Surgery Update

So in case you didn't know - We got the cancellation call for surgery for Aubrey on Monday. We spent from 11am until 5pm at Vanderbilt Childrens for Pre-op...we were cleared for surgery.

We arrived at Vanderbilt on Tuesday, March 7 at 6 am - we were taken back almost immediately to holding...Erik Reed, our pastor joined us. We played with Aubrey, answered the same questions over and over and then prayed over her. They took her away - not on a bed but carried her. I liked that - funny they distracted us and her as they took her away so no one broke down. They took her back a little before 7:30 as Dr. Kelly likes to start on time. We were told that the surgery could take anywhere from 3 hours to 5 hours. Dr. Kelly came out at 10:30 roughly and told us that the surgery was successful and that Aubrey did great. It'd be about an hour and a half before we could see her - he came back around 12:15 or so and told us she hasn't woke up yet and it'd be another hour and a half. Finally at 2 I was standing at the podium until they told me something. They called back, put on hold for awhile said they'd call back. I knew something was wrong. The nurse from the PACU came out and told me that Aubrey had some breathing issues when waking up - her pulse ox was too low and they thought they might have to reintubate. (put her breathing tube back in) They finally got her calm and thats when she came to us. I about lost it. Patrick and I went back and was with her - within 15 minutes she was calm and breathing better...she just needed us. Then we were just on for the wait of the room in the PICU (pediatric intensive care). We were in PACU until 8 pm last night waiting on a bed. The nurses were OUTSTANDING!!!! What a blessing.

We got moved to the PICU at 8:30 last night - while they were hooking her up we were in the waiting room. The same waiting room where two Christmas's ago I was pregnant with Aubrey and serving food to the families that were here. Full circle moment. I had been somewhat okay all day - but I lost it right then.

We had a decent first night - Aubrey was sedated and wasn't swelling too bad at this point. She kept her eyes awake alot until about 2am this morning when the finally swole the completely shut. Our first night Patrick slept about 5 hours total and me about 3 hours - we took turns. Some Mommy super power took over. That and Coffee got us through. We had two great nurses until 7 am Sarah Beth and Erica. Sarah Beth was a christian and she talked with me alot of the night. We were on a 2 nurse to 1 patient ratio - She was def a blessing for me last night.

At 7am this morning Kerri came on - she's a mother of 6, grandmother of 2 (almost 3) and doesn't look a day over 35. She's been great and served me with several encouraging words today and hugs when needed. Aubrey has had an extremely rough day today. Shes whined or whimpered most of the day. She can't open her eyes b/c they are swollen. Her pain receptors are tough apparently and they've had to give her extra doses of medicine and bumped her from Morphine to Dalodid (sp?). She's still struggling but doing okay. Her breathing is fine and she's been off oxygen and catherders since 2 am.

We have 3 things she needs to do before we get out of ICU- 1. Drain has to come out 2. open her eyes 3. Eat. Once she does this we are out to a normal room. Today she's swollen but not bruised. She still has the "no-no's" on her arms and one leg that keep her from pulling out her IV's. She still hasn't ate from a bottle all IV's - They came today and took her bandages off (she was not happy) and exposed her beautiful bald head and her incision -(I of course broke down) they said it looked great and with a little luck her drain could be taken out tomorrow. That means we can hold her. The part I miss the most. Nothing like your baby cryin and whimpering and all you can do is sing, talk and hold their hand. Her little head looks amazing swollen and all. The nurses all comment on how pretty she is. I just can't wait to see her smile again.

We've gotten some visitors mostly close friends and family - honestly we aren't going to let anyone but back right now to see her unless they are close friends family or church elders/pastors. We do however welcome visitors but we'll just spend some time with you guys and let Aubrey rest. The doctors said thats better on her recovery.

Anyhow - this is the update as of 6pm on Wednesday - I know this is rambled and thrown together but I'm going on 6 hours (TOPS) of sleep since Monday morning. We sincerely appreciate all of your love and support and prayers through this difficult time.

I'd ask that you comment on this blog so that I can print this and keep it for Aubrey one day to read.

Hugs....The Severs