Tuesday September 18

     We decided we wanted to meet with the cardiothoracic surgeon before October 16, so I called Cincinnati Childrens Monday and she scheduled it for the very next day, today!! We were so anxious to speak to Dr. Morales and ask him the list of questions we had compiled for him. Dr. Morales was prepared for us. He first went over the anatomy of Brooklyn's heart and the defects that they have been able to see so far. He drew us pictures of each individual diagnoses. He made sure we understood her diagnoses before he went any farther. He also explained how he has worked with and operated on many children with Heterotaxy when he was at Texas Childrens hospital. He has also done research and publications on Heterotaxy. It is a passion of his and he takes special interest in it. He went on to tell us his plan of care for when Brooklyn comes. He went over her first surgery, will be a shunt, and also talked about the second surgery she would have between 3-9months(bi directional glen), and when she would have her third surgery between 3-5yrs(fontan). He also explained that there are still things we need to see with Brooklyn's heart, and until he feels completely comfortable with the images he has, he will not operate. He wants to be 100% when she goes into her first surgery. He did talk to us about the probability that she will go down to a one ventricle heart. A one ventricle is better than a bad two ventricle. We also talked about the likeliness of her needing a heart transplant between the ages of 15-30yrs old. He was very thorough with us and answered almost all of my questions before I even got to ask. When he finished I did take out my list of questions and he answered every one of them that I asked. We also talked about getting second opinions and he offered his help. He wants us to be completely comfortable with our decision with where Brooklyn's care will be. Dr. Morales PA also shared her story with us. She is 32yrs old and has Heterotaxy. How ironic and amazing to have her standing in front of us and be a part of Brooklyn's team!

     After leaving our meeting with Dr. Morales we are feeling much more confident about staying in Cincinnati and having Brooklyn's care with Dr. Morales. We are still waiting patiently to hear from Boston and get their opinion. Whatever path we are meant to take we will take. All we want is the best for Brooklyn!