Surgery Booked

Today we received a call for a surgery date on the 22^nd of November with pre-op & CT scan date on the 17^th of November.  Jessica’s last date in school will be the 16^th of November and will remain away from school for an unknown period of time during her recovery.  We are hoping that her recovery will be just as fast as last time.

1 Year, 5 Months, 3 Days...

...was the first time Jessica wheeled into the Children's Hospital in Montreal to have 4 rods put into her back to straighten her 125 degree curve.  By doing this surgery we were buying her some time to allow her lungs and heart to develop. 

Today was Jessica's regular six month follow-up on her back at Shriner's Hospital in Montreal.  We have tried to prepared for this day when her doctor says it's time to go back in, but I don't think you are truly ready to hear those words. 

Jessica's back has gone another 10 degrees from our last visit.  That now puts her at 40 degree curvature.  Anyone that has seen Jessica's back lately has noticed a bump forming in the middle of her back.  This bump is actually one of her rods starting to protrude out.  The concern is that the rod may puncture her skin which would allow bacteria to enter her spin...NOT GOOD!

Here is her most recent x-ray that was taken today. I'll try my best to explain.

 This is the side profile of her back.  If you look closely, you can see the rod sticking out.  That is the bump you see when you look at her back.

The second X-ray shows how the rods are twisting.  The four rods should be straight so they could glide up and down during her growth spurts.  The problem that's happening with Jessica is that her curve is putting pressure on her rods, not allowing her to grow.  From the day the rods were put into her back, they have not gone up in length. 

So now we wait for a surgery date.  The Doctor would like to see the surgery happen sooner than later, so we are looking sometime in November.  

SUMMER & FALL 2011

If you look really close you can see that Jessica has lost a lot of teeth this year!  My baby is now a little girl!    I can't believe how much she has grown.  Everyone comments on how long she has gotten!

Our summer was busy but loaded with lots of fun.  We had many friends and family come and visit us.  We were able to squeeze a camping trip up North one weekend, but stayed at home for most of the summer.

Jessica got an early birthday present from mom and dad this summer...a new BIKE!  She LOVES it!  Lots of smiles and giggles every time we go for a ride.

It's been an exciting start to the school year.  This year Jessica has one E.A that works with her.  I find we have more consistency and I get wonderful e-mails everyday with her progress.  Speaking of progress...

Jessica now can shake her head Yes and No....when she wants to.  It's not every time, but we are working on it.  Jessica has been going to the bathroom before bed every night on the toilet!  Her E.A at school is working hard to toilet train her through out the day.  This past week she has had a DRY DIAPER all day.  We have placed her on the toilet at scheduled times with GREAT success!  I also packed a lunch for Jessica for the very first time in 7 years!  I was crying one morning because I couldn't believe I was sending a little cooler full of food for her!  She does well with small pieces but especially likes to eat her E.A's muffin every morning!

Jessica is a typical SALMON...LOVES THE WATER!  I can't believe how well she sits in the tub these days.  Her bath times are her favorite along with washing her hands after going on the toilet! 

 

 I sat her on the Bathroom floor briefly and instantly she was up on her knees trying to get into the tub! She is soooo strong and determind when she sees things she wants.

Next week we are headed to Montreal for a check up on her back.  I'm hoping the news will be good.  No surgeries for a couple years would be nice.  The curve seems to remain the same, however, her Kyphosis in her spine seems to continue to rotate.  It will be interesting to see what the Doctor has to say.  I'll keep you posted!