Not the day we expected... by seanoneill

Not the day we expected...

Yesterday I took Ben to see his consultant for his 9 month check up.

For those of you who may not know about Ben's condition, this very old shot tells all.

http://365project.org/seanoneill/the-difficult-2/2012-11-22

Our appointment was at 8-50 and he would have a Scan, ECG and then meet his consultant to go through his recent MRIs and the other tests. We expected to have him back at school by 11am.

Our consultant advised us that the roght side of ben's heart has grown too large because of a blockage to his pulmonary artery and that urgent treatment would be necessary in the next few months. She asked us if we could stay in overnight so that Ben could undergo a Diagnostic Catheterisation Operation in the afternoon to allow cameras to have a look inside and behind his heart to understand what is causing the blockage better.

Here is a shot of Ben reading on his bed while we waited for the operation, which finally got underway at about 4pm.

Rebecca and Sam joined us before Ben came back to the ward, and I brought Sam home at 830, leaving Rebecca to sleep at the hospital overnight.

continued tomorrow, when better news comes our way.

You know, I kinda knew that this was happening. I was moved to pray for you and Ben today. Keep us posted. Love and prayers headed your way. Take care, my friend!
January 8th, 2014  
H
Special thoughts your way.
January 8th, 2014  
Hugs to Ben! And you and all his family. He looks in need of some cheering up. Maybe something to keep his mind off these issues will help.
January 8th, 2014  
What a hard thing for a little boy and his parents. Will keep you all in my prayers. Emotional shot
January 8th, 2014  
Thinking of you and yours.
January 8th, 2014  
So sorry to hear about this set back Sean. I hope the wonderful medical specialists are able to do all that is necessary, as speedily as possible, so brave Ben, Rebecca, Sam and yourself can get back to 'normal' life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
January 8th, 2014  
Sean, I'm so sorry you are al having to go through this. I hope Ben gets the treatment he needs and is fighting fit soon.
January 8th, 2014  
@amandal @largey @dmortega @lesip @hasselhotch @paulaw Thank you all. Today's shot brings better news.
January 8th, 2014  
Seeing this puts everything into perspective Sean, my thoughts are with you. Big hug and sending positive vibes for all of you xx
January 8th, 2014  
H
@seanoneill good to hear.
January 8th, 2014  
@japers45 @ingrid2101 Thank you both. Today brings better news.
January 8th, 2014  
Just been looking at the post you linked too, incredibly moving portrait Sean
January 8th, 2014  
Being a mum to a 10 yr old boy, I can't even begin to imagine the emotions you must feel. Sending good thoughts.........glad to hear that today brings better news.
January 8th, 2014  
Such a brave young man. Hope all went well.
January 8th, 2014  
@ingrid2101 @allisonraposa Thank you both, today has been such a better day. For now, the weight is lifted. As you know, the love we have for our children is all consuming. When they are threatened by illness it is hard to bear.
January 8th, 2014  
Really glad to hear that Sean, can't imagine what you go through
January 8th, 2014  
Oh dear Sean that was a shock but so glad Ben has had such prompt treatment....you can't knock the NHS. You would rather this happen to yourself than your beloved son.......prayers & thoughts for you but the worst behind you now. All systems go for tomorrow!!
January 8th, 2014  
@happypat Thanks Pat, tomorrw in effect is today, and all is well again, we have an outcome that is positive and a relief, a huge relief.
January 8th, 2014  
Sending a big hug your way
January 8th, 2014  
sorry that you got such bad news
January 9th, 2014  
That poor kid. I feel so sorry for him and for you. There will be prayers from here, Sean.
January 9th, 2014  
sorry to hear the challenges you are facing - but perhaps documenting the journey will help you process it
January 9th, 2014  
best wishes to Ben and all the family.
January 9th, 2014  
Oh, thank you for sharing this personal information with us and I´m so sorry for Ben and for your family, such a sad thing for someone so young and for the whole family, such things to go through. I´m really happy that the outcome was positive! -hugs-
January 9th, 2014  
Hope all is well with your son. Love the shot in B and W
January 9th, 2014  
Fingers crossed for you all, especially Ben, on a successful course of treatment. I can't imagine the fear and worry of having a sick child and it seems it has been over many years. If only we could do it for them ..Wishing you all the best.... :)
January 9th, 2014  
Great photo of a brave boy
January 9th, 2014  
Super photo of a very brave Ben. hope all is ok :(
January 9th, 2014  
This is a great portrait.
Thank you for posting, and send Ben my best wishes.
January 9th, 2014  
Mac
Classic.
January 10th, 2014  
Such a candid shot, very moving. Prayers for Ben.
January 10th, 2014  
Heart rending Sean and a great shot in its own right. He is a brave young man.
January 10th, 2014  
Lovely personal shot, glad to hear you've had better news today.
January 11th, 2014  
What a worry for you all. Fingers crossed!
January 12th, 2014  
Just seen this , Sean - best wishes to Ben and all of you - I'll look at tomorrow's now.
January 13th, 2014  
Incredible capture! Just catching up! WOW! This just took my breath away! I too will look at tomorrow's now...nd take a minute to marvel at modern technology!
January 14th, 2014  
Oh Lordie me, Sean.... I have missed so many days and had no idea poor Ben was going through this - and you were going through it too. I'm so sorry you've all been through so much worry - and do hope the news (of course I'm reading it in reverse) continues to improve. Love & best wishes to you all x
January 17th, 2014  
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