Location:  Mater Childrens’ Hospital, Brisbane

Date:  February, March, April, May …….

It’s funny how when you fall pregnant, many people ask what the gender of the unborn baby is (or babies!)……I always responded with “it doesn’t matter what they are, as long as they are healthy and happy little human beings.”  This year though, I have been forced to understand the full meaning of those words.  

As many of you may or may not know, I’ve been blessed to have become the Mother of three beautiful little boys, the last two being twins.  Health has always been an issue for “twin 1″ as Ethan is known as in his medical file, however in February of this year my “healthy and happy” little boy was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease.  For those who want the gory details, Bowel Kids Australia gives a good description www.bgk.org.au/hscr.php , for those who are looking for a basic rundown - Ethan has a bowel disease that results in his large bowel having a diseased section, and thus needs removal.  Ethan has long segment Hirschsprung’s and has had 25cm of large bowel removed but most of his colon was preserved.

With the diagnosis in February, it meant that Mater Children’s Hospital in Brisbane has become like a second home for Ethan and I, with the doctors, nurses and staff being an invaluable support for our family.  Ethan finally had his pull through surgery (Soave One Stage assisted by Laparoscopy) at the end of March and we are now working through the dilatation process.

So, this blog entry serves a few purposes…….firstly, I apologise for the terrible slackness at updating this blog and for those who have had to wait a little longer than anticipated for their images ….. and secondly, can I thank from the bottom of my heart those that have sent messages, emails, thoughts, prayers, cards, balloons and a listening ear over the past few months.  I hope I have already told you that, and that you know how much it has meant to me.

And finally, I must say how very proud both Craig and I are of our little man.  He has been through more than any two year old should have to experience in the last few months, but not once has his spirit faltered.  He has faced every challenge with his cheeky little grin and he has certainly entertained most of Level 8 Mater at some stage!  So very proud of you my little man!!

(With that in mind, these shots have been taken as a Mum on a little point and shoot.  It honestly took all my strength and energy to just be his Mum.)

Admitted two days prior to surgery for bowel washout

3 days post surgery, Ethan was determined to sit up and no amount of morphine was keeping him down!

An entire network of volunteers bring a lot happiness and joy to the kids while they are in hospital.  This is Sam, the adopted pet of Level 8 who visits once a week - Ethan “loves” Sam more than you can believe!!  But this day, even Sam wasn’t enough to make Ethan’s day brighter.

From the moment Ethan woke in recovery, he asked for his twin “Boo”.  Ethan wasn’t overly responsive when Caleb did visit, but all of his vitals settled to completely stable as soon as Caleb held his hand and Ethan slept the most settled he ever had for about 3 hours after this visit. 

Day 7 and my beautiful boys’ smile was back.

Edited ….  Oh my glory, now you have made me cry!   Thank you to everyone who has stopped by and read Ethan’s story - we are truly blessed to have such beautiful friends and support networks in place …. thank you to each and every one of you.  Watching Ethan play at home with his brothers has made these images a distant memory.  Ethan has had two procedures since the pull through surgery and will be admitted again this coming Wednesday for another…..it is hoped that we will then get a two month break from the hospital.  Now I need to go and find my own tissues!!  A very heart felt thank you. 

Nicole Fiteni