A Date

We have a date for Sallie's surgery to implant the second device. It will be January 7th. I discussed the delay in my last post. Well things all of a sudden moved really quickly yesterday. It would not be my preference to do this so quickly after the holidays. I just don't want to be consumed by this during the holidays and be so rushed trying to prepare that we do not enjoy Christmas. But for various reasons this was the day so it is what it is! I have been asked some about the differences this surgery, concerns, etc. We are also often asked about specific prayer concerns so here it all is:

Same risks as before. Having 1 implant already does not change that. No more, no less.

This will be the left ear. The right ear was chosen first because of the history of the tumors in the left ear. Yes she has had them in both ears but historically the left ear has always been worse. Dr Bauer does feel better about that left ear since doing some reconstruction in there to try and prevent this. However, though the risk of surgery itself is not any greater, there is the possibility that implanting this particular ear is more risky for the future.

We will now have 2 implanted devices which further complicates the MRI issue if needed in the future as well as all the risks associated with having a foreign object placed in your body.

We ask that you pray specifically for the balance and nausea issues following surgery. This was our biggest challenge last time. After we were over that hurdle she recovered really well and we pray that is the case this time as well.

I hope this does not sound selfish but please pray we have the help we need to take care of her as well as the other girls and their needs. This will be complicated by the fact that it is during the school year. Sometimes after you have already been through something once people think you can just handle it. We need help!!!

The week of surgery also is stock show week so not only will Elleigh be busy getting ready the events will start that Thurs through that weekend. The other girls often take the backseat when it comes to Sallie. They do it very well but they are important too.

We think that Sallie will receive some home bound school instruction while recovering so pray that once she feels up to that we will be able to work that out until she is able to return to school.

Pray for all of us to be healthy before surgery and during recovery. Pray for our stamina.

We ask that you pray for this to be a success. With the 1st implant there were so many praying knowing this was her only hope to hear. Please do the same this time! Deciding to implant this 2nd ear was not a black and white issue at all. Sure it helped that she has had so much success from the 1st implant but there are still pros and cons but we do feel this is the right decision.

We have an activation day of January 31st. Pray that she responds well and does not have major issues adjusting to the second device.

We know God has used Sallie over and over to display His power. Pray that this will be just another piece of the story to glorify Him!

Thank You!