Abigail Heelen is a Brain Surgery Survivor!
(In case you can't read it, her shirt says, "I had brain surgery... what's your excuse?")
I am working on an online journal of pictures from Abby's experience having decompression surgery for her Chiari Malformation. So many people have been lifting Abby up in prayer... people we are close with and people we don't even know and lots of people in between!
We are so thankful for the prayers. Going into this experience we were overwhelmed and nervous. As the surgery drew closer, we were resolved and determined. Now that it is behind us, we are amazed at Abby's strength and relieved that she did so well.
We're lucky to have such wonderful family, friends co-workers, and a faithful congregation to lean on during a time like this. The special prayer service, gifts for Abby and her siblings, flowers, balloons and all the yummy food have been a God send. Not to mention rides to soccer practice, get well cards... everyone has pitched in so much for our family, we are humbled.
I especially want to thank my mom and dad who took time off from work to watch the big kids for us, help with school assignments, prescription, house work and visiting with Abby during her hospital stay. And to Grandma Mac and Aunt Holly for helping take care of Margaret the week leading up to Abby's surgery so I could get mentally prepared, packed and organized for the surgery and hospital stay.
I hope to have the photos ready to post soon. Abby can't go out in public for two weeks, so we'll be spending our days at home and I hope she'll let me work on it! She's doing well... took a two hour nap today and is taking it a bit easy, watching videos and reading books... with short bursts of energy to throw a Frisbee or play beauty shop. She'll be back up to speed in no time.. t.G.!
Physical therapy starts Wed. Stitches out Fri. She'll have an MRI in July and a Sleep Study before Aug. Once the brain swelling goes down we hope to see less gagging and (fingers-crossed, big prayers) no more Central Sleep Apnea. (She's been sleeping on her side the last two nights and it seems to really help... so hopefully we're already seeing signs of improvement).
And for those who are REALLY keeping track of her progress.. she did not vomit today and she had her first BM since coming home... Hallelujah! Stitches seem a little pink and puffier today but only very slightly and maybe I'm just paranoid...
Comets game tomorrow... hope the boys get a real winning streak going!
Abby's been taking swim lessons and is doing so well in the pool! Margaret got to go to Williamsburg with Bubby and Grandfather for her 10th birthday present, so while she was gone, we enjoyed a local Renaissance Festival fundraiser and the annual Culpeper Fireman's Parade.
Not a big fan of the firetruck sirens in the parade.
Ran out to give Ronald a hug though.
Renaissance Festival archery.
Face painted and enjoying hot dogs, popcorn and pickles at the Ren. fest.
Being "knighted" by Sir Blackstone. She keeps asking, "Am I still a knight?"
Being a pink kitty at the Ren. fest...
Our knight in shining armor...
Abby really enjoyed the "ratapult" game...flinging mice through the air into a rat's mouth!
Abby's first dentist appt! She did great.
Thunderstorms at night make bedtime difficult... Abby's solution? Earphones! It works like a charm and she sleeps peacefully with them all through the night! What a character...
Then, a party with the "big kids" with a peanut hunt, egg in the spoon race, egg roll and pin the tail on the cat!
In the afternoon, cousin Caitrin and baby Collin came to visit from MD and Abby and Caitrin repeated all of the games and played in every room of the house!
Then, we drove to Skyline Drive and the kids compteted in an Easter Egg hunt.
