October 1, 2008

Our Last Appointment

Josiah wakes up really early most mornings. Today was no exception. He and I cuddled in the dark living room on the sofa as he finished his bottle. His eyes closed and we both started to drift off. I was trying to forget about laundry, lesson plans, and posting about surgery. Just enjoying the few moments I could with a baby that is usually too busy to cuddle. I settled in and thought he was asleep when he ripped the bottle out of his mouth and burped in my face. Such is motherhood, I suppose.

Instead of cuddling, here I sit trying to remember everything that we talked about last night. The important stuff? Since the doctor hasn't done this exact, specific surgery before, he doesn't know how long it will take. **side note--that sounds horrible, he hasn't cleaned TB off of a kid's spine, but he's done a strut graft and fusion before, so don't freak out** The complicated part is cleaning out the infected bone and abscess. The general surgeon is going to do that (he's got experience cleaning TB out of organs). After that, he'll take a rib and anchor it into healthy vertebrae on the top and bottom. Then he will flip her over and put anchors and rods along the weak area of her back. He said it could take from 2 to 10 hours to get the first part done. He feels very confident about the surgery and about the final results.

I can't possibly recall what we talked about for an hour, but I left feeling much better than when I arrived. I was at the 'vomiting point' on our way up. Obviously, it doesn't take much to feel better than that.

Here's the last picture of Sally's 'bump' before surgery...

6 comments:

Team Dragovich said...

What an honor... your first reader-- or post-er, this morning. I read the last blog too, and just so you feel better, I have cried a couple times for you, so you're off the hook :) I am encouraged by the assessment of the doctors with regards to surgery and I just know God is holding this all in His precious Arms! Praying, praying, praying for you friend!
Love,
Shari

PS I know you are surrounded by support, but if you want someone far away to blubber to, you can always call :)!!

Rob and Candy said...

praying for you all.
xxoo
candy

Proudmama said...

I've been lurking on your blog for quite some time now, really enjoying reading about your family. I will be thinking of your sweet Sally and hoping that her surgery is a great success and that there are only 2 days of hospital food in the future for the both of you.

Courtney

Jori said...

Apryl~ Know you are covered in prayer (your entire family) at this moment and will continue to be tommorrow. Let us know when you can how things are going/went. Rest in the the peace that only He can provide!
love, jori

Karen said...

Apryl - we are praying for you, your family, the doctors, and Salomae! We are looking forward to hearing good news from you soon! Stay strong and keep the faith Apryl - you have so many people rooting for you! with love, Karen Wistrom

Amber said...

praying, praying, praying tomorrow.