Another new path

Lina and I arrived Sunday night after an easy flight. We were able to watch a movie because my hubby got me an awesome laptop. It really might the time go fast. Yesterday we met Dr. Lipzstein to talk about radiation therapy. I was taken off guard with the possible side-effects of the radiation, but after careful thought and a talk with Rob we decided it was worth the risk. She will have surface radiation on her neck in the hope that the cells that form the thick keliods will not develop-risk one: she could develop thyroid issues in 10-15 years, risk two: her jaw bone could have growth issues. The other kicker is that we have to go to the doctors office for treatment and it has best results if treatment begins within 24 hours, so we have to be discharged fast. We are scheduled to go back to the Fittzpatrick on Friday and there are no rooms available sooner due to the NATO thing going on. I don't know how we can leave so soon as it seems to me that Dr. Rose is going to do quite a bit of surgery. He will be regraphing the nose and inserting a trumpet, he is debulking her lips and reconstructing the upper, and removing all the keliods on her neck and chin. He said he thinks surgery will be about 4-5 hours, but not to hold him to it---I say 8 hours. Lina has grown-up so much. She decided to get the IV before going to sleep so that she didn't have the stinky mask. I was able to stay with her until she fell asleep. We sang together. When the doctor gave her a hit of Verset (sp?) she sang by herself, loud, Jesus loves me--it was priceless. Lina and I really enjoyed yesterday. There was a lot of time in between appointments so we joked around and found a tree-lined spot to play cards. She is fun. Hannah is being honored Friday morning at a breakfast for her academics-I am so pround of her! John played in his first flag-football game on Monday, I am excited to see how he develops under Coach Mikes direction. Mary I ate a couple of Bill's cookies last night and I was thankful for them! You rock!
Today's verse: John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My Joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."

Summer 2010

I sit here trying to update with 13 teenage girls at the diningroom table. I have an incredible smile on my face as I just love Hannah and her wonderful friends. This has been a fast summer, filled with great memories and accomplishments. We enjoyed another week in Orlando thanks to my mom and dad (they got us a time-share). We also went to La Nouba, again thanks mom and dad! It was an awesome show and all of us really enjoyed it. Lina had grown so much this summer. She is trying hard on her school work and has become so thoughtful. She sees things that need to be done around the house and just does them. She tries so hard to please me, we are really bonded and she is starting to "get" concepts that I never thought she would understand. Lina and John will be in the same 4th grade class. Mary is starting 7th grade and Hannah--her Senior year. Lina and I will be leaving for NY on Sept 12 for surgery on the 14th. We will be seeing a radialogist as the keloid on her neck is so thick that radiation is the only thing that will keep it from reforming. We will be in NY for about 14 days -God willing. If you read this blog, I am asking for prayer, now.

Picu6

Wow, another marathon surgery-9.5 hours. She came out on the vent again, best for her as she was so swollen! Where do I begin? He drilled into the bone next to her "bad" eye and wired the lower lid into place, it should not droop anymore. He shortened the muscle in the upper lid-she looks symmetrical -he debulked her nose and lips - I took Lina to the ortho a few weeks ago and Dr. Kochenour needs more room, especially on the bottom, I had hoped Dr. Rose and Dr. K would have been able to talk before surgery that didn't happen, hopefully there is enough room now. He released the scare on her left jaw with wplasty, did zplasty on her neck and worked on her lips. She was extubated yesterday and is doing well. Her back, where they did microdermabrasion and the spot on her leg where he took a graft are hurting her most. He also released the scar under her bottom lip. We should leave the hospital on Friday, yeah.
I had the stomach flu and now I'm feeling so much better. (Must have caught it on the plane) Thanks for the prayers! Also, Peggy thank you for always being a phone call away, for being ready to do anything and everything to help, and for the simple act of posting a comment, it really means the world to me. Love you!!!

I almost forgot....

For the first time in 3 years the pilot of the plane let Lina come into the cockpit. Mr. Bob Jones, don't know his title, let Lina sit in the pilots chair and wear his hat. I have an awesome picture! As we were leaving the cockpit Lina and I prayed for God's protection and he placed his hands on mine. When he did the announcements he said how happy he was to have his new friend Lina join him today! Nice man! People don't realize that sometimes it is the smallest things that make a difference in our lives. I will use that experience to make Lina smile !

Everyone that knows me, is well aware of the fact that I wear my emotions on my sleeve. There is however something I have been ignoring, I don't know maybe unable to realize the truth. My friend Hope will not be here this time. Her daughter Alana went home to be with the Lord. I am sitting here in tears realizing that I was not a good friend to her when she probably needed one the most. I am so sorry Hope. I do pray for you and your family, but for some reason, I have not wanted to realize your pain-I ran from it. I pray for your forgiveness, maybe I will have to courage to call you and cry with you!

February 9, 2010

Wow it has been a really long time... In December the charity had its annual fundraising banquet and we were invited to attend. I told my sister, Lisa, that Rob, Lina and I would be going and she generously offered to pay for Hannah, Mary, and John to fly out also. We had a great time! Lina was honored with an award, for of all things, her courage. Bill told our story and the whole room was in tears, and on their feet for our family. It was truly uplifting.
And now here we are, back in NY for surgery #10. The week leading up to surgery was difficult, to say the least, I was in the most incredible pain I have EVER had and remember, I did give birth! (posted this just to remember) We did all the usual things, went to the pediatrician, then to Dr. Rose's office, we had lunch at the Comfort Diner (no friendly faces and the food was not as good as in the past). Lina wanted a Wendy's burger, FF's, and an M&M frosty for dinner, we picked it up and watched the Princess and the Frog. Lina fell asleep. Mary, I have no idea
how you get any sleep, Lina sure does SNORE. (haha) Rob left for SC today, so Hannah is stepping up and taking care of John and Mary for a few days. Susan, thanks for picking the kids up for school and for all your help last week-I really appreciate you! To my carpool friends, you girls rock--thanks for all you do to make this do-able for our family.
Lina is having a new graft put on a stint for her nose as one nostril closed up. Dr. Rose is also going to work on her mouth, eye, nose, and dermabrasion all over, to include her back. The show the Doctor's is interested in our story again, and some local NY programs want to see us in a few weeks to do a story on her. I would love for something to come through so that maybe the charity will get some recognition and donations.
I truly covet prayers-especially right now. I know the Lord is so good and I'm literally holding onto his promises. Lina is surrounded by angels and I am truly amazed at how she handles going into surgery each time. I'll update when I hear something.