Surgery Number Six and the Sun Is Shining

Tomorrow, Jax will have his 6th surgery. We should be old pros by now, but we’re not. No matter how often we see Jax go under anesthesia, no matter how many times we have to try and comfort him from the pain and fear – no matter now many times we do this, it never gets easier.

In fact, it’s actually getting a bit harder. Jax is old enough to know what happens at the hospital. We can see the fear in his eyes. He says “all done” and tries to rip his IV out. He can talk now, so when he’s coming out of the anesthesia, he moans for “mama” and “dada” and that just makes my heart break into a million pieces – and I’m pretty sure every time it happens a few of those tiny pieces fall to the floor and get swept away, never to be found again.

But Jax has learned a few new things this week that make my heart stronger and happier. He says “Hi, Mama. Good morning!” He screams “HUG!!!!!!” and runs to tackle my legs. He sings “The sun is shining. Shining, shining, shining…”

So tomorrow, no matter how much pain he’s in or how scared he is (or I am), we will just keep singing “The sun is shining” and we’ll be ok.

Jax is checking in tomorrow at 9:00 am at St Paul Children’s. He will have his brain MRI first. Then, he will go into surgery for the hypospadias repair. He will be out for a total of 4 – 5 hours. He has to stay overnight for observation and pain management. This is nothing in the grand scheme of things and I am thankful that it’s only a one day hospital stay!

I was expecting to get the results of the brain MRI immediately, but I’m realizing that might not happen. I’ve left 6 messages with the neurosurgeon’s nurse and have not gotten a call back. I’ve called the hospital, radiology, the general nurse line, Jax’s pediatrician – I’ve put forth a valiant effort, but everyone I talk to says “well, we can’t guarantee anything.” It looks like we might have to wait until September 30 (the neurosurgeon’s first available appointment) to see if there are any changes in the tumor.

I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that we will get a surprise phone call on Friday afternoon with some answers!

Here are some specific prayer points, if you are so inclined:

1. That Jax’s tumor has not grown – or even better – that it has shrunk.
2. That we get the results in a timely manner.
3. That the surgeon is able to complete the repair so he won’t have to do a third surgery.
4. That Jax does not need any oxygen support coming out of anesthesia.
5. That Jax is not in too much pain.
6. That we have kind, compassionate, and skilled nurses to help us take care of him.
7. That we are all able to get some rest at the hospital – HAHAHAHAHA
8. That the stent that Jax will have for 9 days following surgery is not painful and does not hinder his activity.
9. That Jax heals quickly and with no signs of infection.

Thanks for all the positive thoughts, gang! It makes a difference.