Cryo started

We arrived at MDA bright and early this morning. Alan was a little upset when we turned into the hospital's drop off lane but he was calmed down to read his Sponge Bob book (thanks Miss Sara!). After changing into a gown, Alan was settled into the prep area with warm blankets. He was playing "Where's My Water?" on his iPad when Sheila from Child Life came with a box of toys and her own iPad. Of course, since someone else's iPad is always more fun, Alan practically tossed aside his own iPad to play with hers. He had a lot of fun with a new-to-him game, "Cut The Rope" while Sheila and Doc T marveled at his skills.

Doc T and the anesthesiologist had some more details on today's procedure. They will be do at least two passes of cryoablation, one anterior and one posterior, so they will be flipping Alan part-way through the procedure. This means anesthesia will be incubating him and they may replace the needle accessing his port with an IV line when they lay him on his chest. Each pass of cryo takes about 30 minutes so between that, the anesthesia, and the neurology monitoring the entire procedure will probably take three hours.

The anesthesiologist gave Alan some oral Versed, hoping he would drift off before they took him away. Unfortunately he developed the hiccups which kept him awake, so Judy (and Sheila, since Alan was keeping a tight hold on the iPad) went with them to the CT room. Judy lifted him onto the exam table and they gave him gas by mask. Judy gave him a few kisses then went back to the waiting room. Hopefully we will have an update in three hours.


Gowned and ready to go


The pink iPad from Child Life


Almost time.