Things are getting serious here

Well, it looks like our plan is solidified. Bodie is still stable and in sinus rhythm, thank God, and is definitely taking the transplant route. They're ticking off the final boxes for transplant listing, and will discuss his case today. The goal is to have him on the transplant list within 24 hours.

The team discussed the possible use of either an Impella or a HeartMate Ventricular Assist Device. Unfortunately, because of Bodie's size and anatomy, either would require a sternotomy, which isn't ideal when he's already had 5 sternotomies and we're hoping for a transplant soon. That said, they don't want to rush to either as they believe his wait is likely to short for a heart due to his size, blood type and lack of sensitization. 

So, the plan is to list him for a new heart ASAP, and leave him on Ecmo through next Wednesday. If he hasn't received an offer by then, he will go to the OR to have a HeartMate Ventricular Assist Device placed. 

Yes, you read that right.

No one has a crystal ball, and my mind can't even wrap itself around this process potentially moving that fast.

But the team wouldn't proceed this way if they didn't think there was a reasonable chance he would get an offer in the next 8 days. 

That said, WE NEED YOU TO STORM THE GATES OF HEAVEN WITH YOUR PRAYERS!

Specifically, please pray:

1. For Bodie's body and brain.

Being on ECMO for that long is so nerve wracking. Stanford is the leader in anticoagulation therapy in this instance, but that doesn't mean this plan isn't without risk. His body has responded so well to ECMO so far, which is why they're comfortable continuing, but clots could develop at any time. Every day on ECMO is a risk for clotting, brain bleeds and strokes. So please, please, please continue to pray for a hedge of security around his entire body, especially his brain! 

2. For a quick transplant listing.

Pray that the team gets everything done quickly to get Bodie listed as soon as possible.

3. For the perfect donor heart to come quickly.

Bodie really needs that donor heart to be becomes available quicker than we even anticipated, to lessen the amount of time he needs to be on ECMO.

4. For the donor family.

This is a tough one. Somewhere, a family we don't even know is about to go through the unimaginable, and they don't even know it yet. Please please pray for them. Let me be clear. We are NOT praying for someone to lose their life so that our son may live. That horrible, devastating loss is going to happen regardless of whether our son needs a heart. What we are specifically praying is that a family, in their greatest time of grief, will make the most selfless decision possible to allow their loved one's organs to give the gift of life to our son.

5. For peace for Dusk, Sierra and I.

This is hard, you guys. We're feeling somewhat at peace mostly because everyone has been praying. But also because Bodie's path has been orchestrated too perfectly to put him in this exact spot at this exact time for it to be anything other than God's ordained timing. That gives us so much peace. And we have SO MUCH faith in this medical team. We know they have evaluated all of the options and are taking this route because this is the least risky for Bodie, given all of the information we have available at this time. We can only see our limited view of our son. They can see the bigger picture, of what they typically see, of the trajectory these kids usually take, etc. And God can see the biggest picture. So please pray we can continue to lean into our team, and into God's plan. And just feel peace in it all. Dusk's brother Paul is here with us now, and that is helping so so much. And please keep letting me know you're praying for Bodie and thinking of us - it gives us more comfort that you know! (Even if I don't have time to respond to your text, email or message, please please send it - every single one bolsters me so much!)

I will leave you with this picture. 

I know it's a sensitive one. 

But as much as I try to focus on the positives here (and I really, really do), this is so very, very serious. And I'm hoping this picture will give you a little glimpse into our sweet boy and how hard he is fighting. 

He's on a breathing machine, and the cannulas in his neck are where the Ecmo is connected, allowing the machine to do the work of his heart and lungs. He is very, very sick and needs all of your continued prayers.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued prayers and love!