Progress!

Yesterday we had our follow-up with Dr. Bauer. He was very pleased with the swelling on the outside. It looked much better than he anticipated. There is a pool of blooding the inside of the ear that is not coming out. He wants to give it a month and if it is still there he will need to put her to sleep again to get that out in order for the area around the electrodes to heal properly. Also, he cleaned out her other ear while he had her in surgery last week. He told us then that we were going to have to address a more long-term solution for that ear because it is basically a breeding ground for the tumors. Yesterday, only 8 days later there was already stuff back in that ear. We will talk more about what options when he sees what he needs to do to the implant ear. He seemed confident he would have to take her back to the OR to get that drainage out. Obviously this would be a little set back but we are trusting God! She has felt much better yesterday and today! He said he was not surprised by her recovery being slow based on what all he did. Equilibrium still seems to be the biggest issue but we are seeing positive progress!

We left his office and headed to Audiology. Thankfully this appt was mostly for A and I so that was a relief for Sallie! We got the device and all the gadgets that come with it. We learned about each piece and more info on how it works, taking it apart, putting it together, troubleshooting, care, who to call for what, and filled out tons of paperwork. Honestly, I am quite overwhelmed by it all. We also discussed more in depth her programs and the "plan" for moving through those. I know it will soon be second nature to us but right now it makes me tired just thinking about it. We should be good to go for activation on June 28th based on how well her swelling looked. This is a major plus because our ENT felt he would have to monitor that weekly for a while. Praise God!

I was a little concerned Sallie would not be able to make the trip to AL but I think based on the last couple of days she will be good! Progress, no matter how small is a great thing. I feel like we haven't seen much lately and it gets to you. Although, I know we have and our God has been there every step. I just have not felt like myself. Just kinda going through the motions. I am hoping a change of scenery will help!

I forgot how easy 1 child is, even if that child is sick and needy! It is sure quite around here! The girls are having a blast and being SPOILED! I may never straighten them out! I am just thankful they are loved and for the time and energy our families have given to them!

Sallie leaving audiology with the goods! We have to take the briefcase to every appt. It holds all the external components! See why I am overwhelmed!

Recovering

I will do a post on our Fort Hood trip once I get all the pics together.  We had a great trip and were extremely productive!

The last night there Lizzie fell while riding a scooter and broke her arm.  So, we spent our last night there in the ER.  They put it in a splint to allow it to swell.  Sunday afternoon we headed to Fort Worth to get settled in and for Sallie to eat a good meal before Monday.  She loves Pei Wei so we had dinner there and then ran through the drive-thru at Starbucks for a mocha.  When we got back to the hotel Nanna and Grandy were there and the girls were thrilled to see them!

Sallie was a little anxious on Monday morning but she did the best she has ever done.  She got upset some but she was trying so hard to be a big girl.  She was out after taking the pre-meds.  Of course when they put her on the bed to take her to the OR she woke up enough to sign mama which nearly killed this mama!  There were SO many praying for her and us and we know that is why she did so well before surgery. 

The surgery went well.  The Dr was pleased with everything and now it is time to heal.  We were blessed with A’s parents taking care of the girls during surgery which took a huge load off us.  We had friends and church family stop by and see us and sit with us during surgery and that means the world to us.  It makes sitting through those hours so much easier.  Thank you again to those of you who comforted us during those long hours. 

In recovery, attempting to smile!  She is so precious… In her roomA big thank you to Nanna, Grandy, Uncle Adam, and Aunt Ang for Sallie’s ipad!  Not sure what she would have done without it this week!  We look forward to how it will help her once she has recovered.She battled nausea in the hospital but the meds they gave her helped.  She was very anxious about what was coming next in the hospital so late Tues morning we all decided it would be best to discharge.  We went back to the hotel because she was not able to make the trip home yet.  She has been showered with gifts!A lady in Nanna and Grandy’s church sent this bag with a gift a day for 7 days.  Such a great idea!  She has loved being able to open a gift each day.  Of course she is still getting gifts from others as well.  Thank you all who have been so sweet to bring her/send her gifts.  They all bring a smile to her face!  She continued to battle nausea and vomiting and Wed afternoon her Dr called her in some meds for that and we headed home.  She was thrilled to be headed home!More nausea and vomiting on Thursday…  We think this is an equilibrium issue.  She gets dizzy when she first stands up and doesn’t really like to move around much.

Thursday Lizzie went to get her hard cast.  Waiting in the Dr’s office.Bright pink cast!  She has done wonderful with her arm.  She had done well finding work arounds with one arm and has not complained a lot.Friday was a MUCH better day for Sallie.  She was like a different child.  Her color was better, no nausea or vomiting, more active, etc. 

Lizzie and Millie went to a b-day party at the city pool for a little girl in our church.  A took them and said Lizzie did well sitting on the side of the pool.  He did have to get her when she got a little too far in.  That is a hard thing for a 5 yr old to sit on the side of a pool!I wish I could say Sallie has done as well today as yesterday but I think she over did it.  This is where she is today.  She is wiped out and has been vomiting again.  We did not rest well last night so of course that doesn’t help. 

Nanna, Grandy, Ell, Lizzie, and Millie headed to AL this morning.  It is way too quite around here!  I miss them already! 

So, what now?  We need prayer that the nausea, vomiting, dizziness issue get better, that everything is healing properly which is crucial for the cochlear to work properly, and that her ear is draining properly.  We will see the Dr on Tues and he will check the bleeding and draining.  Pray for rest for us as this is just the beginning.  Pray that Sallie will be able to make the trip to AL.  Right now there is no way so we pray that when the time comes she will be able.  Of course we want to be able to go home but we really want her to be able to go.  It breaks my heart that she is having to stay here while the girls are having fun.  Also, pray for Lizzie to do well with her arm while she is in AL and that it heals well.  THANK YOU is just not adequate for the prayers, visits, food, texts, calls, gifts (for all of us!), and support that has been shown to our family.  We love you all!

The Night Before

The girls were overjoyed to see Grandy and Nanna. They are all sleeping in their room tonight. Sallie is very excited and that is somewhat hard to see since we know what is coming. We are letting her have a good time tonight. She will have a hard enough time in the morning. Thank you all for your prayers.