Family Update - Our Sweet Jensen

You may remember (what feels like a lifetime ago) when Jared and I found out that our sweet Jensen would be born with only one working kidney. We were nervous and worried, not knowing what this would mean for him, and for us.  But we were lucky - blessed - to find out that our tiny boy's condition would have minimal impact on his health. His one good kidney is doing the work of two and he's as healthy as a horse!

The unfortunate piece of news is that (now that he's 2) his "bad" kidney has shrunk to a small, solid mass, rather than "disappearing" as we had hoped. It may stay this way forever with no change, and no harm to him. But there's a slight chance it could turn into a serious problem, with a slim possibility of cancer.

Based on many factors - some personal, some practical - Jared and I made the decision to have Jensen's "bad" kidney surgically removed. This eliminates risk of future health issues, as well as twice-yearly screening he would have to endure for most of his childhood.  The surgery is a routine, laparoscopic procedure that will be done here in Denver.

But surgery is scary and never entirely risk-free. After a very frightening ordeal with my brother, David's, routine appendectomy in 2009, I am especially nervous and scared for Jensen's upcoming surgery.  We just ask for your thoughts and prayers to be with us over the next couple weeks of preparation and recovery. We love our little stinker so much and can't wait for this event to be behind us. <3


UPDATE:

Jensen's surgery was a success! On April 20th, we checked in to the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver and went through the pre-op, operation and recovery process with no complications (and minimal tears!).  We stayed just one night there with our sleepy, sore boy before we were discharged!  Since Surgery Day, Jensen has regained his usual spunk and sweetness, and has been healing tremendously well.  He will have three small scars on his abdomen (one is in his belly button). But the BEST part is that he will never be at risk of developing cancer in his bad kidney, because it's no longer there! YAY!

We want to send out lots of hugs and thank yous to everyone who kept us in their thoughts and prayers over the past few weeks.  This was a trying time for us, but we made it through!

* If you are interested in helping us with Jensen's surgery expenses, please take a look at my etsy shop or my Instagram shop.  100% of my profits go towards Jensen's medical expenses *