Surgery Part 1

On May 24 we were at the hospital by 8:00.  They prepped Jordan for her surgery, gave her some happy medicine and off she went.  My nerves were running on high.  While we were waiting, I kept praying.  The surgery started at about 10:30.  About an hour later, the fire alarm started going off.  I went into a little bit of a panic wanting to go back and get Jordan.  They told us they would let us know if we needed to evacuate but no one seemed worried.  Eventually the alarm stopped, and I got a call that Jordan was doing great but still in surgery.  About thirty minutes after the call, her doctor came to talk to us.  He said that the flap was in place but he was a little concerned that the end wasn't getting enough blood flow.  They were going to watch her for a while.  If they felt the blood supply wasn't good, they were going to snip a few stitches.  Around 1:00 they were ready for us to see her in recovery.  They felt that the flap was getting what it needed and did not have to snip any stitches.

When I saw Jordan, I was expecting her to be grouchy.  She was calm, and I even got a smile out of her.  The flap was nothing like I expected.  I can't even describe what it looked like.  It wasn't pretty.  God gave me the strength though to keep my cool and focus on my princess.  We got Jordan to her hospital room and settled in.  You could tell when she needed pain meds, because she began to get real restless.  The night was long.  They gave her antibiotics, and steroids through her IV off and on all night.  Her blood pressure was low, so they had to put her back on the IV.  Mom and I were up almost all night with her.

Then morning hit.  I noticed that her flap was getting dark and asked the nurse if that was normal.  She called the doctor and they arrived by 7:30.  From 5:30- 7:30 Mom and I slept.  The doctor came in and said that the flap was congested and the only way to try and save it was to go back to surgery and put it back on her forehead.  I thought I was going to pass out.  

Within thirty minutes Jordan was in surgery again.  After surgery, she was grouchy and I don't blame her. So the flap went back on her head and they took a skin graft from her groin to prop her nose open for now.  We go back to her doctor on Thursday to see what he will do.  We are all hoping that the blood supply returns to the part that was congested.  So, right now there are a lot of "IF's" (which I hate).  

My prayer for Jordan is that the blood supply returns we can start over again with the same flap.  Jordan is in good spirits.  She listens and is super careful with her head.  I can't wait to see her when this is done and she is healed.  She is amazing!!!

For we live by faith, not by sight  2Corinthians 5:7

Jordan's Nose Before Surgery

We took Jordan to her pre-op appointment on Friday.  I finally understand what they are going to do (not that I like it).  They will make two incisions down her forehead to make a flap of skin.  They flip the flap over and connect it to the tip of her nose.  The flap will stay connected to a blood vessel from her forehead for several weeks.  The opening on her forehead will be closed with stitches.  She will have those removed a week after surgery.  I am a bit confused when they will put the cartilage in her nose.  It will probably be on the second part.  Many of my questions were answered on Friday.  I also have realized this has to be done.    As she grows, her nose will look more sunk in since there is no cartilage support.  Here is what her nose looks like now.  I so wish that I could do this for her.  Please pray for all of us.  I am trying to get control over my anxiety before next Friday.  For we live by faith, not by sight  2Corinthians 5:7

 

Zoo Trip

We had a great time at the zoo.  It was a beautiful day.

Train Station in Temple 

Mother's Day 2013

I think this may be my favorite day.  I really do enjoy Mother's Day.  It gives me another chance to thank God for allowing me to raise two of His children.  I love being a mother to Jordan and Winston.  When it gets difficult (because sometimes it does), I remind myself of the precious gifts they are.  These are two of my favorite memories this year.  I was exhausted one night and the kids were snuggled up with me.  Jordan talks a lot all the time.  I was getting frustrated that they were not sleeping yet, and the last thing Jordan said before she crashed was, "Mommy, I love you!"  It melted my heart.  Now as for my son.  He is normally a pretty good boy.  When he has an off week (or two or three), he can wear me down. Well when I just about have had enough of his behavior, he runs into the yard and picks me several flowers.  What a sweet boy!!!  Then he wrinkles his little nose and gives me the cutest grin.  How could I ever stay mad at that?  These are just a few of the joys I have as a mother.  

Sprinkler Time

Surgery Scheduled

April was a very hard month for me at work.  While juggling work with kids, somewhere in the middle of all of that, Jordan's nose surgery was scheduled. She will be having part one on May 24.  I will never understand why work had to be so mentally draining this past month, but I can't help but think that God needed my brain to be busy so that I would not have time to think about what is to come.  I do have peace knowing that this is something that needs to be done and now is the time.  Jordan has been asking me some pretty tough questions about her face lately, and I depended on God to help me say the right things.

Jordan and Winston are so ready for the summer and can't wait to go swimming.  Jordan won't be able to swim much but may get to splash some from time to time.  The weekend before her surgery we are taking the kids to Waco.  They are so excited about that.  Since we won't be able to do a lot this summer, we will go to our favorite zoo and swim at the hotel.  Hopefully school will be better these last few weeks and I can keep the blog up-to-date.