Hunter Surgery Update

***Update 12:20 pm
The surgery only took about 2 hrs. We just saw the surgeon and he said all went well. He explained everything - the procedures they performed and next steps. We'll be called back to recovery in about 15 mins or so. Hunter will be in recovery for at least an hour. He'll be in a lot of pain, but he has 3 different meds to take for infection and pain. He'll have a catheter for several days. We can take him home to Clareanne's later today and watch him closely, but we have to stay here in Houston. We'll see the doctor again on Monday.


***Update 12 pm
We got a call from OR nurse saying surgery was going well, may be a half more hour and Hunter really liked his blanket. Thanks, Rachel Witten, for the little blanket you gave him!


***Update 11:35 am

We drove to Katy last night, where we're staying with our former neighbors and close friends, Raymond and Clareanne. Since their kids are in college, their house will be relatively quiet - ideal for Hunter's recovery. After a sleepless night (Mark has sinus infection and perferated ear drum, but on antibiotics/rec'd two shots so he could come to the hospital and I was just nervous and restless the whole night), we arrived at TCH before 8 am this morning. Our Pediatric surgery floor looks more like a children's museum than a hospital! So bright and colorful, lots of ride-on toys, fish tanks, computers and games. The doctors and nurses even take the kids back for surgery in red wagons lined with pillows, rather than the stale hospital bed on wheels.


Hunter couldn't have any milk after midnight and only clear liquids until 7 am. We were afraid he'd be screaming this morning due to hunger (the boy likes to eat!), but he did just fine. In fact, once he was in his little hospital gown, he was so happy. Smiling and laughing with us. We met with several nurses, anesthesiologist, doctor's asst. and the surgeon. All were very warm and nice. Mark asked great questions. I just felt nauseous - still do- and wanted to faint. Hope I don't later, as I did the last time we met with the Pedi surgeon. It was awful. Never done that before!


After all the papers were signed, procedures/risks explained, recovery instructed, it was time for Hunter to leave our arms and be taken away for surgery. I kissed every inch of his little face and rubbed my fingers over his fluffy hair. I hugged his body tight and smelled his soft skin. I tried to take everything in all at once. It's not because I was overwhelmed with the potential risks, it's only because I love him so much. I told him to be a brave little boy and that I love him with all of my heart. When they took Hunter away, I watched them carry him all the way down the hall until I could no longer see. Then I started to cry. I want to be the one to protect him. I want to be there to hold his hand. I want to be there to ease his pain and comfort him. I miss him already.


Thank the Lord that He is in control. I'm so grateful to Him. I know without doubt he is surrounding Hunter with angels now. Thank God we can take comfort in that and trust His almighty hand and protection and guidance. We always remember that, but I think sometimes when life is going smoothly, I take that for granted. It unfortunately takes crisis or a large event to draw us back closely to Him. But thankfully, He is always there waiting for us.


Hunter went into surgery at 10:30 am. He got an epidural before surgery, IV with meds, as well as a breathing tube down his throat for respiratory assistance. The surgery will last 2 1/2 hrs, minimum. He'll then be in the PACU (Pediatric Post Anesthesia Care Unit) for a minimum of an hour, where Mark and I can wait by his bedside for him to wake up. Will update again soon. Thank you all for your comments, texts and prayers!