Emerson's Scoliosis Journey

Pre Surgery After agreeing to change our surgery date, Jenson got sick.  She woke up in the middle of the night coughing like crazy.  Croup had been going around daycare.  We decided to keep her home on Friday, let Emerson go to daycare and after daycare Emerson spent the entire weekend at Grams and Pops to prevent her from getting sick.  I was in communication with Shriner's throughout the weekend and eventually decided it would be safe to continue with surgery.  Craig had been going back and forth to hangout with Emerson, but I hadn't seen Emerson since Friday morning.  Jenson had visited the urgent care Saturday and was being treated and feeling better.  After thinking all weekend that they would cancel it and Jenson being clingy and needing extra attention all weekend, nothing seemed ready.  Sunday was a mad rush of disinfecting the house, making substitute plans, laundry, and packing.  Day 1 At 2 am I took a loaded car with Addison and Jenson to Mom and Dad's to

Sometimes,  plans change and you just have to roll with it,  or maybe plans change ALL the time and you scream,  then cry,  then roll with. Today Shriners called. They had a cancellation for Monday at 7:30 and they wanted to know if Emersom wanted it.  After thinking about,  Jen's birthday,  her birthday party,  our holiday plans,  substitute plans,  Emerson's current health,  and seeing if all the right people could get off work, we decided to for it.  Why take a risk on her getting sick? Her surgery is scheduled for 7:30 Monday morning.  We would love to see all that green again! Please send us a picture.  This does unfortunately mean the current shirt order will not be done in time ☹  I know this is a bummer.  My mom also ordered some really cute bracelets that we will have the end of next week. We truly appreciate all the prayers and hope you keep them coming!

 In the past two weeks... Emerson has received so many wonderful gifts (this isn't even all of them). Had lots of support. Been packed and ready to go. Had the opportunity to do one more photo shoot before surgery. And finally received a new surgery date! Her cough is still there but improving.   We can only hope and pray that she can stay healthy! Take 2 will be on Monday,  November 5th.  If you ordered a shirt since the last order, I am putting that in today.  Thank you again for all the support!  

In an unfortunate turn of events, we were just told it is unsafe to put Em under anesthesia today and she won't be having surgery. More details... I don't even know where to begin.  The past few days have been quite the emotional rollercoaster.  We have been wrapped in love by our family,  friends,  teachers,  coworkers,  and church family and are so thankful for all of the support for Emerson and our family.  Over the weekend Emerson had developed a very minor cough.  She was blessed with allergies like her momma and normally gets a little runny nose from time to time.  We can usually control it with the breathing machine treatments and it isn't a big deal.  We have had castings with this cough and it not been a big deal however for castings she was only under for about an hour. When they called yesterday for the preop information I told them she had a mild cough and if it got worse I could let them know.  There was no more discussion about it. When we arrived today

Emerson will only wear a brace for 2 more days. As we try to prepare for this week I wanted to thank everyone that ordered shirts.  I almost have them all delivered! We have ordered over 150 and will put another order in later. We would LOVE for anyone that has one to wear it this week.  Tomorrow would be the first opportunity.  At 6 o'clock there will be a private prayer service for Em at our church.  The elders will be praying over her and we would love to see anyone that wishes wearing her shirt or wearing green in support throughout the day.  The other day is surgery day,  which is Tuesday.  We are hoping the shirts will remind everyone to say some prayers.  We would also like to thank everyone that has helped us prepare for Tuesday with gifts, words of encouragement, prayers and help. We definitely feel the love!

Our appointment was at 7, so we tried staying at Haven House.  If we would have arrived before 3:30 a.m. this may have been a little better. Preop consisted of xrays, photographs,  pulmonary exercises, blood work, and urine analysis. We agreed to have Em be part of the national research on Magec rods. She survived the blood work and was rewarded with a babydoll and jewelry. We are only getting 1 rod because in our doctors experience the other side rod usually breaks and punctures.  One rod is more effective. He is going to attempt the larger rod,  which would last longer,  but may only get the small rod in. Only one of us can stay the night with her. We can't give blood because they don't do that,  however they doubt she will need it. They will start walking her the day after surgery to hopefully avoid muscle spasms. The biggest complication is infection. We are exhausted. Surgery is in 2 weeks. Pray. Pray. Pray.