Surgery #12 - Day Four

Hi Everyone!

I'm a little behind on the updates ... sorry about that for those who may have been waiting.  

Rees was released from the hospital late afternoon yesterday.  That's a BIG HOORAY - we're not usually OUT that quick!

However, the day actually started with an NPO order (no food or drink by mouth) and the possibility of Rees going into surgery again.  

Raise Your Hands IF You Saw THAT Coming!!

 

Rees developed a pretty large hematoma on the left side of his head, just above his ear and he was also actively bleeding for the first day or so ... during the second night, either he was still actively bleeding OR the hematoma was pushing through the incision because he was soaking through gauze pads every twenty minutes or so.  The resident doctor thought it might be a problem so put him on the NPO order and thought the hematoma would need to be evacuated in the Operating Room.  Rees also has a much smaller hematoma, same location, opposite side of his head.

Lab was ordered and it was found that he has in fact lost more blood since the most recent lab after surgery.  The standard range for hemoglobin is 11.5 - 14.5 g/dL.  When Rees initially came in and had lab drawn prior to surgery, his level was 13.  In just a short time after the surgery began he dropped to 7.7 g/dL.  After receiving two units of blood, he was at 8.8 g/dL (but then couldn't receive any more blood due to his negative reaction.  When we left the hospital, his hemoglobin was 7.8 g/dL.  He is clearly low ... but the surgeon felt the risk was higher for further complications if they open up his head again AND/OR if they attempted more blood transfusions.  

Sooooooo ... we are home and we are having Rees REST, REST, REST ... and we are working on applying ice and heat alternatively to hopefully dissipate or cause the hematoma to resorp.  We are also providing foods high in Iron to help with blood cell production.

We're doing okay ... and he's doing okay.  One day at a time is what we've become accustomed to.  
Here's a photo I took of him this afternoon ... he's such afternoon trooper and doing his best!! 
Sure do love him ...

Rees Surgery - Day One (Surgery 12)

Hello Everyone!

We made it through the day and for the most part Rees has done fairly well.  So ... of course, it does not seem that we can get through a surgery with this little treasure without at least one complication.  Shortly after we saw the surgeon this morning (after he had already left the OR), Rees was started on blood transfusions and he had a pretty bad reaction.  The surgeon was not aware of it at the time that he first spoke to us.  It took a long time for us to be able to see him up in the ICU and that was mostly because of them trying to get the reaction under control.  Rees' body became covered in hives and he swelled up A LOT ... kind of like a balloon!!  By the time we were brought in, his swelling had reduced significantly but we could see that he was very puffy.  

Usually the normal/expected swelling does not take full effect until the day after surgery.  Once we were in his room, they did tell us about the reaction.  Apparently, the swelling was SO pronounced that his scar line in his nasal area ACTUALLY started to separate.  There are some spots where the skin opened up slightly.  Eeek!!

His blood is being checked every few hours and while his levels are currently low, they are watching and waiting for the time-being because they do not want him to have another reaction like he did too quickly.  This is the third time that he has been noted to have these reactions in the last 18 months that he's been here so there is a possibility that he will be referred to hematology.  Whatever the issue is, IT DEFINITELY FOLLOWS THE PATTERN REES HAS EXHIBITED THAT OUTLINES THAT HE HAS A HIGHLY DELICATE AND SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL ARRANGEMENT.  

This afternoon, he woke up for a bit but shortly after we had tried him on a few ice chips, he vomited up some unpleasant and indigestible blood.  Afterward, he was very nauseous and was doing the dry-heaving thing so finally they brought in our favorite IV cocktail, Zofran and Benadryl.  That gave way to some good and quiet rest for several hours.  As I type this, he is slightly awake, trying to watch PJ Masks through the stubbornly swollen slits of his eyes.  He is dealing with a fever (102.38F) which is sort of standard after surgery but it also aggravates his blood pressure and pain management.  He is hanging in there though and tomorrow should show improvement. 

His surgery was without too many issues, ... only hiccup was that he proves to be a consistent bleeder and ends up losing more than is standard, thus requiring blood donations that cause his body to negatively react.  So, one way or another, blood is an issue for Rees.  But the goal of this surgery was met.  The distractors that were placed in February were removed and larger, stronger hardware was placed.  This is called "permanent" hardware, however, it doesn't mean "for life" ... it is hardware that should be removed in one year.  

The surgeon said that once he was "in there", he could see that Rees finally has a lot of exceptionally healthy bone and tissue(that's NEW and POSITIVE!).  While he has new growth and the bone looks healthy, he has not generated nearly enough bone to eliminate the need for hardware as you can clearly see the dark strip of "open space" beneath the hardware.  

BUT IT IS TRULY A BLESSING TO KNOW THAT HE IS FINALLY GENERATING HEALTHY TISSUE!!!  THANK-YOU, JESUS!!

The surgeon also mentioned that he checked behind the eye sockets and forehead and the tumor is not growing backwards (towards his brain, which until today, I never even knew that was an option and an obvious problem if it should occur), which is also positive.  Our Dr. ground down (a very technical term, I know) all the layers of the abnormal tissue and then even went another quarter inch down into normal tissue ... a little proactive methodology ... of course, that's what I would have done too!  

We are truly hoping that the tumor will not continue to generate ... but if it does, there is a plan and we will address it at the appropriate time.  Tune in tomorrow for whatever comes next with our little champion.  He really is quite the Trooper and we're so proud of his bravery!!

Surgery Updates

Hi Everyone!

Jonah had his surgery yesterday and he did great!  No issues, no surprises, all is well.  He came home after the procedure and jewelry felt really good.  So thankful!

Of course, he was hungry right away and he requested McDonald's... well, he did have surgery so we were okay with it.

Rees is in surgery today and he really woke up today in a fantastic mood!  

He was walking through the hospital so quickly and he jumped off his seat and ran right through the door to pre-op area when his name was called.

The staff were so surprised that he was "so ready!"  He only cried when the lab came to draw blood, but once the initial poke was done, he calmed down.

Today is a little hard because it's the last surgery that our "fav" surgeon will do for our children.  His official retirement is quickly approaching and we will have to let him go ... we've already tried to tie him up and make him stay.  LOL ... just kidding ... only a little.

Rees went back to the OR calmly and quietly ... I guess that's what multiple surgeries does for you ... so there actually IS an upside.

We'll send an update when we have one.  

Rotating Surgery Schedule

Hey everyone ... here we are nearing the end of May ... I can hardly believe we are nearing the half-way mark of 2017!!

Did you know that in the eighteen months since adopting the boys, we have had over 150 visits to Children's Hospital and we have gone through seventeen surgeries.  I don't know ... I kind of think that is a lot.  I definitely FEEL like it has been a lot ... LOL!!  

In fact, we have had a surgery every month so far in 2017?  TRUTH!!  

Actually, in January, we had two surgeries, Rees in the beginning of the month and Jonah towards the end of the month.

Then in February, Rees had three (YEP THREE) surgeries ... EEK!!!

In March, Jonah had one surgery.

It was Brynn's turn in April with one surgery and that brings us to May, this month, ... this week, actually.  We've just sort of been on a rotating surgery carousel.

Tomorrow, this guy --> 

... he will have his sixth surgery since coming to the USA.  He is having another round of steroidal injections into his hypertrophic scars.  Folks, these injections are working!  The scars are flattening and even lightening just a bit.  This should be another day surgery, in ... out ... and back to school the next day.  It still makes him a little nervous so please keep him in your prayers.

Then there's this little guy -->

He will be having his twelfth surgery on Wednesday.  Yes, he has had twice as many surgeries as Jonah.  This week, Rees will have his distractors removed and they will place permanent hardware due to the fact that his skull has not yet regenerated enough bone to be stable enough without hardware.    In addition to that, the surgeon is going to attempt to remove as much of the tumor (that continues to grow) as he can.  That pesky tumor continues to grow and create some problems for Rees.

My ASK would be that all of you who pray would PRAY HARD that this tumor will not continue to grow, that God would allow the surgeon to remove it all, that it would not continue to generate new cells.  

Please also PRAY that Rees does not have any complications or issues during the surgery as he so often does.  We want a smooth, safe, and successful surgery!  

We'll keep you posted!!  

    

Not Just a Book on a Shelf ...

A few weeks ago, I presented a devotion to our AWANA clubbers.  I really enjoyed it and I think it went pretty well.  The kids were engaged and I think they "got it" but there were also several adults / other leaders there that commented about it and shared that it was good for them too.  So, I thought I would share it here on this blog.  

 

Earlier this year, I blogged this LONG POST ... CLICK HERE TO READ

This is sort of like Part Two of that post and my continuance on this journey that I started at the beginning of the year.  

An immense struggle for me in recent years has been "PRAYER", as I discussed in the above-mentioned post.  I realized that there were several things that have happened in my life in the last few five to eight years that have caused me to move further and further away from prayer.  We think we know exactly how to pray and how to give prayer advice and throw around the all-inclusive "I'll be praying for you ..." phrase, but when it comes right down to it ...  I bet there's a whole lot of us who, when faced with serious challenges, freeze, tense up, forget to breath and certainly don't immediately turn to prayer.  

I'm one of those people.  

I've known that I should pray and I've wanted to pray in some small ways ... but ... 

I lost the will to pray.  
I didn't know what to pray.  
I no longer trusted the effects of prayer.  
I didn't believe that praying would make a difference.  

Now, interestingly, the various happenings that are crossing my mind as I type this that have actively contributed to my prayer shortcomings ... well, they weren't directly things that happened to me ... like, actually me.  They were things that happened to those that I love, so more indirectly to me, but still made it all the harder for me to deal with.  My prayers were intercessory ... not even specifically for myself ... and those prayers seemed to just bounce off the sky like a rubber ball.  So, as these things began to pile up without my understanding, I began to really complain to and question God ... 

"I'm a believer.  One of Your Own.  Aren't you even listening?  How can you let these things happen that affect me so greatly but I can't at all control?"

Nothing. No response. Nada!

SO I STOPPED PRAYING.  I mean, I still prayed sometimes but nothing too intense, ... merely going through the motions ... just basic. 12 second prayers. not really even faithfully addressing God. every half breath filled with doubt as I mustered a few words here and there.  
And I became an ineffective believer. 
just.what.the.devil.wanted

After my mom passed away, well, that seemed to be the final straw for me and I was in the very pit of my ineffective, highly doubting, spiraling out-of-control faith.  I went through months of despairing thoughts and tormenting memories and dreams.

I knew that ONLY God could help me yet I didn't really want to turn to Him.  So, I started writing letters to God.  I wanted my prayers to mean something, to be effective, to matter.  And because I was finding it difficult to pray anything other than complaints, I believed in my heart that I needed to get my hinder in-gear and get more in the Word, the Bible, so that I could use God's OWN words to pray.

And do you know what??

I found that there was something in the Bible for EVERY emotion I was feeling or could feel, for every problem I had, and every situation I was in.  Certainly, I am not an expert now and I don't know everything or have all the answers (this is a Long Journey to be Sure) ... but one thing I do know ... I'm definitely more likely to go to the Bible and pray it out when a situation arises now.  

(Watch for a future post about using God's Word in prayer but for now, here are several verses of Scripture that can be read or applied to prayer for various situations.)

You see, I wanted the kids in the AWANA club to know that the Bible is for them too.  I wanted them to know that whatever they are facing, God wants them to come to Him so that He can help them through it.  

First and foremost, I wanted them to know that the Bible holds the key to their Salvation and that the whole reason we leaders go to club week after week is to guide them and encourage them to know, understand, and accept the free-gift of Salvation that God offers to us in His Son, Jesus.  

There are numerous verses in the Bible that talk about Salvation (as depicted in my poster picture above) but one of my favorites is:

  The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. - 2 Peter 3:9 

I used the following posters to give a few examples of the importance of reliability of the words that are written in the Bible.  

All Scripture is inspired by God and useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (nlt).  Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work (ncv). - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God's word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword.  It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones.  And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. - Hebrews 4:12

But the basis for my presentation was from the following verse that is shown below.  Sometimes, life is not what we expect ... it can be messy and miserable and maddening ... and sometimes you just want to know how you're going to get through the next minute, let alone the rest of your life.  Well, the second part of the verse is what has really struck me recently and it helped to propel me to dive in to my Scripture study this year.  

Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us ... (niv) ... the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. (nlt) ~ Romans 15:4 (underlining mine)

You see, I know A LOT of Scripture.  I have memorized A LOT of verses!  Over the years, I have lived by a verse here ... and a verse there ... and there have been some very meaningful verses that have carried me through a moment in time.  But the words of God are not disposable; they're not meant to be used once or twice and then tossed out.  They are meant to last ... to endure and stand ... unchanging and uncompromising ... for ALL TIME and in ALL TIMES.

Sometimes, it's easy to praise and to cling to the words in the Bible when 

it suits us or when we are feeling really good about something but I have learned ...

I am not in control. 

Things are constantly changing.

I am, unfortunately, not living in a bubble of perfection.

I cannot stop [things that I perceive as bad] from happening

(read more about "things that I perceive as bad and what they really are" in a future post)

 ... and I have heard from God ...   

"... Bad things will happen but you must cling to what you know is good."

I know that the Word of God is good.

There IS validity in turning to the Bible and seeking out God's Words in all situations and here are some of those:

Often times, a situation arises that we think is just too difficult and we say, "It's TOO hard!  I can't do it!"  

For the kids at club, memorizing certain verses or accomplishing a homework project was cause for these statements.  

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh.  Is anything too hard for me? - Jeremiah 32:27

Ah, Lord God!  It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm!  Nothing is too hard for you. - Jeremiah 32:17

I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13

ALL of us have had this look at one time or another.

"I Just Don't Know What To Do!"

Sometimes, we're confused and we don't know what to do.  We are uncertain of the steps we should take or how to make an important decision.  

Ask, and God will give to you.  Search, and you will find.  Knock, and the door will open for you.  Yes, everyone who asks will receive.  Everyone who searches will find.  And everyone who knocks will have the door opened. - Matthew 7:7 ncv

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. - Proverbs 3:5-6 nlt

What about this one? Ever been bullied, felt like you were the target in somebody's crosshairs?? OR what if you were the one targeting someone ... have you been a bully?

Are You Being Bullied or Are you Being a Bully?

                             

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, ... - Matthew 7:12 

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. - John 15:12

Another one that is probably pretty common for some of us is Anger.  At one point or another we all get mad about something.  Anger, in itself, isn't too terrible but when we act out of anger ... that can be a problem.  The verses below explain Anger that is Acted Upon.

"I'm So Angry!!"

Do not become angry easily, because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants. - James 1:19b-20 ncv

Don’t become angry quickly, because getting angry is foolish. - Ecclesiastes 7:9 ncv

This next one is a big one for me - fear and worry. It's one of those things that threatens to consume me more times than I really would like. No matter how strong I think I am or how brave I tell myself to be, I can very easily get tripped up by "Fear or Worry".

Fearful or Worrisome!

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. - Psalm 56:3 niv

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9b

Here's one we might not often think about as far as looking to God for guidance or searching the Bible for His Word on this topic. But there really is plenty in the Bible about the types of friends we should have and the people that we should and should not become attached to ... (This section is not to say or try to relate that a person professing to be a Christian cannot and should not be friends with a non-Christian. Jesus made a point of seeking out those who did not know God. This is more along the lines of lasting strong and close relationships, especially in a committed relationship, such as Marriage.)

Friendships/Making Friends

Do not be fooled: “Bad friends will ruin good habits.” - 1 Corinthians 15:33  

Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a trap for your soul. - Proverbs 22:24-26

Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? - 2 Corinthians 6:14

In this world, there sure is plenty going to make us sad. Be it the world news or personal circumstances, there is always someone suffering with sadness as a result from a circumstance or loss of some sort.

Sadness

I will change their sadness into happiness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sadness. - Jeremiah 31:13b ncv

Why am I so sad?  Why am I so upset?  I should put my hope in God and keep praising him … - Psalm 42:5 ncv

What about when you're feeling particularly happy ... something great happens ... you have a good day ... etc. God is happy when you're happy!! He rejoices with you when you rejoice!!

HAPPINESS!!

A happy heart makes the face cheerful … - Proverbs 15:13

A joyful heart is good medicine … - Proverbs 17:22

Even when there's nothing going wrong in your life, God is there with you and delighted in you. If everything is going GREAT and you're feeling exceptionally blessed, even just blessed ... God deserves Your thanks and praise and there are verses in the Bible that do just that!

Everything's going GREAT!!

Psalm 107:8-9 - Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.

Psalm 28:7 - The LORD is my strength and my shield.  I trust him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

God deserves our prayer ... our emotion ... our trust ... not just when things are going well, but ALL the time.  Because He loves us and He is for us and He is with us ALL THE TIME.

I explained to the clubbers that searching the Bible is like playing one of those video games where you play the various levels in the game and you're completing all the levels and you're moving further and further until you've reached the point where you've mastered the game when all of a sudden you find the key that unlocks a whole other platform, a whole other world that you never even knew was there to be discovered ... 

... that's like the Bible!  You can know what you know and have read it all the way through and then all of a sudden portions and chapters and words, that you never even realized were there, just come alive and practically call out to you ... encouraging and inviting to go a little deeper ... to seek and discover that there's so much MORE than you ever even knew there could be.

No matter what path we're on, He is with us and HIS WORDS can speak to us if we only just go to Him.

Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path. - Psalm 119:105

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. - Psalm 119:130

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. - Deuteronomy 29:29

Mother's Day

Today we celebrated "Birth-Mother's Day" ... No, I did not make this day up.  It's a REAL thing!

Apparently it was started in 1990 and celebrated on the day before Mother's Day to honor women who  have placed their children for adoption.  

I am not opposed to the day but until this year, ... well, honestly, it hadn't really crossed my mind too much.  Usually, I think of the women who gave birth to my adopted dumplings on the day we celebrate their birthdays.  That's when I think of them the most ... when I wonder if they still remember and how they feel and if they're okay.  

But recently, as Brynn has shown evidence of beginning her pre-adolescent-building up to be a momentous-turbulent ride of-girl.emotions.and.hormones ... on top of the TORNADO that she already is ... Ladies and Gentlemen, we better fasten our seat-belts ...

... in addition to that ... 

Brynn has brought up her birth-mother OR "tummy mama", as we like to call her, quite a bit lately.

She has never really done this before.  Neither has Molly.  And Jonah and Rees ... well, we're not too sure what they think yet.  But, interestingly, Molly, Jonah, and Rees KNOW where they came from.  They REMEMBER China, even though their conscious memories do not recall their birth mothers.  They understand that they lived far, far away from where they are right now and they understand that they came to live in a family of their own with a Baba and a Mama and brothers and sisters.  

Brynn knows that she has a family now.  And she "knows" that she was born in China and that we went their to adopt her.  But she doesn't remember it as she was so much younger at the time of her adoption.  She doesn't remember living in China or us going their to adopt her.  She doesn't remember her life BEFORE ... but she knows there was a BEFORE ... and she wonders about it.  

She wonders about the mother who decided not to keep her.  

So, I thought that we could give Brynn the opportunity to try to remember her "tummy mama" and honor her in a special way.  Brynn liked the idea ... and the other kids wanted to do something too ... for their "tummy mamas".  We gave them several ideas and choices and they picked what they liked best.

Molly, Jonah, and Brynn wanted to plant a flower in their honor.  

Brynn chose an arrangement of perenniel carnations.

Jonah chose a beautiful Calla Lily.

And Molly chose a Tiger Lily.

They did a very nice job of planting their selections.

We stood around their little garden and we each said a prayer for the women who gave birth to Molly, Brynn, Jonah, and Rees.  My prayer was difficult to get out ... (I broke down in tears if you can believe it ... of course you can) ... but it is sometimes difficult for me to imagine what it must be like for the birth mothers of my children.  

Dear LORD, I thank You for the precious gift You have given me in allowing me to mother Molly, Brynn, Jonah, and Rees.  They are so precious and I can't imagine them not being a part of my life.  Sometimes, I become sad ...

...when I see one of them with a huge smile or when they laugh or say something funny ... when they give me a hug or they draw me a picture or when one of them snuggles up next to me to watch a movie ... I think about all the blessings I have been given, ... which are all the ones that "SHE" is missing.  

And it makes me sad for her ... 

I pray that You have comforted her and that Your peace has come upon her ... that she may know that the one she is missing is safe and loved and thriving.  In Jesus Name, AMEN.

When it started to get a little darker, we did the next part of honoring the birth mothers.  The kids chose to send up a floating lantern (with their love and their prayers for each of their "tummy mamas").

Here's a video of the send-off ... hopefully this works and our readers are able to view this!!

Additionally, this is my first Mother's Day without my own mother.  It's been sort of tough asthis day has approached and anticipating not seeing my mom or celebrating with her in some way.  But I decided I would honor and celebrate my mom anyway and I did it by sending out a balloon to her.  I wrote a message to her on one side of the balloon and sent it up into the sky.  

Next year I will send up two balloons ... 

and the year after that three balloons ...

... and so forth ... 

Because as long as there is Mother's Day, 

I will, of course, remember and honor my mother.

Happy Mother's Day to ALL you mothers out there!!

BE BLESSED!