Sunday, December 21, 2008
We left at 8am headed to Kansas City. Arrived at 4pm & unloaded at the hotel!
Hope we didn't forget anything!!
Monday, December 22, 2008
We had our 2nd full day of pre-op at the hospital. While we were waiting to get her blood drawn, Santa's Christmas gifts for all the children arrived!!
Because this procedure is a fairly new one & Cambry was the 2nd child at Children's Mercy to have this done, we were asked if her story could be used in a hospital publication & on their website. We agreed! We want to do everything possible to further this wonderful surgery option for these children!
Dr. Schwend & Val (Dr. Val to Cambry!!)
Cambry had Ribs at TGIFriday's as her last meal before surgery!! MESSY!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
We started our day at 4am. They took her back to surgery at 8:05am. Val came out often, giving us much needed updates!! We waited as patiently as we could!! Rhys & Bro. Terrell played all sorts of games & Nelda braided Shelby's hair while she texted her friends!! Mom & Dad entertained Shelby & Rhys as well as making phone calls & updating the blog!! Thank you all for being there! This part is kind of a blur to Grady & I ~ so much worrying!
The photographer we met on Monday was allowed in the operating room to photograph this part of Cambry's story as well. Here are some of his photos!!
The OR Nurses & the Anesthesiologists talking to Cambry.
One of the seven staples!
This is one of the ladies in the OR, but notice the x-ray in the right corner ~ 1st staple in place!!
After 4 1/2 hours of surgery, she was taken to recovery for about 1 1/2 hours. She was taken off the ventilator there & did great! We met up with her at "Reunion Hall" on the way to Pediatric ICU. She was still very sleepy, but at least we did get to see her! They got her settle in & after about 30 min., we were taken back to her PICU room. We did not take any photos ~ pretty rough back there on her & us.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
After a LONG, sleepless night ~ we had great news!! Around noon, they began trying to get Cambry moved to a regular room. At 3:20pm, we were finally there. She was in terrible agony by this time!
Cambry was hot the entire time she was in the hospital! She was very vocal about this as well! Most of her stay, this was how she looked! Cold rag over her entire face & NO clothes!
She had to have blood drawn often & did so well that she got in the treasure box! Princess Cambry in a little pain!
Bro. Terrell & Nelda headed back to Elkhart around 4pm. Thank you so much for coming all that way to be with us!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Very early on Christmas morning, the hospital staff delivered a BIG bag of toys from Santa to each child! Later that day, Santa stopped by each child's room for a visit!!
This was the 1st smile we had seen in days!!
After lunch, we said our goodbyes to Shelby, Rhys, GandMom, & GanPa. They arrived back in Spearman around 11pm. Thank you to all 4 of you for everything you did for us ~ we love you guys!!
Around 6pm, Cambry finally turned a corner! She ate her 1st solid meal & that allowed the nurses to take her off the IV Morphine & start the oral pain meds!!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Around 7am, the orthopaedic team came by to see Cambry. They were so pleased with her progress!! Later that morning, Dr. Schwend came by & visited with us about the whole process. He too expressed how pleased he was!! She was doing great & looking better & better!! We were going to be dismissed & would stay in Kansas City tonight & travel home on Saturday morning! YEAH!!!!
Finally ~ we put on pjs!!
At the hotel, they could not find their wheelchair. So, Daddy made one! (Mommy was a little nervous, but it worked fine!!)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
We left Kansas City about 6:30am. Stopped in Wichita to have Cambry's hair done!
As you can see, our table is overflowing!!
Cambry is doing WONDERFUL & will most likely be able to start back to school on January 5, 2009! We are keeping in touch with Dr. Schwend & Val & will see them in 6 weeks for a check-up & X-rays! We give all the glory to God for His amazing work through Dr. Schwend & his team!! Praise God!!
We want to say "THANK YOU" to everyone for your prayers, thoughts, cards, calls, flowers, gifts, & food!! These two words do not seem adequate to express our feelings of gratitude!! We love you all!!
