Little Hero and BFFs Brave Little Heart Warriors

Chapter 2

Hot shot was going to get an operation for a heart defect he recently found out he had. He was very nervous and worried. He was wondering what was going to happen and how the doctors were going to fix his heart. He was wondering what a heart does. He had many questions. So Quickshadow decided to show him more of the videos to help him learn.

Hot shot learned that his body needed oxygen and his blood takes the oxygen from his lungs to the rest of the body. He also learned it is his heart pushing the blood around like a pump. So his heart is a pump that is pushing his blood all around his body all the time. Hot shot saw what a healthy heart was like. Then Hot shot watched a video that described his heart condition which tetralogy of Fallot. One side was thicker, one part was big and hanging over, there was a block, and a hole. He saw how it affected his heart and him. He saw not enough cars with oxygen go out and cars that need oxygen have trouble going up to the lungs. So that is why he feels so bad. After that video he watched how the repair happens. First the block will be removed, then a patch will be put in place over the hole. Then Hot shot will feel better. Hot shot was kind of scared about needing surgery but he wanted to be stronger. He was ready for it too.

He was kind of nervous about it. He was wondering how long he was going to be in the hospital. "You might be there for several days poppet," Quickshadow told him. "You need to be there for a while after your surgery so the doctors can make sure you are doing okay," she said. "After all they want you to stay better after they fix you," she said.

"Okay," Hot shot said. "How will I feel after surgery?" he asked.

"You will feel sick, tired and sore for a while," Quickshadow said. "You will feel so for a few weeks," she said. "But you will feel very much better after six weeks, and be able to do all the things that you love," she said.

"Is there a chance I can do sports after my surgery?" Hot shot asked.

"Yes," Quickshadow said. "It can help you do those things," she said. "You might need more treatment down the road," she said. "But things will be okay because you have mummy and daddy with you," she told him. 

"Okay," Hot shot said. 

Quickshadow had ordered a very special toy for him. Heatwave's parents ordered him a special teddy bear. Hot shot was soon visiting the hospital to get a check up to see if he is ready for his surgery before it happens in a few days.

"Okay Hot shot your temperature is normal," the nurse said. "Your blood pressure looks good too," she said. She took some blood from Hot shot. 

Hot shot gave Roxy the rhino a tight squeeze when she did. It was over before he knew it. "Hey that wasn't so bad," Hot shot said. "I am glad that is over," he said.

"I am very proud of you," Quickshadow said. "You are so brave," she said.

"Thanks mummy," Hot shot said. "Roxy has the same problem with her heart as me," he said. "Is Roxy brave too?" he asked showing his stuffed rhino.

"Yes Roxy is brave too," Quickshadow said. "She is a very brave heart rhino," she said. 

"Roxy you are heart rhino," Hot shot said.

"You are heart warrior, my son," Quickshadow said. "That is what we call people who have a heart problem," she said. 

"I am heart warrior," Hot shot said giggling.

"Yes and I am proud you are being so brave right now," Quickshadow said.

"I am feeling kind of scared about this though," Hot shot admitted.

"That's okay," Quickshadow said. "A lot of kids get nervous about heart surgery and it is normal," she said. "It is okay, and normal to feel that way," she said. "But you are brave because you are doing what you need to do even though you are scared," she said. "That is something to be proud of," she said.

"Oh," Hot shot said. "I am brave," he said. "You a brave to Roxy," he said hugging Roxy. 

"Yes and just so you know you are not alone," Quickshadow said. "Your father and I are here for you as is the rest of the family," she said. "We are here for you no matter what," she said. 

"Okay," Hot shot said. "Do a lot of kids have heart problems?" he asked.

"Yes," Quickshadow said. "Over 3 million children currently living with heart problems and 1.3 million born each year with heart problems," she said. "So you are not alone in that matter either," she said.

"That is a lot of kids," Hot shot said. Hot shot had a thought. "Is it expensive to help kids with heart disease?" he asked.

"Yes it is very expensive to help kids with heart disease," Quickshadow said. "Such as regular cardiology visits, medications to help with various heart problems throughout life, medical devices, catheterization procedures, open heart surgeries, hospitalizations, physical therapy to recovery from heart events and surgery, and possible heart transplant," she said. "Helping a child with heart disease have care through adulthood can cost millions of dollars." she said. "So in other words it is tough," she said. "Caring for a child with heart problems is a great financial burden," she told him.

"I wish there was something to help families with that problem," Hot shot said. "Maybe someday I will find a way to help kids and their families facing heart problems in children," he said.

"That is very nice Hot shot," Quickshadow said. "Maybe some day you will," she said.

Hot shot was going to have his surgery in a few days. Hot shot was going to make sure he will pack the things he wants to bring to the hospital when the time comes. Hot shot was super excited about it too.