New Record

I haven't found the post that I'm thinking of yet, but I think our quickest surgery was 12 or 13 hours door to door. Yesterday we made it down to 10 hours! Sumana's surgery didn't start til almost 2pm, but Dr. Sanders was out to give us a report by 3:40. It was a standard expansion, no new rods needed. The only issue was anesthesia. As always, they had a hard time finding an IV site. We had hoped to get the IV put in before surgery because it had worked out so well for her shunt surgery. (ie: she didn't throw up!) But after 2 hours of prepration, they didn't see a good site and said she needed to use the mask. The good news, though, is that she still didn't throw up! She laid almost flat for her whole recovery, eating and drinking slowly. When she was ready she sat up and got dressed. Then we went home!

Last night was really long. Sumana had to get up almost every hour to go to the bathroom! UGH!! The pain seemed to be more than usual last night, but this morning she seems to have turned the corner. She's been playing on the computer this morning and has gone 5 hours without the serious pain meds . . . just ibuprofen. We appreciate your continued prayers!

Late Monday Surgery . . . .

UGHHHH!!! Poor Sumana! Her surgery is scheduled for 12:30 Monday. What a long time to go without food!! AND . . . it'll be tough to get out of post-op before they close at 8. Sumana doesn't have a PICU room reserved, so I'm determined to go home. I want her to be ready and stable, but I know I do an awful lot of work on a 'regular floor room'. I'd rather be doing an awful lot of work under my own roof!

Sumana has six (count 'em SIX!) girls over for her birthday. The actual day is 10 days away, but we thought she'd enjoy it more now before all the trauma to her back. I'll try to post pictures tomorrow. I hope we can all get some sleep! They're still pretty chatty and it's almost 11pm!!

Fun Visit and busy week ahead

We found out last week that my Aunt Ruth had been moved to hospice care and had requested to see Sumana. So, this morning we headed over to Hospeace House outside of Naples. What a lovely spot (even in a snow squall!!!) Aunt Ruth was so pleased (and surprised to see Sumana. It brought tears to her eyes. It really was precious! We had a wonderful visit and got to hear all sorts of stories. I always enjoy visiting Aunt Ruth . . . but the visits are always very far apart. Aunt Ruth was very alert and talkative . . . very much herself! Sumana flashed her beautiful smile over and over.

This week Sumana has PT twice, gets her stitches out on Tuesday and has her birthday party on Friday. Poor Andrew gets all 4 wisdom teeth out on Tuesday. Greig goes to Cold Springs (near Newburgh, NY) on Monday and comes home next Sunday. Sumana's next VEPTR surgery is Monday the 15th. The good news (sort of) is that this is my first week not working at the library, so I should be a little less pressed for time. Whew! I'm looking forward to being able to catch my breath.

By the way, Sumana's friend, Giana, has her next VEPTR surgery with Dr. Sanders on this Monday at 7:30 am. I know her family would really appreciate our prayers for her and the surgery. Thank you!