January 31, 2011

Healing Heart: Cardiology Update


Charlie had an appointment with his Cardiologist on January 11th.  The Doctor did a repeat Echocardiogram to assess the state of his heart murmur and his enlarged PFO.  And the news is good.  Real good.  Both of these issues have diminished so much so that his doctor has categorized Charlie's heart (the organ, that is) as "normal".  These issues have almost righted themselves and his cardiologist is confident that Charlie will simply grow out of them completely.  The doctor has written a letter to Charlie's other specialists explaining that he has a clean bill of health where his heart is concerned and that Charlie has the "all clear" for craniofacial surgery this summer.  The doctor also said that he sees no need to examine Charlie again. So, Charlie is taking his cardiologist off of the payroll!  Thank you all for your continued support and well wishing.  Charlie is rewarding us all with his amazing recovery!

January 22, 2011

Art for Charlie: A Brother's Love

Charlie's brother, Walker, is a budding artist and at three years old, has amassed quite a collection of paintings.  Walker's art is now available for sale in a bound collection called Art for Charlie: A Brother's Love.  Eight dollars of every book sold will go directly to the Help Charlie Heal Fund. You can preview the book below and buy a copy HERE



Here are some photos of Walker at work:




And as always, you can contribute directly to the 
Help Charlie Heal fund by clicking the "donate' button bellow.





January 8, 2011

Five Months Old


Charlie spent most of the holidays battling a cold and lung infection. Its been a tough couple of weeks, but he seems to be recovering quickly in the new year. Charlie is growing by leaps and bounds and is now 20 pounds and 28 inches long. He has been showing all sorts of physical progress and is now holding his head erect most of the time. He is also using both legs to pop up into a supported standing position a few moments at a time.  He continues to see his physical therapist on a weekly basis and a chiropractor every other week.

In the coming weeks Charlie has a repeat appointment with his Cardiologist, where he'll have another echocardiogram to assess the state of his murmur and enlarged PFO.  He'll also see his urologist in early February where he'll finally have his repeat renal ultrasound and a repeat Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG).  His December appointments were canceled by his doctor.  Then, Charlie will meet with his craniofacial surgeon to discuss a surgery date for the separation of his fused skull plates.  In the meantime, Charlie is doing very well and enjoying the company of his big brother, Walker.  This month, they are going to start sharing a room!