Dear Lexi,
Twenty-four hours ago we were at home getting everyone loaded in the car to get you to your surgery appointment. We dropped off the rest of our brood at Nathan and Candy’s house, then you, me and daddy drove up to the hospital in Denver together. Lex, you couldn’t have picked a colder day for surgery. It was a whole -13° outside!
We got to the hospital a little bit ahead of schedule, but they quickly got us a room. We changed you into your surgery clothes, then took you to the playroom until everyone was ready to do their pre-surgery-million-and-one-question questionnaires. The poor anesthesiologist came into ask his questions and instead ended up answering about a thousand questions from me so that I would be ok with you getting an epidural for the pain. He made me believe that it was 100% our best option for you. After the questions we took you back to the OR, dressed in our surgeon costumes of course, and I held you as they put you to sleep. As soon as you were out daddy gently placed you on the table, we gave you kisses and then were promptly escorted out to the waiting area to do just that, wait.
Up until we left you I was doing great. The second we were left alone I broke down. Your sweet daddy reassured me that you were in good hands and we went downstairs to grab lunch and meet up daddy’s cousin Stacey. Luckily, the time passed more quickly than we expected it to and next thing we knew we were being called back to see you in recovery!
When we got back to recovery the nurse said you were asleep, but the second I said your name your little head popped up like you had been waiting your whole life to see me. You sure do know how to make me feel good! The nurses let us know that they did have to remove the tumor along with your left ovary and surrounding lymph nodes. They said both looked “suspicious”. They biopsied a few other parts that they could get to just to make sure that everything else in there was healthy. Daddy held you first, then Stacey because we knew that once you had me nobody else would suffice. We only stayed in the little recovery bay for about 15 minutes until we set off for your giant corner suite on the 6th floor.
The first night went pretty well. You had so many pain meds coursing through you that you slept solid only waking when they would check your blood pressure. Your blood oxygen level kept dropping pretty low so you were on oxygen, but only for a few hours.. Your whole stay was thankfully very good. On Saturday, the day after surgery, you had a visit from a therapy dog. You loved her. Her name was Karla, she came late in the afternoon and it was the first time I had seen your beautiful smile since your surgery. Also on Saturday, a bunch of cheerleaders came to visit you. You really liked their sparkly pom poms and they loved doting over how cute you are.
On Sunday you were doing pretty good. The only problem that occurred is that your epidural became exposed so the doctors had to pull it out a little ahead of schedule. Luckily, you took the oral pain medicine okay so it was not a big deal. You did spit out more than half of your tylenol on more than one occasion, but you took the stronger stuff without a problem. Sunday you got a surprise visit from one of Santa’s elves! He brought you a little prayer teddy bear just for you. Later in the day I took you to the playroom to do some crafts and made it back to the room just in time for you to see another surprise visitor, Santa Claus! You were afraid of Santa. We did get a picture of you sitting in my arms with Santa standing next to you.
On Monday morning Dr. Bruny, the surgeon who did your surgery, came to see you. She said that you were doing so well eating and pooping, and that your pain was managed just fine so we could go home! I called Daddy and he hurried out to pick us up. The only thing we are still waiting on at this point is the pathology result from your tumor so that we can formulate a plan of treatment for you.
We were so blessed this whole time, Lexi. You had too many people to count praying for you. The nurses, especially Chelsea and Jamie, were incredible. The doctor operated with steady hands and a great team looking out for you. This is most likely only the first of several surgeries you will have in your lifetime, but I am sure that we will overcome them as a team. I am so happy that I got to be there with you and for you. I never want you to feel alone in this baby. We love you so very much!
XOXO,
Mom
