Jaxon received his VAD (Ventricular Access Device) in the early days after diagnosis. I'd have to look back on my notes to see exactly which day. It's probably on this blog somewhere. Many young kids are taught to refer to it as their "button". More formally referred to as a port.
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| This is an x-ray of JZ's chest with VAD. I don't remember how I acquired this image. |
The Button was removed in August 2017. I asked the surgeon if it was possible for us to receive it as a keepsake. He said that was most likely not possible.
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| Pre-op Tylenol |
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| The very last "access" of his VAD. |
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| The aptly named "Tele-Tubby" bandage to protect the port while accessed. |
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| Passing time, awaiting surgery. |
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| He was the happiest, goofiest patient - almost always. Only when he felt really poorly did he complain. This was a very happy day. |
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| The Button! Somehow it got sanitized and placed in a specimen cup and dropped out of a hole in the surgeon's pocket into my waiting hand. :) It still sits on JZ's bedside shelf, beside his pictures of friend Lucas. xo |
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| Delicious recovery treat. |
Update: 4-10-2024
The Button that somehow got sanitized and placed in a specimen cup and dropped out of a hole in the surgeon's pocket into my waiting hand no longer sits on the bedside shelf of 15 year-old JZ. It's tucked away somewhere safe. The scars on his chest and neck remain.
And we still miss Lucas.
