Background on Mason's Journey with TCH-- Part 1

So this all started with a wheeze and probably should have started from the moment he was born and I first held him in my arms.  I heard the wheeze when I first held Mason but I didn't think that much of it. I figured it was just fluid stuck somewhere or his lungs getting adjusted to the real world air.  I probably should have know better but enough with the "should-haves".

After months of endless allergy/asthma medications and treatments that were not working, I had enough and my pedi recommended that I see both a Pulmonologist and an ENT to find out what is causing Mason's wheeze.  Our first stop was the Pulmonologist-- or lung doc for short.  She was fantastic and thoroughly examined Mason and asked a ton of questions.  He's oxygen level was normal and she commented that he was very healthy and happy.  She also noted that it was not asthma because if it was-- the meds would be working.  She had a "feeling" that it was either in his sinus area which the ENT could help with or it was something structurally wrong with something.  She did want to perform a Upper GI test before we left that day as a precaution and to rule out anything else.

The Upper GI test looks at his esphogus and the way that food/liquid travels down and through his body.  They were focusing on the esphogus though because they would also be able to view the trachea (windpipe) from there.  The Upper GI test came back today with the following results:  Mason has a "vascular ring"/indention around his esphogus which is also causing an indention on his trachea.  This mass/growth/whatever is not causing him to lose oxygen, just wheeze. At least we are 98% sure that this is what is causing the wheeze.  A CAT scan must be performed so we can see what we are dealing with and receive confirmation.  Mason will be scheduled for a CAT scan some time this next week.  The CAT scan will require him to be sedated so they can get the best possible results and pictures.  He is just too wiggly to do it any other way! After the CAT scan confirms what the GI test saw then we will have to move forward to speak with a surgeon about Mason's next step.  When asked if this is something that Mason will grow out of, I received a big, fat NO! This will need to be handled and will only get worse as he gets older.  The surgeon will weigh the risks/benefits of the type of surgery that he will need and we will go from there.  I don't want to scare any one-- surgery has come a LONG way since the days of just cutting people open and we are not sure at this point what they even mean by "surgery".

We are SOOOO thankful that we are in the Texas Children's Network of pedis, doctors, and sugeons.  Everything from start to finish has been with the TCH system and they are taking great care of us and Mason and answering all questions.  We will obviously know more as the CAT scan and the surgeon's consultation happens and we will keep everyone updated.  Know that it does not appear that Mason is in any pain or that this is bothering his daily life-- after all he has lived with this for 8 months now!  You have all seen Mason and he is happy, healthy, and loving life.  He is a GREAT eater, too!  We are thanking God tonight that he has provided an answer to why Mason has such an intense wheeze.  There is nothing more frustrating as a parent then to not know why something is wrong with your child!
We will take all the prayers we can get though!

Some specific things to pray for if you could:
For there to be clear CAT scan results so we can proceed
For the doctors and technicians working on Mason
For me, Duane, and Emma-- she is quite worried about her brother :)
And of course, for Mason and his strength through this upcoming journey