps to take to recovery before considering drastic measures. He expects to know more over the next 24 hours as Corbin "proves himself". They refer to Corbin as the "drama king" who takes drastic turns quickly.

Specifically, the wise and skilled nursing staff is tirelessly making constant adjustments to improve many aspects for Corbin. He is resting on paralytic drugs and his fever is gone; he is urinating increasing volume; the drainage tube output is decreasing but more clear; he's needed no additional blood since last night; no infections have been found to cause the fever, so an echo has been done to assess cardiac output and both the function and fenestration look ok for this stage of recovery; addition of some nitric oxide to the ventilator acted as a vasodilator and brought up Corbin's blood pressure, improving oxygen perfusion, but will require weaning over time; lowering the ventilator rate and volume has not brought a corresponding decrease in oxygenation. Terri had remarked how "grey" Corbin looked after surgery, but that is changing. His nail beds are starting to turn pink. Corbin has run about 75% oxygen saturations over the past months, but with the vent turned down to 79%, he was at 89% this evening. They are starting to allow him to awaken a little and will keep "fine tuning" meds, temperature and ventilator.

In summary, although Corbin still has a very long way to go, there are some improvements and although nitric oxide is an additional support, there really are no new problem areas this evening. We give glory to God, Great things He has done THIS day.

Please pray for improved cardiac output, body temperature and blood pressure maintenance, and Corbin's strength and comfort. We could also use prayers for accurate and compassionate communications among all staff and to T&T, to maximize trust and cooperation for Corbin's care and recovery.

May you each consider the truths of this "Good" Friday, come closer to the foot of the Cross as Easter approaches, and each day thereafter.

Thank you dear friends, family and "heart family" for your continuing prayers and care for our family. I'll continue to post as there are changes. May everyone enjoy the gift of sweet sleep tonight.

GrandPenny

April 14, 2006
Because there is God, there is HOPE.

Thank you for your prayers and for all the wonderful messages of encouragement. We have read many and are comforted to know we can go to this board and be reminded of God's goodness. We will read and re-read your kind words over the coming days.

Corbin is now considered "critically stable". The bleeding has diminished and he is no longer receiving constant blood products. Because he was so responsive to voices and stimuli, he is now on paralytics to allow his body to rest, to prevent his heart rate from accelerating and his blood pressure from de-celerating. He is receiving LOTS of meds and fluids but is not elimating well, so is starting to swell (common post-surgery complication) so we need to pray for fluid discharge. The fever is still dangerously high and he remains on ice. His chest x-ray is good, showing typical fluid but no clots or serious pockets of fluid or blood.

T&T are living the nightmare of the ICU (PCTU at this hospital) but are mightily serving others in need there while witnessing trauma and tragedy at every turn. Please pray for strength for them and that God will use them to comfort others yet shield them from the overwhelming horrors. Terri would like to be able to just sit with Corbin (requires that the ICU be open for her)and regain perspective. Please pray that God will grant her this desire.

The older boys are each being distracted by a variety of friends today and I am being supported by some very faithful saints.

To God be the Glory for ALL He has done and will do. Thank you for your prayers and caring. I'll post when there is more news or significant change.
We pray with thanksgiving.

GrandPenny

April 13, 2006
Let us not grow weary, but Rally to prayer!

We need to return to pray with rejoicing. Great things have been done but Corbin is struggling and we must lift him up continually for healing and strength.

There was considerable delay in "getting him up" to the PCTU but T&T were able to see Corbin very briefly before shift change. However, they are now being kept out and have found it a scarey situation, reminding them of past difficulties when they could get no news. God is in control and knows exactly what Corbin needs. May He grant Corbin healing and strength.

There is lots of bleeding, drainage from his 3 tubes and he's been given lots of blood products, platelets and near the maximum blood pressure meds.

Please continue to pray that Corbin's blood pressure would stabilize, that the bleeding would get under control and that Travis and Terri would feel the peace of the Lord. May God be Glorified in our prayers for Corbin.

Good news was that when Terri spoke to Corbin he immediately responded with lots of movement, so they had to sedate him again. His oxygen saturations are excellent but he's on full ventilation and his color is very grey.

I'll update again after T&T are allowed to see Corbin.
GrandPenny

April 13, 2006 at 01:20 PM EDT
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is GOOD, His love endures FOREVER!

Although we were told at 11:30 that Corbin was just onto the pump, with the procedures and fontan yet to begin, at 12:30 Dr. Ohye was in the waiting room and DONE! Terri says he was all smiles and says things "couldn't be better".

Specifics: They augmented the RPA, left the LPA alone, augmented the SVC stent and removed his shunt. They completed the fontan pathway and were doing an echocardiogram to check heart function. His blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were fine and Dr. O indicated they would be closing the chest (sounds confident of success).

One big hurdle is past, but the long road of observation and recovery begins. We'll update again this evening, when Corbin is into the PCTU and we know the specific needs. Short term we must pray that his body will tolerate the new circulation. Long term, we know that removing the ventilator, resolving pleural effusions, and stabilizing vital signs and meds are some of the hurdles in the road to come.

Thanks for your prayers.
Praising God for His goodness and mercy. May He be glorified THIS day!

GrandPenny

April 13, 2006

As of 11 am, the surgeon was just beginning to open Corbin's chest as it took a LONG time to gain IV access. Corbin's veins are never easy. After getting through the scar tissue, they will get him hooked up to the pump/bypass to begin the fontan procedure. So we still have a long way to go and it may be late afternoon before there is more news.

Thanks for your patience and prayers.

Keep praying and expecting miracles!

GrandPenny

193 April 13, 2006 at 09:43 AM EDT
God is paving the way.

Corbin was taken back for surgery at 8:45 am, which is rather late for "first case" except that he is also Dr. Ohye's ONLY case today. It takes considerable time to get through all the scar tissue, connect him to bypass, etc, so we're not sure when we'll get an update, but Dr. O expects the surgery to take until at least 2 pm.

Dr O spoke with T&T yesterday afternoon confirming that the cath indicates perfect pressures and significant growth in the SVC and PAs -- direct and specific answers to prayer! In addition to the fontan surgery, Ohye will cut across and enlarge the stent in the SVC to accommodate the growth and may augment the RPA. He suspects that the shunt (the modification to Corbin's hemi-fontan surgery) is no longer working and may be removed, which is a big surprise.

Corbin recovered from the cath and was given a "pass" to stay at RMH last night. Just recovering completely from a cath is significant and we are so thankful! However, when he spiked a fever, they brought him back to the floor to make sure he responded to Tylenol and was observed. As I recall, Corbin always runs a fever after every procedure -- guess his body knows how to fight!

Please pray for precision and safety as they work to re-open Corbin's chest -- it takes a LONG time and is one of the trickiest parts of the whole process; that he transitions on and off of bypass safely; that Dr. Ohye has clarity and precision in his repairs and thoroughness in observation and attention; that Corbin is protected from human error and infection; and that Terri and Travis feel God's peace as they wait.

Praise God for each one who is praying on Corbin's behalf today -- especially YOU! I understand the Mexico Mission team (3 of my family are there)and the SGC Brigades have prayed corporately as well as hundreds of others around the world. Nearly 800 follow this carepage alone, plus all the family and church prayer chains throughout. We thank God for every prayer. God commands us to pray for one another and His blessings in return are immeasurable.

Please also pray for my family on the Mexico Mission. I am concerned that I have not heard from them, although they are very aware of the cath and surgery schedule. May God give them peace and contentment while they are away from the news and information regarding Corbin. I pray that God will find a way to let them contact me. We are thankful for the many who have offered support to T&T in Michigan and those helping me in Va -- including dear friends coming to be with me today -- it's so hard to wait, but God's timing is perfect!

May God be Glorified THIS Day. We praise Him for all that He has done to prepare Corbin for this surgery, recognize and rejoice in His miracles and anxiously await even more evidences of His sovereignty and grace!

GrandPenny

March 20, 2006

Terri and Travis will take Corbin back to Univ of Michigan for pre-op testing and fontan surgery the second week of April. Their Caregroup is holding a Prayer Dessert at their home on Wednesday, March 29, 7:30 pm to pray for every need of the family: for safe travel, strength, protection, and healing for Corbin.

February 16, 2006
It's been a LONG doctor day for Terri and Corbin, but the "bottom line" is, they're on the way home. Before I even had the chance (on the run all day) to request your prayers, God had taken care of everything. So many of you pray for Corbin daily, even not knowing specific needs, and God hears them all. THANK YOU!

Corbin had been congested with a cold and had some restless and painful nights, so after obvious pain last night, Terri took him to the ped this morning before his cardiology appt. They declared double ear infections and gave him antibiotics. The card appt was a check-up but she was concerned about irregularities in his ekg, labs, and that he appeared "dry" and lethargic. After the scare of 2 weeks ago, the card sent them on to DC Childrens Hospital for IV fluids and assessment by GI and cardiac.

God really intervened for them there! No ER wait, right in to see the right doctors, tubing liquids instead of IV, and a satisfactory repeat ekg. They were mostly concerned about his lack of activity and were writing up admission orders when he perked up, retained his fluids, and all dr's agreed he was safe to go home. Hopefully the healing of the ears will help him feel better, get better rest and want to eat.

May God richly bless you for your faithfulness to pray for Corbin. We give Glory to God for your friendship and caring.
GrandPenny

January 27, 2006

Corbin needed his RSV vaccine but when they weighed him he was at 22 pounds - woo hoo! That new bolus tube feeding plan and increased calorie formula is really working -- but then he may have also been gaining before he got sick, because he was really eating very well then, too. He's acting like his busy self again and it's reassuring to know that he is gaining even though he'd lost interest in liquids while he was sick. Please pray that he resumes drinking soon.

January 19, 2006
Thanks so much for your prayers, concern and messages. By this morning it became obvious to Terri that although Corbin was taking more liquids, he was just "not right". Blood pressure variations and low, varying oxygen sats caused her to feel the need to see the pediatric cardiologist and it happened to be local clinic day -- praise God!

Yes, Corbin had become dehydrated, but he may have been not eating because of infection/pain in the g-tube area, rather than the initial virus. The cardiologist worked well with the new GI doc (he's great!) and they were able to comfortably change the tube, see the infection healing, and the new doc determined that Corbin's elimination difficulty is probably low muscle tone in that area, which he will outgrow. ...His liver is really enlarged but that too could be from dehydration. His BUN levels came back very high so they are to have blood work to check to make sure all his numbers are clearing up and getting lower in two weeks. ...He is back only on oxygen at night ½ liter and holding his diuretics for another two days.

Thanks for your prayers and join us in rejoicing in God's mercy and healing. Psalm 116:1 "I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and prayers."
GrandPenny

January 11, 2006 at 06:22 PM EST
The Date for the next surgery has been given to us.

April 13th

I am not sure I will be posting for a while. On Saturaday a beautiful little girl went home to God. She was the first baby we ever met personally with HLHS. Her parents walked up to us during our tour of U of M while we were waiting for Corbin's up coming delivery and brought us over to her bedside. Spoke to us of the ups and downs but mostly of their beautiful girl and how wonderful she was. I am so happy that we had the opportunity to know this special girl. My heart hurts for them and I can only imagine how they are feeling. I know that God's plan is perfect even in the midst of great pain. We are going to focus on preparing our older boys for this surgery and all that may come. We are going to spend the next three months enjoying each moment. So no news is good news.

God Bless,
Terri and Crew

December 22, 2005
I pray that this Christmas we all take the time to remember the true reason we celebrate, for the amazing gift God sent us, His son, who lived and died for us!
"But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.' Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,' which translated means, 'GOD WITH US.'" (Matthew 1:20-23)

This week we have had physical therapy, our pediatrician appointment, and our first appointment with speech. Corbin is doing very well. He has gained weight. We are over 20 pounds, finally. We had his second synargis shot to protect from RSV today. I really dislike having to put him through that shot. He always ends up throwing up and scaring the Doctor and Nurse. He stops breathing and he then begins to throw up and gets very very purple.

His new speech therapist is very good. She herself had a daughter with hypoplastic left lung and a g tube. So she was very familiar with all of Corbin’s complications. ..She is beginning to work on his speech as well. Our goal is to get him to begin to imitate sounds of babbling.

Our next appointment is not until January 11th with GI. Then we have an 18 month well visit with Corbin that we have to make at some point early next month. His synargis shot for January will be after the 20th. So we only have three doctor appointments for Corbin and one for Brodie. Brodie has an appointment with the eye surgeon in January as well.

Praying each of you, and especially those that have lost their little ones this year, May you all have a wonderful Birthday Celebration for our Lord and Savior.
Terri and Family

December 14, 2005

Corbin is doing very well. He has a weight check and synargis shot on the 22nd at the pediatricians office. He is doing much better on the neocate and his bloody stools are all cleared up. We have removed all his GI Reflux meds except the miralax. He is doing wonderful without them. He is on only five different heart medications. What a difference from 1 year ago! We do not see the cardiologist until February! We see the GI Doctors in early January. So we are beginning to slim down to once a month doctor appointments. Life is definitely getting easier here!

We are beginning to gather together our questions we need to ask about the next procedure for Corbin. So fellow heart mom's that have gone through the Fontan please feel free to give us your input. At Corbin's last Catheterization at 1 year, his pulmonary pressures were still in the 20's, with a shunt and on 1 liter of oxygen. (for the non heart community it is best to have them below 14) It is our understanding that the pressures are the biggest reason for failed fontan's so please give us any input and medical references so we can ask and research where we need to go next with Corbin.

Thank you for your support to our family. We are enjoying the wonderful season. We feel really blessed to have another opportunity to celebrate our Savior's birth as a family and at home once again. Please say a prayer for the many families that are in the hospital and have lost a loved one this year, as we pray they will especially feel God's love and care for them.

May you all feel God's love on this glorious day.
Terri and Family

November 03, 2005
Happy November Everyone!

I wanted to update all of you wonderful people to share our joy over Corbin's recent progress. Drum roll please!!!! We are off oxygen during the day. Corbin has gone four days in a row (longest we have ever gone without him having a desaturation(low oxygen) episode). I waited to see if he would handle it and it appears to be working and he is doing wonderful. Please pray that he will continue to do great and not need the oxygen during the day and soon we can take him off at night even!

The other exciting news is that Corbin is off the feeding tube!!!! YES you heard me correctly. We began doing bolus feedings instead and forcing him to eat the correct amount. We did this for a week and then let him try on his own. Well Since Sunday of this week he has not had to use the tube except for his medicine. We still can't get him to take his coumadin, miralax or prevacid without vomiting! So we still need it for medications but not for feedings! This is such exciting news. Those of you who are heart moms know what I am saying about the huge achievement. For those of you that aren't I will try to explain.

When we came home, Corbin ate nothing. He would not even take a pacifier without vomiting. He was throwing up all the time. Feeding issues are really difficult. Not only for the the child and his health but as a mother you really feel like you have failed when you can't even feed your child correctly. God truly gave me strength to not give up. I felt all those feelings of frustration, tears, sadness, but also strength that we would get through this. Corbin finally after the g-tube surgery made great strides in learning to eat. This is a miracle in itself. A child that has not eaten or sucked correctly on a bottle in 8 months usually never goes back to it. We were told it would be YEARS before he would eat alone with out the tube. God showed us otherwise! This is a true miracle.

That said Corbin could still have to have the tube feedings if he can't keep up with the extra calories his heart uses due to the problems it has. He burns extra calories due to the heart condition. We are using lots of high calorie stuff for him. Butter and cream cheese on his bagels, dips for his crackers he eats, and lots of other things. Yep, this is hard on Travis and I as we are gaining at a rapid rate as well as the other boys! :) Please pray that he will continue to gain weight on his own and we can stay tube free!

We also spoke with Dr. Ohye his surgeon from U of M. He heard how well Corbin was doing and agreed once again to postpone his next surgery. We will not be doing surgery until summer as long as he stays heart stable. We do not have to go back until sometime this summer! I am so excited we can continue to postpone this surgery. I hate the thought of it, but at the same time look forward to the time Corbin will be "free" of any further surgeries. This next surgery we pray will complete his heart transformation and keep him from needing anything further or even a heart transplant. He has a lot of extra that they are needing to do and are hopeful to take him straight to the fontan from the norwood and half hemi. We will not worry over what is to come and accept the outcome as it is perfect for Corbin. Whatever that outcome may be!

Please pray for Corbin to continue to progress with his oxygen off during the day and do well. That he will gain weight on his own without the tube feedings. That he stays heart stable and can wait until summer for his next heart surgery.

Praise this is the first time in 15 months that Corbin has been oxygen and tube free. We are thanking God for Corbin's progress.

Much Love for all of you,
Terri, Travis,
Gunnar, Aiden, Brodie and Corbin

October 26, 2005

Corbin has started on his fourth ear infections and bronchitis. He started out this past weekend with croup but slowly it turned into something more. We are really happy with how well he is handling this illness. Only once during this illness was he close to us taking him to the hospital. Since that night he has not gotten any worse and slowly is getting better. This illness has helped us in making a decision on seeing an audiologist. We are taking him on November 8th to see an ENT specialist and audiologist. Please pray for his infection to be gone. They are going to try to determine if the infection is clearing totally or if it is just not going away with the antibiotics we are using. They are also going to look at how he swallows. Corbin will only hold his bottle laying flat on his back to drink his milk. He still has not mastered a sipper cup so we are working on that skill. Him laying on his back can be a cause for the infections from him not swallowing correctly. We are also going to check to see if his hearing is alright from his many procedures. Also document his language delay in hopes that this will help us get approval for speech therapy for him from our insurance.

We have been monitoring his blood pressure from home now. He is holding steady at 30 degree difference between arms and legs. That is great news! We have also started the RSV shots (synergis). Because insurance only paid for Nov through February, our pediatrician paid for his October shot! They are a truly amazing group of doctors.

We are truly blessed to have so many care and love our son. Thank you for your love.

Thank you and God Bless,
Terri and Family

September 29, 2005

Corbin's rash disappeared after several days of large doses of antihistimes. We are not sure of the cause, no virus or infection could be found. We did have him tested for allergies but did not find anything that could have caused this.

September 21, 2005

I wanted to do a quick update to ask for prayer. We had to take Corbin into the Doctors today due to a rash. I called GrandPenny to come over and stay with the boys. This "rash" had spread all over his body by the time she arrived and his legs and arms were a little puffy. The rash made him look extrememly purple! He was never in any distress or discomfort that I could tell.

He seems to have some type of allergic reaction. I am not real sure if it is from his food or medication. We have not introduced anything new. So we have him on some antihistimines every four hours for a week or so and told to watch him closesly. As we are not real sure what caused this and it came on fairly quickly. The fear is that it will happen again and get worse from each exposure.

We will be having testing done after Corbin is showing that he is getting better. He has to be able to come of the antihistimes for 48 hours prior to the test.

Please pray that this does not occur again and that we will find the what triggered this episode.

Thank you Much Love and Prayers,
Terri

September 17, 2005 at 09:28 AM EDT

I just wanted to do a quick update to let you know how Corbin is doing with the medication changes we are making.

His GI problems are slowly resolving. He is having regular bowel movements now as long as we continue to give his medications on time. His reflux is slowly improving even if his sleep is not.

We have begun his new heart medications as well. While at the Cardiologist for a "quick" blood pressure check, we found a 40 degree gradient in his blood pressure. Corbin quietly tolerated around 25 blood pressure checks on all four limbs to determine how accurate this was. Well, after seeing that the blood pressure was not going to change no matter how often they took it. They called the Cardiologist in. She sent us for an Echo-cardiogram again (second one in a month) and an EKG. We were not able to see his aortic arch but we did get a Doppler version of it. It showed only around a 30 degree gradient, 10 degrees being normal for Corbin. We left for home after coming up with a plan. Watch for heart failure signs and we will go in and do weekly blood pressure checks for a while to see where this is going! We also will let U of M know this new development.

Many Thanks,
Love,
Terri and Family

October 26, 2005

We are truly blessed to have so many care and love our son. Thank you for your love.

Thank you and God Bless,
Terri and Family

September 29, 2005

September 21, 2005

We will be having testing done after Corbin is showing that he is getting better. He has to be able to come of the antihistimes for 48 hours prior to the test.

Please pray that this does not occur again and that we will find the what triggered this episode.

Thank you Much Love and Prayers,
Terri

September 17, 2005 at 09:28 AM EDT

I just wanted to do a quick update to let you know how Corbin is doing with the medication changes we are making.

His GI problems are slowly resolving. He is having regular bowel movements now as long as we continue to give his medications on time. His reflux is slowly improving even if his sleep is not.

Many Thanks,
Love,
Terri and Family

September 11, 2005
September 11th

What a date that is! Four years ago we watched as tragedy struck all around us! Two years ago we said goodbye to our second baby twin on this same date! One year ago, Corbin was flown to University of Michigan via survival flight. September 11th has come to mean so much to us! As today has come and slowly passed we reflected on how God has changed us through all we have seen and walked through.

We are grateful, more than there are words on this earth for having each trial, each day with our children. Some have asked how Travis and I do it each day, knowing what Corbin has and that the outcome is so uncertain. But in reality do we really know the outcome for any of our children? Do we know how long any of us are here on this earth? That decision is only for one and that is our Heavenly Father. We can make a choice about this, worry of what may come or just live and enjoy all that he has given us in this moment. That is what we are trying to do. Just live and enjoy the time we have and know that it is temporary for our true home is not here on earth but in Heaven with our Father!

We are so grateful for the opportunity we have had to share our son with you. His struggles and his victories. His times of pain but also his times of happiness and joy.
Our prayer is for each of you to not fear tomorrow but live in today.

Thank you for all your love and support.
Terri and Travis

September 09, 2005
It has been a bit of a rough week for Corbin. He was not feeling real well. He has a hard time with bowel movements and has been for a long time. It has been progressively getting worse. Because we have not been able to see his GI doctor many of his GI medications were no longer working due to his large weight gain!

I am happy to report though that today we were able to get into his GI doctors. They did a procedure that cleaned him out and releaved some blockage. This alone should make him feel better. We are to make several changes in medications adding one and increasing dosages on two others. These changes will take several weeks to do. We can only make one change at a time and see if he tolorates them. So it could take a few more weeks for the reflux to get back under control.

Please pray that Corbin begins to feel better. That he will start to sleep at least part of the night for us. That he will accept the medication changes to his GI tract but his new heart medications that we are to begin as well.

Thank you for all your love and support.
We have so much love for all of you as well.
Terri and Family

September 01, 2005 at 04:52 PM EDT
Glory to God -- great things He has done and continues to do!

Today we saw the cardiologist. She had tears in her eyes as she witnessed him doing so many amazing new things. We have much to praise God for in this day. Corbin's cardiology appointment showed just how well he is doing.

Corbin had an echocardiogram done on his heart with his three brothers present and surprisingly he was able to stay still and they were able to check out his pulminary arteries, shunt, aortic arch and stent to make sure they were all open and clear. We saw each clearly and all are open. Size still shows them to be small but that can't and isn't an accurate measurement until they do another catherization. Corbin also had an EKG, and blood work done today as well. He has gained so much weight that we have to increase all his medications! Corbin heart wise is doing very well. He was not ready to come off his final diuretic but hope to in two or three months. His heart function is not getting worse. His valve leakage is still on the low end of moderate. All these things we have much to be grateful for.

Corbin will wait until after January before going back for the Fontan. This could always change if he shows he can't wait but for now he is doing well so we wait! So the plan for Corbin is to continue to gain strength, catch up developmentally, and Grow.

Please pray that Corbin's heart continues to heal and gain strength. That his pulminary arteries would grow. His heart function would improve. That the switch from Captopril to Enalipril will go smoothly and no complications. That Corbin stays healthy and continues to gain weight. That it would be God's will for us to wait until after January for Corbin to have his next set of surgeries.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support.
Terri and Family

August 26, 2005
Corbin is doing so many great things. He is a NORMAL baby! Yes, I did say normal. He is getting into trouble because he is CRAWLING! He stood up once for us all by himself in his crib. It scared him since he could not sit back down and has not done it since but is close to doing it all the time. He can get into a sitting position all by himself all the time now. It is so awesome to see. It brings tears to our eyes to see all the progress he has made.

Corbin has finally seen the nutritionist and had the results of his evaluations sent to us. He is still elligible for early on intervention. He will receive, speech, nutrition, and physical therapy. The nutritionist came out today. She increased his calorie intake to 940 calories a day. So we are doing 30 ounces of formula a day plus three to four meals as well. We are adding polycose to his baby food and giving him fruits in heavy syrup. If only we all were told to eat as many fats as possible!!!

The other neat thing that has occured is we finally have received a kid friendly pump. This pump is small enough to fit directly on his back with a mini back pack and light enough for him to crawl around and be mobile without pulling IV poles on himself.

We have added four short video clips to our family website to show you the amazing things happening here. The website address is www.grabbfamily.com I had some trouble getting the sound to work so unfortunately it is without sound.

Much Love and Prayers,
Terri and Family

August 9, 2005

we have noticed that at night he requires more oxygen to keep his saturations up. Not sure why but might be because he is getting bigger. We are also taking him to the Doctor for his foot. He has started to get blisters showing up on his toes. His toes have always been blue but now have taken on the barney purple look to them and plus he has blisters and loosing the skin on his toes. He is going to the Cardiologist the end of August as long as he keeps doing well and the doctors feel his feet are nothing to worry about. He is also seeing his GI doctor, nutritionist, neurologist, and having his re evaluation with the school district for his physical therapy and speech therapy over the next two weeks. Lots going on we will update after all is done to let you know how it is going.

July 28, 2005
Corbin had his sedated MRI and PEG tube changed to a Mic Key button yesterday. The g-tube change was VERY hard for him. He was very gray and requiring alot of tylenol and oxygen after for the next 12 hours. We went to his psychology and neurology appointments today. They recommend him to be followed locally by a neurologist due to the obvious strength difference between his left and right side. As they had at one time felt he might have had a small problem that caused his right side to be weaker. The development testing by the psychologist was right where we knew he would be. For gross motor he showed that he was around the 7 month age, but for the fine motor and speech he showed he was around 9 months of age. But is showing great strides and should improve greatly. They recommended him of course to continue to have his therapy sessions.

Please continue to pray for Corbin that he will continue to stay well enough to stay out of the hospitals. We also ask you to pray for two families the Halls as their daughter is very ill and had her 10th surgery in two weeks care page jerramiahall. Also Christian who is still very ill.

Love,
The Grabbs

July 20, 2005
Happy Happy Birthday Corbin!

Yep, today is the official Day! He is one year old.
We had a wonderful time of reflection this afternoon with Gunnar, Aiden and Brodie. They were too cute. They said it felt like years ago Corbin was born! All Brodie kept saying was lets call 911!! He is just to funny.

When I think back of the path Corbin has traveled this year I am overwhelmed with emotion. We are so grateful he is here with us.

An update on his health. His smiling and happy temperment is back full force. We are still working on finding an antibiotic that will not cause loose stools and mess up his INR and digoxin levels to badly. He is happy and no longer crying for that we are grateful. I am still shocked that he has an ear infection, he never ran a fever until his eardrum busted and never even pulled at his ear. Maybe he was to busy pulling off his oxygen to worry about pulling at his ear! :) Health wise he is doing very well despite the ear infection. He is gaining weight well. He has stopped eating for us and drinking the bottle but we are hopefull that he will pick it back up soon. ...

Today for the first time when sitting on a small stool he stood up against the couch for the therapist. What a gift for me to see on his first birthday!

Corbin and All of us leave this weekend for vacation. Corbin will be getting his one year evaluations done, sedated MRI and a new tube placed at his g-tube site on the 27th and 28th of July. We are going to use that time to take the boys on vacation and go camping with my sisters and Corbin's nurse from PCTU.

Thank you for your prayers.

Love,
The Grabb Family

July 19, 2005
Thankfully we have our answer. He has a ruptured ear drum from an infection in his right ear. We are not sure why his ear is infected since he has no drainage from a cold, his throat is clear and looks good. Usually they occur with one of these symptoms. His infection is pretty bad which explains his continual crying. The Doctor was not able to actually see the eardrum due to swelling and the stuff that is coming out of it. It was the type of drainage that was coming out that told her it was ruptured. She feels that it will heal without any complications to his hearing as most of these type of ruptures are pinhole in size and will heal fully. He is on two types of antibiotics and we should see improvement in the next 24 hours. We take him back for her to get a better look at his eardrum on Friday.

We are grateful that we have our answer and it is one that he can heal quickly from. We are sad he is hurting but ever so grateful for the quick answer that God has given us.

Thank you for your prayers,
Terri and Family

July 19, 2005
We are taking Corbin in to the Doctor this morning. Corbin started out the day yesterday great, by evening he was in a lot of discomfort. After three straight hours of non-stop crying we called the doc to get some advice. We placed him in the car and drove around the circle a few times last night. We did make it through the night with Corbin catching sleep for 10 minutes at a time.

Please pray the doctors can make him comfortable and find out what is wrong.
Terri

July 17, 2005
"And so we celebrated, because the Lord had, indeed, worked miracles for us." Psalm 126:3

The day that I was afraid to ever even hope for, arrived today and we celebrated Corbin's FIRST birthday. Family, church family and friends took over the church auditorium which was decorated with balloons, banners, photos, and confetti. Terri prepared displays of our many "heart family" children with a brief bio of each, of Corbin's first year, of all of his hospital and home health paraphernalia and had the DVD player running with photos from his life playing his theme song "He's Always Been Faithful".

.....The past year has included months of hospitalization, thousands of miles of travel, painful procedures, sleepless nights (even weeks), difficult separations and tremendous expense. But looking into the eyes of this child, Corbin, "for whom God will provide", puts it all into God's perspective. The year has also seen tremendous JOY in talented doctors, dedicated nurses, faithful praying and serving family and friends, and the progress, growth and development of a precious child of God. Please join me in praying that the coming year will include minimal travel, procedures, sleeplessness, separation and expense, with a great deal of progress and continued JOY in Corbin's life. Join me in praying for the families who have lost their children and those who are currently struggling. Join me in the Hope that comes as a gift from God. I hope you can see the JOY in Corbin's face in the new photo in the gallery. (He was not thrilled with the cake but was delighted to play on the floor!)

God's always been faithful . . . and we give great thanks today, to Him, for Corbin's FIRST birthday.

GrandPenny

July 10, 2005

We had Corbin's cardiology check up this past week. I am not to sure what to think of it though. We checked his weight and his saturations and then we saw the cardiologist. His saturations were 67 and at one point dropped to 63. She was not at all concerned about this and said that he was fine to come off the oxygen for good now. This is completely opposite what Michigan cardiologist and team says to us. She did no blood work or even an EKG to check heart function. She did increase his captopril heart medication to a higher dose. Still not sure how I feel about it and we may communicate with her about this visit that we did not feel it was a very good appointment on her side of things. She changes what she says to me from one appointment to the next. So we will see.

Counting down to the big day when Corbin is one. He has begun to play "So Big" us it is too cute.

Love,
The Grabbs

May 20, 2005 at 04:52 PM EDT
"And so we celebrated, because the Lord had, indeed, worked miracles for us." Psalm 126:3

Happy 10 month Birthday - Corbin and crew are on their way home! They have checked out of the Ronald McDonald House and will stay with Terri's sister Sherri (what a great help she's been!) tonight and begin the return trip tomorrow. The 10 hour drive took 2 days last time, so we're uncertain of their arrival, but they're on their way!

Corbin had his coumadin levels checked and med adjusted and the local doctors will follow-up with med adjustments when they return. Terri says Corbin is doing great. I think I forgot to tell you that in addition to rolling over and doing "so big", Corbin added "pat-a-cake" to his repertoire. Gunnar, Aiden and the rest of my family are all awaiting their return and praising God for His goodness!

Have a blessed weekend and thanks for praying with us and rejoicing with us!
GrandPenny

May 19, 2005 at 11:08 AM EDT
Glory to God -- great things He has done!

God continues to "surprise and delight" us with His goodness and mercy. So many of my specific prayers have been answered and Corbin is being discharged from the hospital TODAY!

The cath was done quickly, safely, and that the doctors were able to make all needed adjustments by cath, so that no open heart surgery will be needed at this time.

The doctors are "pleasantly surprised" with the results of the cath and feel that the right pulmonary artery can be repaired next year when the stent is removed and the third stage, fontan surgery is done. The surgeon, Dr. Ohye, canceled the surgery and wants to see Corbin in 9 mo - 1 year to complete the repairs and fontan.

Thank YOU for your prayers and caring and your faithfulness to the family. I feel God's pleasure in your faithfulness to us.

GrandPenny

May 18, 2005 at 02:58 PM EDT
We are up on the floor for the night. Dr. Ohye is out on vacation and comes in the morning to make the final decision about tommorrow surgery. We don't know if he is on or off the schedule.

The cath went well. The only problem was a piece of the cath broke off and went into his right pulminary bed (lung). They joked that Corbin likes to collect things there. They are his own souviners. His pic line from the last hospital stay now this. :) As long as that is all he collects we are good with it!!!

They dialed up the stent, his LPA looked good when ballooned. His right side was narrowed at a place they could not get to. His shunt is very small. His pressures are too high to consider coiling off the shunt. Still in the high teens to twentys supposed to be lower than 5 for the hemi fontan. So they still are not discussing going to a real hemi fontan as of yet. So we don't really know the plan. They keep telling us no fontan for him but that will just have to wait and see God's plan is in this. We are unsure if we will be discharged tommorrow or in the ICU waiting room.

Thanks for your prayers. Our little drunk is sleeping away and already gobbled down his first bottle. The nurses all could not believe how well he drank from a bottle. It was great to see all of them. It felt like coming home to see their familiar faces and know all will be ok with them their.

Take care everyone,
Will let you know the plan when we know.
Terri and Family

May 14, 2005
Well we are all packed up!!!

We have packed up the oxygen tanks, feeding pump, IV pole, monitor for his PT/INR, other monitors, and medical supplies for feedings, bandages for cleaning tube site, bottles, syringes, food, diapers and such. We managed to even have room for our clothes too plus room for us to sit! :)

We have found that it is getting easier to pack for the great unknown the more we do it!! Seriously we really don't know what the doctors are going to do until the Catherization on Wed. We are still praying that they will get in there, do their thing, get out and send us home with no surgery on Thursday. We have been told to prepare for surgery and a stay of a month or more.

We ask that all of you pray too that Corbin will surprise everyone and not need the open heart surgery they feel he needs. Please pray that they can enlarge his pulminary arteries in the catherization, they can enlarge the stent areas without causing harm, and that the shunt, pressures in the PA's all look great. Corbin stays infection free and free of human error. That Travis and I are led to make the correct decisions for Corbin.

Corbin is scheduled for the pre surgical work up on Tuesday. Depending on blood work he may not need to be admitted if all looks good and we can take him to the room with us (RMH or Med Inn) until Wed. Wed morning at 7 am is his surgical catherization. He will be intubated for this procedure. Thursday there is a slot for surgery for him. Please pray we do not need it.

I won't even begin to describe how we feel returning. Yes, we are in faith that all will go well but sad, disappointed for it to be so soon. Something that drives me crazy is hearing how great he looks. I want to scream at them in Michigan do you hear this he looks great lets just leave him alone! I know that won't happen instead it is just driving me crazy to hear those words. He looks great! My comment yeah thanks with little enthusiasum and thoughts of just how soon we have to return for who knows what and memories of five very long months just a short time ago.

Please pray that I will not be anxious and what ever may come may we be prepared for this task. May it please be an easy road this time.
Terri and Family

136 May 11, 2005
Praising God!
Just a quick message to let you know that Corbin is handling the croup at home with difficult nights, pulmicort, and better days, but lower oxygen sats.

Corbin seems to have the sore throat and some fussiness that comes with the virus but is still eating and taking meds by mouth, playful and strong.

Thank you for sharing in Corbin's life, for your care and, especially, your prayers.
GrandPenny

May 09, 2005
Blessed be His Name! We have an urgent prayer request this morning for Corbin's breathing.
T & T noticed Corbin's oxygen sats to be low on Saturday night but they came up and he was active, alert and happy all day yesterday, although looking a little blue at times. ........ but awoke to realize Corbin was struggling. His oxygen sats are not too bad, but when the cardiologist heard the cough over the phone, she suspected croup. Terri is trying to get in to the pediatrician this morning, in hopes that Corbin can be treated with some steroids to reduce the inflammation. They were advised to make a 911 run to Children's Hospital if he showed any chest retraction or flaring nostrils. Since they have the Xeoponex from a previous chest cold, they are using that by nebulizer until they can be seen by the ped.
Please pray that Corbin responds to treatment quickly and does not have to be hospitalized, and that this will not interfere with his trip to Michigan next week for evaluation, testing and the heart cath (plus surgery). Please pray for wisdom and skill for the doctors and for Corbin's comfort and healing.

Thanks for your prayers for Corbin's quick recovery.
Blessed be the Lord, who heals, as we pray.
GrandPenny

April 24.
The only thing holding us up going home is his PT/INR (blood being thin enough). It would help if they wrote the order to give his coumaden back to him. We plan on having a discussion with the doctors this morning about that. So we hope to bring him home tommorrow but are unsure since he is still on heprin.

April 21, 2005
Blessed be the Lord God Almighty -- the healer and protector.

Corbin is doing great! He was taken to surgery at noon, while scooting around the stretcher, smiling, playing with the tubes and after trying to wrest the papers and pen from the anesthesiology nurse! The doctor was back to say all went well in just 40 minutes and Corbin was extubated within the hour. They are trying to manage any pain with minimal narcotics (due to his addiction history) and by the time he returned to his room (yes, his ROOM, no ICU!)he was smiling, playful, cooperative and pushing toys through the bars on the crib.

His ng is out and he will get his meds by mouth and hopefully resume feeding in the morning. If all goes well, he could be released on Sunday.

Please pray that the meds are perfectly managed both for his heart and his blood, that Corbin is protected from human error and infection, that Terri is able to rest this evening (that place is NOISY!), and that his feedings will go well so he can be home SOON!

Praise God for his goodness and mercy, for using the doctors and staff (exceptional nurse Catherine) for Corbin's healing, for preserving Corbin through sedation, surgery and recovery, for YOU, the praying friends and family who have sustained us this day, and for the many needs we never see that He meets every moment.

Gratefully praising the Lord for THIS day,
GrandPenny

April 20, 2005 at 07:17 PM EDT
"God has been Faithful, He will be again, His loving compassion knows no end."

Corbin was admitted to the hospital this morning, and the second nurse was successful in gaining vein access, so he's on the heparin drip in prep for tomorrow's g-tube surgery. It's expected to occur about 10:30 am Thursday.

U Mich called and has changed Corbin's surgery date to May 19 to avoid Dr. Ohye's vacation. Pre-op will begin May 16, so they will be back at Ronald McDonald House (pray for opening)about May 15.

As I was "managing" this carepage site today, I became overwhelmed with gratefulness for each of you. There are HUNDREDS of people who have read this carepage THOUSANDS of times and nearly 200 people following Corbin regularly. When I look into his deep, beautiful, bright blue eyes, I see the reflection of God's great care and love reflecting each of you who have shared in Corbin's care through prayer. As you have been faithful to pray, God's grace and mercy have abounded in Corbin's life and God's peace and strength has carried us. There is no greater gift you can give than to love one another -- and you have shown God's love to Corbin. I sincerely thank you -- the people at United Rentals, our families, our church family, friends, friends of friends, other heart families -- each one of you is precious to us.

Please pray for Corbin from 10:30 tomorrow morning until you hear from me. Thank you our precious, praying friends. May we Glorify God THIS day!
GrandPenny

April 19, 2005

Packing up!!! We have the boys all packed for their week with friends while Corbin has his surgery on Thursday. We drop off the boys tonight and take Corbin to Children's. He is going in early for observation to watch his stints and shunt to make sure they do not clot off.

Corbin is doing wonderful. He is eating three ounces every three hours during the day. When he can't get it all in we bolus feed the rest through his tube. He is on the pump at night getting 14 to 15 ounces. He is slowly gaining back the weight he lost from our trial.

We also received a call from Michigan. Dr. Ohye his surgeon has decided to schedule him for surgery early May. We return the first week of May to have a catherization and preop work and he is scheduled for surgery on May 9th. We are not sure exactly what the surgery will fix in his heart but know it has to do with his shunt and pulmonary arteries. Not sure if we are quite ready for this but what we do what we have to do and as we always tell the boys NO WHINING! So off we will go and not whine over this change of plans.

Please pray for Corbin and the boys during this difficult time. For Travis and I as we try to work out details for the next surgery. That Corbin will recover quickly and have no complications from this surgery.

Thank you,
Terri and Family

April 10, 2005

Many have asked what our days look like and how I am managing with four small boys at home let alone one who needs such care as Corbin. I can only say that for each day God gives me strength. When I am feeling exhausted he knows and suddenly there is someone at my door to help, bring a meal, offer encouragement, a phone call from a friend or family member to make me laugh. This past week taking Corbin back into the hospital made me overwhelmingly sad and scared. I was once again reminded of how fragile life is for not just Corbin but for each of my boys. I was afraid that something may happen to them and I will not be there or that we would lose Corbin. It was so overwhelming all I could do was turn to God, know that I will be at the perfect place he wants me to be whatever happens. He controls my steps. But with that being said, I began praying for our life to get easier. I have been exhausted with all we have been going through. I was not sure how God would answer my prayers but knew that he would know what I needed.

So I would like to share how God answered my prayers.
Corbin is OFF the Feeding Tube!!!!!

Yes, God answers our prayers and the desires of our hearts. This was one that I had never asked for but God new exactly. On Friday, I felt this urge to try one more time to attempt to feed Corbin before his upcoming surgery. He has done wonderfully. He has been taking 18 to 20 ounces in a 24-hour period. The first day I fed him around the clock every hour to get him to eat. We used a new feeder/bottle called the Haberman feeder that another heart friend recommended to use. He does not have to suck but just chew on the nipple to get milk out. He is up to taking 2 ounces at a time now every two hours. The doctors would like to see 4 ounces every four hours they always want more.

This is a huge change for our family. No longer do we carry Corbin while dragging an IV pole and pump. No longer is his face bleeding from a taped NG tube on his beautiful cheeks. No longer am I afraid to leave him on the floor as I go to the bathroom for fear of him choking on his feeding or pulling out his tube.

I am not sure if many can comprehend the magnitude of what God has done here. Imagine having nothing to drink and no ability to swallow your morning coffee for six months. Nothing changed in those six months just trudging along. Suddenly one day, you wake up and you can drink anything you want. We had not fed Corbin a bottle in six months due to his suck and swallow problem with any success. Friday as I sat down that morning and gave him a bottle and watched him suck and swallow all I could do was cry. It was something MANY had told us he would never be able to do.

Corbin has come a very long way in the past nine months. We can only praise God that we have been given such a blessing in our life. Today as I saw a friend for the first time in years, her comment has been I don’t understand why he is still alive. That is exactly how I feel when I look at him. He has traveled such a hard road as many heart babies do. I am not sure of God’s plan for him but grateful for each day we are blessed to have him in our lives.

Corbin is recovering well from his respiratory illness. He is slowly coming down on his oxygen needs. He is getting breathing treatments every five hours now instead of 2 to 4. He has his sedated echocardiogram tomorrow. Thank you to each of you for traveling this road with us.

Please pray that Corbin continues to make progress with his bottle-feeding, he doesn't burn to many calories eating by mouth, and that he does not aspirate as he learns and we may cancel his upcoming g-tube surgery.

Thank you
Terri

April 06, 2005
We are home. We got home this morning at 12:30am. Yes we were released in the middle of the night. Corbin is still sick and recovering. His saturations are in the 60's at night and low 70's during the day on 1/2 liter of oxygen. He is on treatments every four hours. Plus a new antibiotic for the staph infection.

Thank all of you for your encouragement and notes. Corbin is a fighter and will recover soon.

Terri

April 04, 2005
The Doctors just came around for rounds. They don't feel comfortable sending little Corbin home just yet. They would like to have him down to his home oxygen or closer to it. He is still at a liter and receiving treatments every four hours. We will be home soon!

Terri

April 04, 2005
We had to take Corbin in to the emergency room at Children's Hospital yesterday morning for a cold. He was having coughing fits and his saturations had fallen enough that we had him on a full litre of oxygen. Even with the oxygen up, he still had a difficult night on Saturday, so we decided to take him in.

The doctors gave him a breathing treatment of albuterol, but otherwise they've just been watching. That's exactly what we expected, but didn't want to risk it when he was so close to the margin at home.

He had a pretty good night last night, and it doesn't seem to be getting worse. We're hoping that we can bring him back home today.

Travis

March 31

We found he has a staph infection. We caught it early and he was given a shot of antibiotics in the office ...

We have been given a date for Corbin's g-tube surgery. He will be admitted to the Hospital the 19th and begin a Heprin drip to keep the shunt and stent open and then surgery will be on the 21st. ...

He has his sedated echocardiogram on Monday the 11th of April and a check up with the cardiologist.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support.

March 29, 2005
We thank God for each day that we are given with our four wonderful boys. We celebrated Corbin's first Easter with my Sister from Michigan and her two daughters, GrandPenny, Poppy, and family. It was a wonderful occasion. Sadly our little Brodie was not feeling well.

We did take him and Gunnar to the doctor yesterday for fevers and cough. Brodie has pnemonia or bronchitis (we opted not to do a chest x ray since it is treated the same) plus double ear infections. Since Brodie does not take any form of medications by mouth we had to have them begin shots for his antibiotics. He will go back every two days until his infections and lungs are clear.
Gunnar is doing his usual spring asthma yuck and is using his inhalers for treatment.

Corbin we are not sure why but is requiring even more oxygen. He does not have a fever and lungs are clear. Shunt is open and patent but his saturations are in the high 60's. They have pushed his g-tube surgery up to mid April. They are working on a date because he is on coumadin he will have to be admitted prior and placed on a heparin drip. Then taken for surgery and his stay will be anywhere from one week to two weeks depending on how it goes.

Feeding is still such a struggle for our little man. He did so great last Thursday that I thought that we had finally overcome some of his problems. Since then he has not taken more than an ounce by mouth over the past 5 days. We are grateful he does eat solids very well. He is now enjoying peas, sweat potatoes and rice cereal.

Now for the fun stuff, Corbin ROLLED OVER!!! Yes, ok it was during physical therapy and he was EXTREMELY mad but he did do it.

Please continue to keep the Barber's in your prayers as Loghan recovers from her surgery (newestgoldenchild carepage), Jason York as he recovers from an infection and awaits his surgery this week, and the Duels as they grieve for the loss of their precious son.

We could not do this alone without your support and prayers. We are so grateful God has placed so many in our lives to help and support us during this time. You all are such a blessing to us.

Love,
Terri and Travis

March 23, 2005
Corbin is doing very well. He had his peds appointment yesterday. He impressed everyone with how well he is eating his cereal. We also started him on peas as well. We scheduled his sedated echocardiogram for April 11th. From that appointment they will tell us if we need to go to Michigan sooner rather than waiting until June. For his Catherization the plan is to try to repair his pulminary arteries that are narrow by ballooning them open. Checking on his stent and coiling off some collateral veins that have popped up. Also check on the artery in his neck that has been occluded that they are watching. They will also test the pressures in his lungs. If they look good then we will try to close off the shunt during the cath. If that all goes well as we expect it to then he will be ready to wait for his next open heart surgery which they would do in June of 2006.

Corbin is still on his oxygen. We are up to 1/4 liter during the day and 1/2 liter at night. He is really congested and working hard to breath at night. Otherwise he is doing wonderful. Loving to blow rasberries,in fact his favorite thing to do now at 4 am. We are still waking at night for meds and feeding his pump formula, but getting closer to getting longer periods of sleep. Our nurse has been out this week and it has been just me! The boys were quick to ask if we can find a new one!

Thank you for your love and support,
Terri and Family

March 18

My Corbin-love will be 8 months old this weekend! I cannot express the tremendous JOY I feel every time I look into his eyes. I FEEL the presence and power of God in such a mighty way! Corbin is doing SO well: He grabs at my hair (and his ng tube), reaches for things outside of his personal zone, does "so big", says "dadada", blows "raspberries", searches for his mom whenever she's not holding him AND (drum roll please) he's EATING cereal and vegetables by mouth! Although he hadn't eaten in over 4 months and it took over 2 months to get the necessary therapy, because Terri was working with him, he definitely has no oral aversion, willingly takes everything into his mouth and is starting to learn what to do with it. Months of not being able to eat means re-learning how to breathe and swallow, and sometimes he forgets to breathe! Learning to drink will be more difficult, but he is EATING, woo-hoo!

He has weekly PT, is getting stronger and "scoots" backwards by his heels. We'll send "announcements" when he sits alone and/or rolls over! In fact, we may have a party! He's caught up from the February illness and hospitalization and is over 15 pounds! Yesterday the NEW (and great) ped cardiologist stopped a diuretic, did an EKG, increased the digoxin (and WILL follow-up with blood work), and ordered a 24 hour Holter monitor to check for irregularities. She hopes to eliminate propanalol, increase the digoxin and improve his oxygenation. He is back on oxygen most of the time as there are still too many meds for him to regulate well on his own. He's now down from 43 doses of 15 meds (at discharge)to 21 doses of 9 meds! His lab work shows poor kidney function again.

Corbin will have a sedated echocardiogram in April to get the best pictures of his heart function and then U Mich will decide when to do the catheterization (expecting June).

Today they saw the GI doctor who was pleased with Corbin's progress. They have suggested increasing the hourly feeding tube volume toward giving him an hour or two of "rest" from feeding. This is the first step toward bolus feeding, but Corbin is already showing "hunger" and wants to be fed his solid foods several times each day. Corbin is being scheduled for g-tube surgery next month, with the understanding that if he learns to drink, it might not be necessary. The biggest problem with the current ng tube is that the tape is tearing up his face and he's so uncomfortable that he pulls it out every chance he gets (smart little guy!). Terri is uncertain about whether to get the g-tube surgery or not, so the extra time is a blessing as they seek God's will and peace with a decision.

THANK YOU for your CONTINUED care and prayers. ... It's hard to believe that it's been one year since Corbin's in utero diagnosis with hlhs, but then again, I can't remember what it was like before. As Corbin's "Pa" says, "it's not a road we would have chosen, but looking back, I wouldn't have had it any other way."

Christ is Risen, Indeed!
GrandPenny

March 11, 2005

It was a year ago today that we learned that our son had a fatal heart condition. We began a journey into the unknown land of Congenital Heart Defects. They are the number one cause of neonatal infant deaths, they occur in more than 35,000 to 40,000 infants in the US alone a year. It is unknown why a baby has a heart defect and it does not necessarily run in the family. We have learned so much about CHD. When they told us that Corbin had this problem they also recommended that we terminate this pregnancy or that we offer comfort care to allow him to pass away in peace within our arms.

This was not an option for our family. We have been so blessed by Corbin and his life. He is so strong and has given and taught us so much about life. We did not know what would happen or where our road would lead but it is one that I would not change for anything in the world. In fact I would gladly do it over again in a heart beat!

Corbin has made some amazing accomplishments this week. As you know he is on continuous feedings through his ng tube, we have been working with him to teach him to swallow different textures. This week he began swallowing and accepting rice cereal. He LOVES it. He is eating almost an ounce every three hours during the day of cereal. The therapist is amazed and can’t believe it because the biggest hurdles have been overcome. He no longer gags when we place a spoon in his mouth, he accepts his pacifier and will even suck on it a few times. For him to be hungry and accept food while on continuous feedings is very rare and a major accomplishment for Corbin. We are very excited. We are anxious to begin to try a new bottle technique called finger feeding to help him with his suck. This should begin in the next week or so.

He was placed back on oxygen due to his saturations being to low. We knew he may have to go back on but it was great that he is getting stronger and can handle being off for longer periods of time. His records finally were transferred to University of Michigan and Children’s Hospital from Duke University Hospital, so we no longer have to have a milk study and an upper GI this coming week. Corbin has a cardiology appointment on Thursday and will have further blood tests. As long as these results come back well then he will be released for his G-tube surgery. He has his GI appointment on Friday to go over that surgery with us as well and to get one final look over before scheduling it.

The other big news in our household is that Corbin’s nurse started!!!! Nurse Kim began on Tuesday. We really love her. She has taken right to Corbin and works wonderful with him. It has been a tremendous blessing for the boys and I as well. Gunnar, Aiden and Brodie love the freedom it gives me to see to their needs without delay.

Thank you for your prayers for our heart friend Jason who is a shunted hemi-fontan like Corbin......Please continue to pray for them as he has more procedures to go through as they found further work that needs doing as they were in the cath lab but felt it best to wait until later.

We could not have made it this far without God’s ever faithful care for us, your support and prayers that have upheld us in this time. Know that we are always grateful and thanking God for you!

Standing firm in his loving arms,
Terri and family

March 04, 2005
Corbin: For Whom God Will Provide

That's what his name "means" and that's what we've seen!

God Will Provide:
caring friends who do "pee dances" and it worked! Corbin is eliminating great, was uncomfortable with signs of a URI plus the intestinal stuff, but had settled down by Tuesday night and has slept well since.

God Will Provide:
complete healing from the toxicity of 2 weeks ago. Yesterday's blood work came back in normal ranges indicating NO permanent kidney or liver damage.

God Will Provide:
a new cardiologist who is reducing meds, taking time with Corbin, listening to Terri and providing reassurance and a "plan" to move him along toward a g-tube. Corbin's chest x-ray was great and his heart function improved, Praise God!

God Will Provide:
a pediatrician who listens, cares, is always available and eager to consult with U Mich or the card, and who feels that Corbin is ready and willing to eat and just needs the chance.

God Will Provide:
after nearly 3 months of waiting to receive services, the oral therapist came and was VERY encouraged with how willingly Corbin takes anything into his mouth, swallows and can take milk by dropper or cereal by spoon. He's blowing raspberries to everyone! We pray for perseverance and patience in working with him.

God Will Provide:
several nurse prospects, and we pray for the right one who is waiting somewhere.

God Will Provide:
a card who has paid attention and is reducing meds! Corbin is off of the reglan, another dose of diuretics, another reflux med and some other things that I can't keep track of. We pray that soon the med schedule will allow Terri more than 3 hours of sleep at a stretch.

God Will Provide:
a card who has given Corbin a try off of the oxygen and he's satting near 80! How funny that just yesterday the oxygen company delivered the proper humidifying and concentrating equipment they've been requesting and waiting for, and today he's off of it -- but it's there whenever he needs it.

God Will Provide:
Travis has not been on travel this week and is making progress on home repairs, appointments, paperwork, and assisting with the boys and household chores after his workday.

God Will Provide:
Terri has been strong, resting and encouraged by the many provisions, and can see such great improvement, and the realization that things will not always be as hard as they have been, but sometimes may be harder.

God Will Provide:
Corbin's face is not tolerating the tape for the tubing, so without the oxygen, it's just the ng tube, but his skin is broken, raw and bleeding. We pray for healing and protection from infection.

God Will Provide:
The home blood testing indicates that his coumadin is too high, so U Mich immediately adjusted that med.

God will Provide:
a card who is coordinating with U Mich toward a cath in the summer.

God Will Provide:
friends who continue to serve the family with meals and childcare, errands and help.

God Will Provide:
comfort and care when there are trials, illness and complications; and exceeding great joy when the situation improves. He reigns.

God Will Provide:
our grateful hearts know that Corbin is loved and we are changed because of his life and all God has shown us through it.
Thank you for your continued caring and prayers. We are overwhelmed that hundreds of people have visited this site thousands of times to check on our precious Corbin. His needs are many and will always be, but we are so thankful for all the blessings and improvements. I wish that each of you could look into his precious eyes, see him smile, hear his laugh and watch how big and strong he is growing with only "half a heart". What a joy and blessing he is. Can you tell that I'm in love with my grandsons?

Best to each of you, we pray for each of you as well, for your trials and your struggles. Please remember, God WILL provide!

GrandPenny

March 02, 2005
Please pray for pee!!

Corbin is still sick. We made an unscheduled Doctor's appointment today after a night of him up crying in pain all night. The doctors feel he has a mild case of rotovirus. Due to his continued loose stools which are mild. He now also has an upper respritory problem. Lots of congestion so he is very uncomfortable. Sleeping only in 10 to 15 minutes at a time all day and night.

But the more puzzling thing is that Corbin has stopped peeing. We are unsure why. He is not dehydrated. We have found no evidence of fluid in his lungs. So we are not quite sure what is going on. He is only going at his diuretic times. So this is very conserning. Please pray that his kidneys function better, he gets more comfortable and can rest. (Along with Mom and Dad)

This has been a week of ups and downs for me. As I struggle with my own selfish sins of wanting a "normal" child again. For the first time I finally completely broke down and began crying on Mom (AKA GrandPenny's) shoulder. Please pray for me emotionally that God would continue to open up my sin in this situation and that I would repent and also give me the peace, strength, and wisdom to face each new day and to not worry about what is or may come.

Thank you GrandPenny, Mom for turning me back to God's Love for me and my family. I love you.

Love,
Terri and family

February 19, 2005
"Blessed be Your Name, In the land that is plentiful, Where Your streams of abundance flow, Blessed be Your Name"

Coach and I visited Corbin last night, relieving Terri for a while, and found him looking great, strong and playful. He loves the "light" on his toe (reading his oxygen level)and lifts his legs, kicking, grabbing for his bear, pulling my hair, grabbing my glasses just like a 7 month old should do.

"Blessed be Your Name, When I'm found in the desert place, Though I walk through the wilderness, Blessed be Your Name"

Corbin has celebrated all but 2 month birthdays in 3 different hospitals.
Yesterday the BUN level had not diminished and the digoxin level was "inconclusive" due to problems accessing a vein for blood draw. The cardiologist became aggressive and ordered bolus IV fluids after each lasix dose to attempt to flush the toxins out.
This morning required many attempts to get blood, but the BUN has dropped to 49 (78 in ER, 64 on Thurs & Fri), with the goal being 30. His oxygen saturations are lower requiring increase in oxygen as they increase the propaninol (sp?)for his heart arrythmia, which can decrease his already too low heart rate, requiring more oxygen assist.

"Every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to praise."

Corbin is regaining weight and tolerating his full feed level. He now has TWO bottom teeth and learned to push himself up with his feet.

"When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say, Blessed be the Name of the Lord."

Tomorrow they will resume the digoxin because his heart function is not sufficient without it. Today the liver and kidney tests showed "compromised" and the pancreas readings were high. They do not know if this is temporary from which he will recover, or permanent damage. He has reacted to the monitor leads on his chest and tape on his face, but although it looks awful, he doesn't seem too bothered and this will resolve itself as soon as he leaves the hospital and returns to the med supplies Terri has at home.

"Blessed be Your Name, when the sun's shining down on me, When the world's all as it should be, Blessed be Your Name."

They expect to release Corbin on Monday or Tuesday to continue on at home with a standing blood draw order for follow-up. Terri had found a nurse she was supposed to interview last week, so hopefully she will soon have daytime help for Corbin at home. The older boys are healthy and enjoying visiting their friends.

"Blessed be Your Name, on the road marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, Blessed be Your Name."

Travis began work at home on Friday, greeted by a "fatal error" in his computer. Then he couldn't find the checkbooks to pay the accumulated bills in any of the boxes, and when he went outside for something he found water running across the yard and into the basement window wells. He shut off the watermain and has a busted pipe to dig up in the yard. He woke up this morning with the flu so couldn't pick up the older boys, but WAS able to fix the telephone line.

"My heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your Name"

Prayer requests, that:
Travis can resolve the issues at home(heat and water)by the time Terri and the baby are released as soon as is safe.
Terri can quickly arrange Corbin's therapy and home nurse help.
Travis can resolve the problems at home without time away from work.
he will seek and receive help as needed from the many willing servants.
he will recover quickly from this flu, be able to spend time with the boys and not infect anyone else.
Corbin's medications will be the perfect doses for him.
he will continue to be strengthened and healed.
Terri will feel rested and at peace with Corbin's care.
those caring for the older boys would be supported and have peace in their homes.
God will richly bless each of you faithful "prayer warriors".

"Blessed be Your Glorious Name"

GrandPenny (to Gunnar 5, Aiden 4, Brodie 2, and Corbin 7 mo)

February 17, 2005 at 07:30 AM EST
"I will choose to listen to the voice of Truth."This is a scary time, but God's TRUTHS restore me moment by moment.

As more information is gathered, Corbin's situation appears more serious. The BUN level and digoxin levels in his body are toxic, yet he'd been given more meds before they knew how bad they were. They are considering giving him "de-tox" meds which will further confuse the "formula", but they are also afraid to wait for the toxicity to diminish on its own. Although the doctors wanted to adjust one med at a time so they would have an accurate assessment of the impact, they have had to eliminate the digoxin AND now remove one of the diuretics because of the high toxicity. Kidney specialists are being consulted as dialysis will be necessary if he does not begin urinating on his own and the BUN level diminishes. His severe weight loss is a combination of not feeding well, vomiting from the toxicity, and being over diuresed. The ekg shows "heart block" as a result of digoxin toxicity and he's just gone for another chest x-ray as there is unexplained congestion in his lungs, even with his system being "too dry". When awake, Corbin is responsive and content, but Terri keeps saying his eyes "just don't look right", which is what alarmed the pediatrician prior to the ER trip.

There have always been problems gaining veinous access, but the staff has successfully re-placed the iv 3 times so Corbin can get fluids and have blood lab draws. He's too tired to be bothered about it, which is sad and scary, too.

Terri asks for prayers for the following needs:
that there is no permanent liver or kidney damage;
that Corbin will resume urinary output (pray for pee!);
that Corbin will begin to re-gain the weight lost; and
that the doctors determine the right meds to help "clean up" his system and balance his body's needs.

Please also pray for continued peace and comfort with Corbin's care; that God will be glorified as Travis and Terri serve as examples of God's grace; that the older boys will be content during this time of separation; that the staff will be given exceptional wisdom, skill, compassion, and gentleness; and that Corbin will be protected from infection and human error.

We Praise God for Corbin's life, thanking Him for THIS day. We also praise God for YOU, our praying friends who have CONTINUED to travel this road with us, without ceasing to care and pray, though the journey is long and trying. ....Thank you for holding us up by your prayers during this difficult time.
GrandPenny

February 17, 2005

"My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

Corbin was admitted to Children's National Medical Center last night through the ER. ... Corbin was not tolerating his feeding well and neither the cardiologist nor the GI doctor could see Corbin this week. The pediatrician saw him and was alarmed. Corbin had lost over a pound in weight and had had several days of rejecting feeds.

The pediatrician had been concerned about lab work and Corbin's digoxin levels, but the cardiologist was not concerned, even talking about increasing the digoxin due to liver enlargement. Corbin was put back on zeroxlyn(sp?)diuretic as well 2 weeks ago.

It now appears that he was dehydrated due to a combination of vomiting reaction to the toxic dig level and too much diuretic. He had been gaining well and his lungs were clear, but the liver enlargement indicated excess fluid. Terri feels comfortable with the care Corbin is receiving from DC Childrens thus far and they were eventually successful in starting the iv fluids. Whereas Corbin was lethargic last evening, he is active and talkative this morning and his vital signs are all good. The GI nurse will visit him today and they have done chest x-rays and echocardiogram thus far. It has been a very busy night and will be a busy day, but Terri expects to be released tomorrow.

We Praise God for Corbin's life and thank Him for protection, comfort and peace.
GrandPenny

February 14, 2005

Resting in the arms of Jesus!
It is with great excitement (and a bit of pride) that we can report two on-time developmental, normal baby milestones for Corbin: his first tooth and he recognizes and responds to his name! As cumbersome, complicated and weary as his medical routine is, it's easy to pay less attention to the baby himself. Corbin is a very content, smiley, responsive and busy baby who is enjoying his new home.

.... Corbin had no medical appointments during the busy moving week, but will make up a GI appointment and start his physical therapy this week, seeing the pediatrician next week and the cardiologist on March 2. He may have had a tummy "bug", or possibly medication distress as his feeding was poor for a few days, but he seems much better now that they are more settled. Some med adjustments have been made which may not be working as well.

Another big praise is that Corbin was approved (FINALLY) for medicaid which qualifies him for home nursing care -- yeah! A light in the tunnel for Terri once she interviews and finds the right person.

... Please join us in praising God for his many blessings to our family. Specific prayers are needed for wisdom in adjusting medications, improved tolerance in feeding, rest for Terri and Travis (who is on business travel this week), speedy completion of repairs at the house, and protection from illness and infection.
We also ask that you join us in recognizing today as Congenital Heard Defect Awareness Day.

Blessings from our Hearts to yours. Paraphrased from our heart-friend, Amy, "Corbin shows us with his half heart, how to love God with our whole heart". May God be Glorified THIS day.
GrandPenny

January 20, 2005
Happy 6 Month, Birthday Corbin!
We Praise God for Corbin's life, his cheerful disposition (most of the time), his parents and brothers, the miracles God's used to encourage us, and the losses God's used to refine us. While we rejoice in Corbin's progress today, we also grieve with the many families who have lost their precious hlhs babies. We look forward to meeting them all, in their perfect bodies, when the Lord returns or takes us home.

The GREAT news is that Corbin had gained 20 ounces in the 2 weeks since his prior appointment DESPITE the GI doctor's calculations showing that he "just can't" gain weight on the volume and concentration of formula he's taking. He's now 14 pounds, 4 ounces and you can actually see some creases and "chubs" coming up on his neck, arms and legs -- what a delight to see this precious baby "rounding out"! He even belly-laughs. Corbin did not tolerate the polycose supplement that the GI gave him, so Terri has been adjusting the pump volumes and formula concentrations based upon Corbin's tolerance and it's working! In addition, although he still needs oral therapy and some tongue surgery, he is taking 10 ccs or so of milk by mouth at a time and really seems to want it -- encouraging progress and a tribute to Terri's patience.

The cardiologist called the other day and told Terri to try Corbin off of his oxygen. It was nice for a little while, but it appears that one of his heart meds is keeping his heart rate too low to manage well without the minimal oxygen, so he's back on until he sees the cardiologist and gets the medication adjusted.

Corbin has his OT, PT and ST evaluations on Feb 2 and then the schedule will become even busier, but the therapists will come IN for these sessions. Terri is currently managing to get her medical appointments to one day each week when I can keep the older boys.

We appreciate your faithful prayers for Corbin and our family. You are sharing in the "race" set before us and we feel your strength, which sustains us. Please pray for Corbin's continued growth, strength and development, that the doctors have wisdom to make medication adjustments that reduce Corbin's dependence on meds, that he is protected from infection and human error,that the therapists are wise and skilled to assist Corbin in learning to eat, that Terri and the boys are comforted and encouraged during these long, cold, days of confinement, and that Travis returns home quickly and safely on Friday for a wonderful, fun time of reunion. May God be glorified THIS day, in ALL things. We thank Him for YOU.
Grandpenny

January 13, 2005
God is forever faithful!!

We have had another great week. Corbin is really doing wonderful. He has begun to accept being held more and more as he relaxes into his new setting. He looks better this week as well. We are now offically off his narcotics. It has taken over four months to wean him off but we have finally made it! We tried to add a form of sugar into his formula to help him gain weight but he did not tolerate this to well. The good news on that is that he did tolerate it for three days before showing signs of his system rejecting the added calories. We are encouraged by this and hope to add calories for a day then let his system rest alternating when we add calories. He is gaining well through all of this regardless. He gained four ounces this week. He is also getting stronger as well. He is holding his head up longer without help. He is now searching out people and voices when laying down that are not in his direct line of vision.

Aiden is great with therapy with him and works daily with him and neither of them realize it. Corbin has begun to take a pacifier once again. He still can't suck well on it but will allow it to go into his mouth. He also will let milk from a bottle to drip into his mouth and then swallow it as well. So steady progress there as well. One thing the pediatrician and GI doctors would like to see happen is for Corbin to have his frenum cut. He is "tongue tied" and can't lift his tongue off the bottom of his mouth which will create more of a problem with sucking and waste energy. We are waiting on the Cardiology team to give the go ahead with that as he will need to have it done in the hospital as a same-day procedure due to his heart defect. .......

Travis and Terri Grabb and all the BOYS!!!!

January 06, 2005
What a week we have had. We spent everyday so far at a Doctor's office. But with that Corbin is doing wonderful. He has gained 6 ounces in the past week. We are so pleased with this.

His cardiologist is weaning on diuretics. The pediatrician gave Corbin his second RSV vaccine. He did have a small fever for the first 24 hours after. The GI doctors are working on a plan that will begin giving Corbin time off the feeding pump. We are adding Polycose to his 22 Calorie formula. If this does not upset his tummy and next Thursday he has gained at least 6 ounces in a week than we can turn the pump off for one hour. Then the next week we can do two hours off with a goal of in four weeks we can have the pump off for four hours out of the day. Eventually we will have to make a decision on the type of tube Corbin will need, but this will need to wait until Corbin can show reasonable weight gain.

We are praying that now that he has begun to gain he will continue to do so.

Thank you for all your support and prayers.
Love
Terri and family

January 01, 2005
Happy New Year Everyone,

Corbin saw a GI doctor on Thursday. He told us that Corbin has to begin gaining. If it wasn't for the holiday he would have admitted Corbin into the hospital on Thursday. We are so grateful for the holiday. We have to take Corbin into the pediatricians office on Monday to check for weight loss. If he is still loosing weight then we will be admitted. If he is holding steady and not in pain as he was last week then we see the Cardiologist on Wed. The Cardiologist will check on the diuretics they are weaning him off of, to make sure his lungs are clear. They also want to take another look at his PA's and his Aortic arch as they either are not being seen clearly or have some occlussion in there. On Thursday we go back to Childrens to see the GI doctor again to do another weight check and make some decisions about Corbin's feedings. We will be placing a G-tube into Corbin's stomach but unsure as to when and what else maybe needed if anything. We also have to do a swallow study to check to see if Corbin is asperating when he swallows.

Next week is a busy one with many Doctor's appointments. We will try to update at the end of the week to let you know how everything has gone. We are so grateful for being given the additional time to try to work out the feedings at home. They doubled one of Corbin's reflux medications. We would like to get him off of the continuous feedings but we have no weight to play with so until he begins to gain we have no choice but to stay where we are. They also put one of his diuretics to once a day instead of twice a day. He is working hard with this change. We notice his nostrils flaring and increased breathing. We have not seen any swelling so we feel that he is just working on adjusting to the change.

Thank you all for your prayers and support of our family.
Love,
Terri and family

December 28, 2004
We pray all of you had a wonderful Christmas, celebrating our Savior's birth. We celebrated over at GrandPenny's house with all four boys. Then we had Grandpap and Grandma Sue over to the Condo for the rest of the day. The weekend really wore out Corbin. On Sunday he needed the full day to rest and regain his strength.

Since he has been home he has lost about 9 ounces, he is struggling in the AM with reflux that causes him to turn shades of purple. Due to this we are taking Corbin in for an unscheduled visit to the Doctors today. The Cardiologist is going to see him at Children's Hospital in DC to see if he is dehydrated. If so we are expecting him to once again be admitted. (We have packed like we are spending the night after learning that lesson early on) They also have him seeing a GI doctor next week down in DC. They are trying to decide what to do about his NG tube and if he can continue with that or should they operate and place a G tube or something more to stop the reflux.

The boys have once again been packed up and taken to GrandPenny's house. Gunnar sadly walked out the door with tears saying "Corbin never stays here very long!"

Please pray that Corbin will not need to be admitted today. That we can get his weight handled here at home. That the doctors can find the problem quickly. For Gunnar, Aiden and Brodie that they will be happy at GrandPenny's house and that they can come home with us again tonight.

Thank you all so much for all your support and care for us.
Trusting in his Perfect Plan for our family,
Terri

December 20, 2004 at 09:40 PM EST
Hello Everyone and Merry Christmas!

Everyone has been calling and asking how we are adjusting to being home so I thought I better post an update on how life is at home! We are actually doing very well. Life can be crazy at times but overall it is going fairly well. We have learned how to test Corbin's PT/INR (blood test) here at home. We are still weaning off of some of the narcotics. As usual with Corbin, everything takes longer than normal. He had his first Cardiology appointment and met a team of nurses that will be involved in his care and the team of Doctors. They have been great, But we LOVE the Michigan folks the best!!!

Let me start at the beginning. Our plane ride was an event I would have to recommend that no one do alone with a child on oxygen and feeding pump. It was extremely difficult to get myself and my three carry on's and Corbin on the plane alone. God placed some wonderful people at the gate to help me out. The oxygen exchange worked out perfectly. But I was extremely stressed that day!!!

Yes, Margaret I am a pro at placing NG tubes now. There was no need to practice prior to coming home! : ) Corbin ripped his out the first night at my sisters. I did have to call Five East and the nurses talked me through placing it after a small moment of panic. Since then I have put it back in four or five other times. We now are much better at keeping his hands in little mittens so he can't grab those cords.

His medicine schedule is a gruelling one but we have actually gotten it down rather easily. It has not been hard to keep track of and many of the nurses helped in preparing me for home with many ideas. Plus they helped by getting me some great tops to the bottles so medication drawing is much easier. Thanks ladies!

Corbin took a few days to adjust to getting home. Once adjusted he has settled in nicely. He loves to sit in his bouncey seat and watch the commotion of activity from his brothers. His big brothers can really make him laugh.

We have an appointment on Wed to check to see if he is growing that has been the biggest challange for him. He is now up to 24 calorie Neocate formula. That is very exciting for us. We had to go down to 22 as soon as we got home due to problems vomiting. Things have gone well this weekend on it and we are hopeful all will continue to do so. He is being weighed three times a week by a home health care nurse and once a week by the pediatrician to make sure he does not loose to much weight.

We also have an appointment for PT and OT to begin working with Corbin to learn how to suck and swallow again. We are very excited to begin this step so that he can learn how to eat by mouth again. We are praying that this will not take as long as they are telling us it will.

Sorry for the huge update but so many are asking me what is going on thought I better fill you in with the highlights. We have some great photos of the boys and some of Corbin without any attachments while he was misbehaving and ripped off his NG and O2. I will try to post those at some point this week so keep checking in.

Everyone have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for your wonderful support to our family. God Bless each of you.

Terri, Travis and all the boys

December 17, 2004
"For God so LOVED the world, that he sent His one and only Son."
This is the reason for the season of Christmas.

Can you believe it's been a week since we posted, because of just being "settled" at home! Corbin has been "home" from the hospital now for TEN DAYS and is doing very well. I am amazed at how much stronger he seems each time I pick him up! He contracted a head cold on his way home and it became significant enough to get him to his new pediatrician. Corbin checked out fine and the dr was very encouraging and comforting and Corbin got through it on his own. .... Corbin is tolerating his feedings well, but due to different scales and med changes, we're not sure if he's gaining, losing or stable on weight! He's at least 12.5 pounds, though (we think).

We are praying for continued progress for Corbin, and wish every one of you a very blessed celebration of the birth of our savior. We Praise Him for our salvation and His mercy on our lives. May you each enjoy God's Love as represented by Jesus and be aware of the many evidences of God's grace in your lives. Our family has been so richly blessed by mercy and grace as evidenced in our precious Corbin and every other member of our family. We have also been blessed by your prayers and caring and pray that you will receive God's blessings with grateful hearts.
Merry Christmas
GrandPenny

December 07, 2004

Well..... We are Discharged!!!! Yes that is right I am typing this from my sister's home!

After much discussion it was decided that the best enviroment was home for Corbin and see if he will grow. We began to get everything ready to go and was out the door at 1:30pm today. It was absolutely crazy. Corbin is going home on 14 medications given 39 times a day. Plus, Oxygen and on continuous feedings through his NG tube done by a pump.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Please continue to keep Corbin in your prayers. Please pray for us as well we transistion into home life. Prayer for me as I fly home tommorrow alone with Corbin and all his many supplies. May we quickly get into a routine with Corbin and be able to handle having the boys home with us soon.

In God's Loving Hands,
Terri and Corbin

December 05, 2004

The plan was for us to be discharged tomorrow. But in the past 36 hours Corbin has changed that plan. We are now unsure when and if we are leaving tomorrow. Corbin has once again begun to have bloody stools with his new formula. He is also refluxing badly, to the point where he is possibly asperating on it. So they are not feeling to comfortable with the idea of him leaving. They will make the decision tomorrow.

Please pray that what ever the decision is we will feel comfortable with it and have peace.

Thank you
Terri

December 01, 2004

God is so Good!!! Corbin is doing really well. He is still holding fluid but in small amounts that is allowing us to work with him orally. We are so thankful.

He had his ECHO yesterday. It went really well. The tricuspid valve that had a moderate leak is no longer leaking! The aortic arch that was reconstructed is not leaking any longer. The pulminary arteries that were reconstructed looked great and were not leaking either. His shunt and stent all looked clear! They could not get a good look at one of the arteries that go up through the neck so he will have an MRI done tommorrow or Friday.

He is on a new formula called Neocate. The bloody stools have stopped, and is doing well. He is very gasy on it so is receiving medication for that.

The wonderful news is that Corbin is doing so well that we are going to the FLOOR! Yes, we are being moved out of Moderate care and onto the floor. The nurses are so wonderful. They have made arrangements for Corbin to have a private room so I can enjoy him even more. This means I can begin spending the night with him and taking over his care!

This is such a wonderful praise. God is so good to give us so much!

Continue to pray that Corbin handles the oral diuretics and that he will tolerate adding more volume to his feedings so he can gain weight.

Love,
Terri and Corbin

November 26.

Corbin has been making some progress. They changed over his narcotics to oral!!!! Finally, he was able to accept this change. On Tuesday they changed one dose of Lasix to oral and it took him four days to accept that change. So tommorrow we will change over another dose to oral leaving only two to go. Hopefully, he does well with this one as well. He is still having trouble with blood in his stool. They are running some tests to see if it is an infection of any kind. Also, he is having trouble with his blood pressure on occasion we hope they are just false low pressures. So to be on the safe side they are checking his blood pressure every hour. On Monday we will have an ECHO done to check his shunt and stent to see if all is ok and no blood clots or blockage is occuring. We are hopeful this will not lead to another Catherization procedure as it has in the past.

Thank you for all your support and prayers,
Terri and family