Almost over

J-man and I are in Greenville today so he can begin therapy.

We are so excited! It will be the first time in six weeks that he will put any weight on his legs. They made him lay down and measured his height and he has grown two inches! I knew he looked longer, but I didn't realize he could grown two flippen inches in six weeks! He's put on some weight too but that doesn't surprise me. Sitting or laying down will do that to ya.

He has to walk 100 feet without assistance before we can leave. J-man has the goal to do it today. I don't think it's going to happen. He is in for a shock. But he can handle it. Any kid that has gone through what he has can handle pretty much anything.

We are so blessed that this is all he needs. We've met kids with Muscular Distrophy, missing limbs, back problems... all that will be with them forever. J-man just needed his feet turned out. Really a cosmetic procedure, but one he felt he needed. I have to believe we were sent here to open our eyes to just how lucky we are.

I'm so proud of him. I'll let you all know how it goes.

It's done

J-man's surgery is over and it went well. Bug and I are back at the hotel, and as we were leaving J-man was waking up a little more and asking to eat. Carl is staying with him tonight and I'll stay tomorrow.

He is such a trooper. The "pain nurse" said his pain meds are on the lowest dosage and it isn't affecting his blood pressure at all. If they weren't working his bp would go up but that isn't happening so they are saying that's a good sign.

He has an epidural so he has no feeling from the waist down. In between his legs is a HUGE foam cushion that is keeping his legs immobile. They have to move him from one butt cheek to another every couple of hours. When they did it the fist time, they had to uncover him from behind. I have to tell you I nearly cried. To see your child in such a vulnerable position and being rolled to his side all the time not being able to move his legs was almost unbearable. He legs looked almost unreal... like they were plastic or something. And that huge cushion between them... I wanted to yell at them to let him go, but I couldn't. They were doing what is best for him. It still takes my breath away just thinking about it.

I feel horrible not being at the hospital, but there wasn't anywhere for Bug and I to sleep. Oh well. I'll be there first thing in the morning. Maybe he'll be his same ol' silly self by the time I get there.

God I hope so!!!!!

Another 24 hours

We are heading out. J-man's surgery is at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning so we are going today to settle in the hotel. Bug and I are staying there while Carl stays with J-man at the hospital.

I am taking my laptop so I'll post updates. Send up your prayers or think good thoughts. I'm worried about my sweet baby. But he is in good hands... the doctors are wonderful.

Thank you for all your emails and phone calls. They mean a lot to me. I think J-man is handling all of this better than I am. And Carl? He's worse than me!!!

Hugs to you all.

24 hours

In 24 hours J-man and I will be travelling to Greenville for his pre-op appointment. I can't believe his surgery is next week!!!

He's nervous - and rightfully so. But he is also excited because he gets to roam around places in a wheelchair. I think he invisions girls fawning all over him and asking if they can nurse him back to health. Oh, the fantasies of a pre-teen. Lord, is he going to be sorely disappointed!!!

I'm worried sick about it. I hope we are doing the right thing.

BUT

J-man made the decision. He seems to be ready for it.

We'll see how he handles seeing the doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and hospital rooms tomorrow. I think that dose of reality might send him reeling.

I'll let you know.

Scheduled

J-man's surgery has been scheduled for July 1.

He'll be OK... I'm the one that needs prayers. I may have a nervous breakdown before it happens. He'll never know that. I can't show him how worried I am.

But he wants it. It was his decision and I will always support him 100%. He is going to be scared to death once we tell him. But the kid is amazing. He is so brave and strong - even though he doesn't realize it.

He has been through so much in his 12 years... and he will be bed-ridden when he turns 13. Isn't that going to be an awesome story to tell his kids someday?

Oh well. Whats done is done. It is scheduled... we have to prepare for it now.

On the road again

We, meaning Carl, J-man and myself, are heading out of town in the morning. We are heading back to the Shriner's Hospital for the results of his tests.

They will answer the "will he need surgery" question at this appointment.

Am I worried?

Hell yeah.

This is my baby... my sweet boy...

If it isn't necessary he isn't going to have it done. I can't stand the thought. If it is necessary, we'll handle it.

I've got a wonderful, loving, supportive family - both real and in blogger land. Your thoughts, prayers, and crossed fingers are welcome. I'll let you know what the doc says when we get back.