April 18, 2010

I have spent the last few days trying to figure out how to write this email. There seems to be no way to write it that make it any better. So we will go with short and to the point.

Gabrielle will be having two surgeries on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 11am. The first surgery is for reflux and is called a Nissen Fundoplication. This surgery is needed since she has a history of reflux and because the second surgery will increase her reflux. The second surgery is for the placement of a Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube).

During the Nissen surgery, the surgeon improves the natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus by wrapping a part of the stomach known as the gastric fundus around the lower esophagus. This prevents the flow of acids from the stomach into the esophagus, and strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach, which stops acid from backing up into the esophagus as easily.

A gastrostomy feeding tube is either a tube or a button (skin level device) that is surgically placed into the stomach through the abdominal wall.

Gabrielle is currently scheduled to be admitted to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital on Tuesday (4/20). She will have a PICC Line placed and start antibiotics to help get her ready for the surgery on Thursday. The PICC Line will be placed at 11am.

We ask that you continue to pray for Gabrielle as we begin this new phase in her treatment.

Jeff, Ashley, and Gabrielle