On Tuesday we went to the pediatric neurosurgeon. The appointment went pretty much as we had expected. The MRI showed a fluid filled cyst which the doctor said is an indication that the tethered spinal cord has already started effecting the spinal cord. We signed the consent forms to schedule surgery and are waiting to hear from the scheduling people. From what we understand surgery should be in early September. The surgery will be pretty straightforward lasting 4 to 5 hours and then Paxton will be in the hospital for 4 to 5 days. It can be done here in Jacksonville. We feel really good about the neurosurgeon. His name is Dr. Philipp Aldana if you want to google him. His bedside manner was really comforting and we feel confident in his abilities.
We will also be visiting a urologist to see if any damage has been done to the area of Paxton's spine that controls his bathroom functions. Please pray that everything will appear to be "working" correctly. Outward signs seem to show that he is ok, but it's hard to tell in a 4 month old and we may not fully know until we get to the age for potty training.
In the upcoming days Greg and I will be donating blood in case Paxton requires a blood transfusion during surgery which evidently is a possibility. We figure we'll go ahead and donate and then WHEN HE DOESN'T NEED IT it will benefit someone else!
While I am emotional about all of this, I know that Paxton will be in good hands. The surgery is necessary so it's just one of those things that you have to push through as a parent. Olivia's 2nd birthday is just around the corner and I know that the timing of Paxton's surgery in relation to her birthday will be difficult. Thankfully her birthday is on a weekend so I feel sure that his surgery won't be on the exact day. I just couldn't bear it if they had fallen on the same day.
I am including some recent pictures of Paxton. He weighs about 14 pounds now and is the sweetest baby you could imagine. He NEVER cries, only whimpers a little when he's hungry (of course he's held so much that he really doesn't have much of a reason to cry!). He is so snuggly and smiles and laughs all day long. No exaggeration here. If he's awake, he's smiling!
A lady at WalMart told me "He sure is a smile-ical baby!" Bailey and I have laughed and laughed at that word! Enjoy the pics and continue with your prayers for Paxton and our surgeon Dr. Aldana. I'll update my blog with dates as soon as we find out anything.
Sweet baby boy!
Paxton with my dad's hands...love this picture! Taken in Bailey's room, hence the pink rug!
Paxton at the beach! Ready for some whale watching!
9 comments:
I would feel exactly the same way you are right now. Medical issues are more traumatic after the loss of a child. YOu also have Olivia's 2nd birthday coming up. All the medical problems Paxton is having adds more emotion to what you are already feeling for Olivia. Be gentle on yourself and know that many of us are praying for you and your family and especially for all to be week for Paxton. (((hugs)))I will also keep you in my prayers on Olivia's birthday.
the word week should say well and not week, sorry for my typo..
Thinking and praying for you Shannon. Paxton is so cute - loved the pictures of him! Can we help in any way? Do you have someone to watch your children for you during the surgery?! You probably have it all planned out, but seriousely, if you need anything at all, remember we're just across the river and more than happy to help!!
What a sweet and precious little boy (mini-Greg)!! I won't even pretend to have the smallest idea of what you are going through, but I've known you my whole life and know that you are an amazing person and will make it through this trying time as well!! I've never known anyone like you! You continue to and always will amaze me! You all will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!! Lots of love, hugs, and kisses!!
I wish I could hang out on the beach with your cute little whale watcher and make everything okay for you! Thanks for the update. You will continue to be in my thoughts daily.
Love the pictures!!! We'll be thinking about you guys! I hope us coming to visit is not going to put too much stress on you on top of everything else!
Vera
What a sweet little face! We will be thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers!
hey girl,I tried to email you a few times to let you know I was in town this weekend. HOpe you are doing good, and hopefully we can catch up on my next visit...
While I totally hate that this whole thing is going down, I am so glad that you don't have to wait too long for it to happen. Kinda like taking off a bandaid, just rip it off and lets get through this so the world will be right again. What a blessing that little crooked smile is. My arms are itching wanting to hold him so bad. I would sure feel better if I was there to help you during the surgery. Call me and I am there! It is all going to be great, keep your chin up. I love what Laura said "Be gentle with yourself"! What a fantastic statement. You have a right to be sad and frustrated that this is happening. I know that I am. I love ya chick. Hang in there.
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