Surgery Update - Entering Phase 2

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We woke up at 5:30 this morning and Madeline came into our bedroom chatty as ever. She was a delight as she shared her questions, anxieties, fears, and hopes. She has been so chatty and self-aware. At one point she said to the nurse, "I'm really chatty because I am nervous." I thought, "This kid is further down than road than most of us adults." She crawled into our bed and snuggled in. 



The doctors and nurses have been amazing today. Miranda, Michaela, Olivia, Nurse Anesthetist Taylor, and Drs. Troop and Lake have each entered the room with kindness, wisdom, and presence. God is with us, and I am grateful for the staff here that easily invokes language of faith and prayer. What a gift.

As the nurses inserted the IV and prepped her for surgery, we watched GOAT videos, which were the opposite of calming but laughter filled the room. She does an excellent job making space for others even as she "holds court." There really was a spirit-presence in the room this morning.

Madeline received her IV drugs and entered sleepy time around 8:45am. We receive texts and phone calls every 45 minutes or so, which is both a gift and anxiety producing. At 10:15 or so, we received the update we expected. They moved from Phase 1 (shaving the skull) and into Phase 2 (the Dura). This means they are entering her brain which is scary and will require some additional recovery, but ultimately this is for the better. It is also a signal that Madeline has been suffering for a long time with headaches and chronic pain. As we sit and wait, we are prayerful that the release of pressure will result in more health and freedom in her 31.7 kg body. 

Lindsay and I sit here and wait, eating our feelings, checking our texts (thank you all for the encouraging notes and prayers), and playing Clash Royal (I'm losing). Lindsay said, "Waiting is hard." Tis' true!

I am thankful to our friend, Ryan, who is a surgeon and his connection to the GVegas (aka Greenville) medical community. He was able to send us this photo from the OR. Madeline is making friends and loving people even as she enters surgery. 

 



Comments

  1. Debbie10:08 AM

    Waiting is hard... Prayers of comfort for you. Prayers also for the medical team as they skillfully perform their role in God's healing process. So thankful for skilled and knowledgeable practitioners who use their skills in such powerful ways.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous11:01 AM

    What an amazing girl you have there - with some pretty amazing parents too! Blessings to you all, prayers for her medical team. May God watch over you all and give you the strength you need.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown1:13 PM

    Stopping to pray now. Bring health and healing to Madeline, let her be in abundant peace and security. In Jesus name.

    ReplyDelete
  4. LisaR1:21 PM

    🙏

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anita Anderson4:20 PM

    Prayers for Madeline, her parents, her siblings, her medical team!!! When I read "Goat" videos, I was thinking "Greatest of All Time". The video helped me understand that it was actual goats - LOL!!! I love it!!!! Thanks for the honest updates so we know how to specifically pray to our great God.

    ReplyDelete

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