Thursday, September 18, 2008

Upcoming Surgery

We’re in Arlington, near Dallas, because we lost power after Hurricane Ike last week. It’s given us a much-needed chance to visit with Cathy, the godmother of all our children, and her twin girls, Sophia and Olivia.

Mallorie is scheduled for her “definitive lip repair.” We are pretty certain it’s her last cleft surgery, and it’s supposed to be the most minor of all of them. We were even told that many children have the surgery done on as a same-day procedure. It’s the surgery she was supposed to have in February, but the plans changed once the plastic surgeon saw how the front of her palate had come apart, and he ended up re-doing the first surgery, and adding the closure of the entire palate. But in February, most of you know that she ended up being hospitalized, unexpectedly, for almost a month, so it’s not been easy to plan for this surgery. We know, from experience, that things can go wrong.

The pre-op visit and registration work-up will take place on Wednesday, and Mallorie is scheduled as the surgeon’s first surgery, at 7:30 a.m. on THURSDAY (Sept. 25). As much as ever, we crave your prayer support.

A really nice surprise this time is that the amazing Z. (Cleft Lip and Palate Coordinator) told me we could make a “parent request” for an anesthesiologist. If you ever heard me talk last time about her anesthesiologist, you know she’s the one we want again, so I called right away and requested the sweetest anesthesiologist I’ve ever met, Dr. B. She knows Mallorie’s history from February, and from the moment I first met her, I felt Mallorie would be safe in her hands. She also came to check on Mal almost daily while she was in the hospital. Just knowing that she could be part of the team on Thursday is a bonus I hadn’t even thought of hoping for. So I’ve made the request, and we’ll see if it works out.

The specific things we’d love prayer about are:
  • IV site. Except for her umbilical line (in her belly-button) in the early days after birth, and the central IV line and arterial line while she was in the PICU in February, the nurses and doctors have only been able to place IV’s in her scalp. Last time, we told everyone to feel free to shave her head, as needed, because we expect that’s where they’ll end up with the IV, but since God knows where he placed those veins, it will be interesting to see what they find this time. I am always in awe of those who find any IV site on her.
  • Successful surgery with no problems during or afterward – particularly no respiratory problems.
  • Can we ask for no pain? J Post-surgical pain management is typically a problem for her, and her habit for dealing with surgical pain is thrashing her head back and forth … typically hitting her lip. After surgery to her lip, this wouldn’t be a good thing.
  • Quick recovery and no additional problems with gagging/vomiting. After the past hospitalization, she had both of those for a LONG time. I’ve come to think some of it was related to how long she had a tube in her throat … supposedly, it affects the gag reflex. We’ve recently seen such improvement in that area, so please pray about that.

It comforted John and me last time to know that others were praying, and we could just rest, knowing our family’s needs were being brought before God continually. Thank you all for this gift!

8 comments:

Laurie in Ca. said...

Oh Connie,

You KNOW I will be praying non-stop for all the requests you posted. And what a blessing to be able to make your "parent request" for your same great anesthesiologist. She WILL be a part of the team on Thursday. I am praying for you guys to not be anxious for anything here, big request I know, but God is so able to carry you through this with His peace. And definitely praying for no discomfort or pain for sweet Mallorie. You and John just rest in the Fathers arms and leave the rest up to us prayer warriors. It's our job to lift you up. Have a wonderful weekend my friend. Oh, and I am so jealous that you are spending time with Cathy and Annabel!!! I wish I was there and getting to enjoy the company. Give them all a big California hug for me okay? I love you guys.

Laurie in Ca.

Chrissy said...

Thank you for the specifics! I'll have you ALL covered on my end...for sure!

lilmatkatrn said...

Connie,

I think of Mallorie often. I guess I somehow missed that she was hospitalized in Feb or I would have come for a visit. Ya'll will be in my thoughts. Stay safe.

BTW...just thought I would let you know that Mallorie started my dedication to primary nursing and I love it.

Elizabeth Mallet, RN NICU 3 TCH

lilmatkatrn said...

Connie,

I think of Mallorie often. I guess I somehow missed that she was hospitalized in Feb or I would have come for a visit. Ya'll will be in my thoughts. Stay safe.

BTW...just thought I would let you know that Mallorie started my dedication to primary nursing and I love it.

Elizabeth Mallet, RN NICU 3 TCH

Cathy said...

I am so happy that God has made it possible for your special dr. to be there with Mallorie. I know how much faith you have in her ability and how special Mallorie is to her. Will definetly pray that this stay is as it should be, not extended or any other issues arise. Thank you for starting this post, once again. And can't wait until you are back in town. So glad your power was restored.

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hey Girlfriend,

Stopping in this Monday morning to let you know I am thinking about you and praying for Mallorie constantly. I know God is working things out perfectly this time and asking Him to keep worry and anxiety away from your head and heart. I love you very much.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi Connie,

I am praying for you on this Wednesday morning as you go for the pre op for sweet Mallorie. Praying for peace for you and John and a perfect surgery for Mallorie. Asking for the Lord to keep her in perfect peace and comfort. He will bring you through this time Connie. I love you and please keep us posted when you can.

Prayers and Hugs, Laurie in Ca.

Anxious AF said...

Hey sweet freind. Praying, and thinking of you. Wishing I was with you.