Theo and Mack’s Story

Site created on August 29, 2023

Theo and Mack were born at just over 26 weeks gestation on August 8th, 2023. Family was told that the following months in the NICU would be full of highs and terrible lows.

Macauley -
Before birth, Mack was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot which has made his time in the NICU much more challenging than his brothers. At not even 12 hours old, Mack was sent into surgery due to being underdeveloped. His esophagus was not yet connected and his bowel did not connect to his stomach. Surgeons made the bowel connection, but the esophagus still needs to grow more before they can connect the two parts.
After this surgery Mack began to thrive, to only be taken back down by an infection in his bloodstream caused by surgery. After a few days of isolation, family was allowed back into his room, but Mack still had a lot to do in terms of recovering. A couple days after the infection was found, Mack became incredibly swollen, so he was rushed to surgery. He had a tiny bit of his intestine removed due to there being a hole. His bowel was then put into a bag to heal for a couple of days. Two days later (Monday 8/28) Mack had surgery to place the bowel back inside and to close up his stomach.
In 6 weeks he will have another surgery to reconnect his intestine, and hopefully at the same time, reconnect his esophagus.
Right now, Mack is on a paralytic to make sure he does not move, cough or cry which could rip open his stitches.

Theodore -
Theo doesn’t have quite the same story as Mack, which is so good. Theo has been thriving and chilling in his incubator day in and day out. He is still fighting with episodes of Bradycardia, which is scary, but he’s learned how to self correct! Theo knows he needs to remain chilling, so brother can get all the help he needs!

Those are the boys stories up until today, 8/29, everything following will be posted as a journal entry. These boys have already defied so many odds, but they still have so far to go.

Newest Update

1 Week Post Surgery

Journal entry by Kaselyn Gibbs —

We are now 1 week post op. Mack has made so much process the last 7 days. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but he has been a trooper! Below are some praises and prayers:

Praises
  1. Mack no longer needs assistance from the external pacemaker. He still has the wires in just in case but we are hoping these will be removed soon!
  2. The tube in his chest that was used to drain his surgical site has been removed.
  3. Most of his IV and lines have been taken out. He only has 1 remaining!
  4. Mack has done great weaning down his oxygen support.
  5. Mack is back to his full eating amount and is tolerating is nicely. 
  6. Today Mack felt energetic enough to play with some toys! We are still waiting on his first post surgery smile 😊
Prayers
  1. The plan is to take Mack off his respiratory support this evening. Pray that he tolerates this change!
  2. If Mack’s heart rhythm continues steady overnight he will be able to get his pacing wires removed tomorrow. You’ve got this buddy!!
  3. Mack is still struggling with some pain/discomfort and withdrawal symptoms after being taken off his stronger pain meds. This has been the hardest part to see him work through 😞
  4. One area of Mack’s heart is still causing a few issues with blood/oxygen flow between his heart and lungs. As he is monitored in the weeks, months, and years to come, we pray that these tense muscles begin to relax and create space on their own so a future surgery is not needed. So far, Mack seems to be tolerating this inconvenience well ❤️

We are so proud of our mighty boy!
Read More of the journal titled "1 Week Post Surgery"
  • Chatting with mom ❤️
    Chatting with mom ❤️
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