However he was still too small for the standard operation. An alternative operation in London which might buy Isaac some time was sought and a meeting called for the next morning. However his weight was just the tip of the iceberg. A detailed scan at Alder Hey, which was shared with Guy’s Hospital, showed that Isaac’s left pumping chamber was completely sealed. His blood was going through a large hole to the right side, which was then going back on itself through a small leak. To make matters considerably worse, his ascending aorta was 1mm wide. This meant the operation in London would scar over this vital part of his heart. Given all this it was a wonder he was alive at all. Looking at Isaac it was hard to comprehend. He did not need help breathing. He looked so perfect, so beautiful. We had to make the horrible decision of operation or not. He could go down to Guys hospital in London, be put through the complicated surgery, which 2 thirds of babies with only one problem in their heart don't survive. With all the extra problems that Isaac had, it was almost certain he would not survive the operation, and if he did, he would not be able to have the next operation at 3 months old, and would die then. Also, if he did survive the operation, it would be very likely he would be kept in a coma, on oxygen and fed through a drip, and would never be aware of his surroundings. We therefore made the heart breaking decision that he would not have any operations, and would live what life he had with his family. When the doctors left the room, we both cried for a long time...