Preparing

In a weeks time, Grace will be having surgery to remove her hemangioma.  The one on her back, not the one on her jaw.  I knew going into the hospital this past June, that surgery would be discussed.  A hemangioma typically grows, then starts to involute (shrink).  Grace's hasn't been shrinking as fast as the clinic would have expected, and they/we decided that having it surgically removed before she enters kindergarten would be best.  The best, but also the hardest.  I wasn't able to sign the surgical release forms.  I had to pass them to Nate as tears streamed down my face.  Now, a week away from surgery, I'm feeling stronger, but still get pretty teary when the surgery is discussed.

 Grace in 2008.  You can see the hemangioma underneath her shirt.

Grace's hemangioma this past summer after a couple of mosquito bites.

The hospital called a couple of days ago with the one week prior instructions.  I expected that Grace wouldn't be able to have the surgery if she had the flu, or diarrhea, but she also cannot be congested or have a persistent cough.  Wednesday was her last day at pre-school and we are now keeping her at home, trying our best to stay germ free.

We have been preparing for her surgery since the summer, reading recommend books such as Franklin Goes to the Hospital, and answering Grace's questions as best we can.  Most times, the questions come out of the blue.  We were in Hawaii and Grace was brushing her teeth before going to bed.  She stopped, and asked "is it going to hurt?".  Questions like those are the hardest, and others are easier "can I bring my bunny with me?". 

I'm thankful that I have an amazing support group of friends who are helping me stay grounded, and am in awe of the love that surrounds my little girl.