It's Gone!

I came home yesterday from the hospital sans fibroid! The surgery went well. It took longer than expected (5 hrs instead of 3) because it was bigger than they thought. Turns out that the fibroid was much bigger than my uterus itself. And, it was located completely in the top (fundal) wall of the uterus. It didn't penetrate into the cavity so they only had to cut through the outer lining of it. They are still recommending c-sections for future births because of how much they took out. But, the robotic procedure worked very well and I only have 5 tiny incisions instead of a giant one. I am quite sore but that's what prescription pain meds are for. I still can't pick Aaron or anything heavy up, which is the toughest part. A few weeks of rest and I should be back to normal! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

4 Months Pregnant?

Don't worry, I'm definitely not pregnant. Although the current size of my uterus has lead many medical professionals to think that.

So, I had an ultrasound at the beginning of January and the fibroid is just as big as it ever was. The consensus: get it out! Although there isn't much research stating that uterine fibroids lead to premature births, when my OB discuessed my case with a room full of collegues, they all agreed that mine did. I received a shot that day of Lupron to hopefully shrink the fibroid 30-50% and make for a less invasive surgery. Essentially, the shot stops estrogen production for 3 months, putting me in a medical menopause and giving me some pretty nasty hot flashes.

I had my pre-op history and physical a few weeks ago and my doctor said the fibroid feels smaller. So the plan is to start with a robotic myomectomy and move to a classic c-section incision if they need more access. With the robot, there will be 5 small 1cm incisions around my abdomen. In the one right above my belly button, they will put a camera. Instruments will be placed in the other 4 sites and the surgeon will be controlling them from a station in the operatory. Pretty crazy. They will then section the fibroid out and use something likened to an "apple corer" to free the fibroid up and suck it out one of the small incisions. If this wasn't being performed at DHMC I'd have reservations. If all goes well I could be back to work and my normal routine within 2 weeks. If, however, they can't get to it all with the robot, they will make a c-section incision along my bikini line. With that procedure, I will be off my feet for 6 weeks. I can't even pick up anything more than a milk jug.

Needless to say, we moved into my parents house for the next few weeks, since I won't be able to take care of Aaron. Today, I am on a strict clear liquid diet. And, I had to do a "bowel prep" with magnesium citrate. I even had to leave work early today because my terrible migraine turned into wretched vomitting because I can't take any medication for it. Fortunately, I am first on the schedule for surgery tomorrow so it will all be over soon.

I am praying the the robot works. But mostly that God is with me and the surgeon keeping us all safe! I will update soon.

Speed Racer

Over the last few appointments in 2009, Aaron's doctors where going back and forth between him needing a helmet to correct his plagiocephaly. The main reason for not fully recommending it was because his face was symmetrical and it may correct on it's own. But, it was something that really bothered me and I always stared at while holding Aaron. Besides, we had tried various different holding/sleeping positions to try and correct it but Aaron always managed to turn his head to that same spot every time. So, when they suggested we meet with a pediatric plastic surgeon just in case, we made the appointment as soon as possible. Usually, they hold group appointments with a few families but through a strange course of events, we ended up with a private visit with the doctor. It was great! I got to ask all the questions I wanted and the doctor spent a lot of time with Aaron taking measurements. His diagnosis was that Aaron was just on the cusp of what is considered minimal for insurance coverage, which is usually pretty strict. In other words, Aaron didn't neeeed it, but we might want to consider the helmet so it will be "one less thing to worry about" in the future. After some thought and convincing of Clayton, we opted for the helmet. Although he didn't absolutely need it, I didn't want to regret not doing it 5 years down the line. This was the only time we could do it since Aaron was nearing 1 year old and his fontanelles would be closing soon.

We met with an orthotist who cast Aaron's helmet. It was the saddest/funniest appointment ever. The orthotist had to place layers of fabric soaked in plaster over Aaron's head (covered with a tight sock with an opening for his face) for 10 minutes or so before removing it. Aaron was so upset and hysterical crying. That's the sad part. But, he looked sooo cute with the helmet mold in place that I couldn't help but laugh. It was over before the 1o minute mark and as soon as the bottle hit Aaron's lips, he was content again.

Two weeks later (March 2nd), he received his helmet. The orthotist suggested to ease babies into wearing it full time over the course of a week so they get used to it. Amazing Aaron got used to right away and was wearing it full time the day after we got it. Two weeks ago (March 30th - 4 weeks wearing full time) we went in for an adjustment because it as getting really loose and the orthotist was very pleased with Aaron's results already. Despite the recommended treatment of 4-6 months, Aaron probably needed a few more weeks and he'd be done! Clayton and I are so pleased with the results as well. Aaron's flat spot is no longer there. He's got an almost perfectly rounded little head! So, here is our little speed racer:

One last thing I want to mention about our appointment with the plastic surgeon, because it made my day then and still makes me smile when I think about it now. After all the medical talk was done, the doctor said he's met lots of mothers of 24-weekers and that there is always a "look of anguish" on their faces. He said that I didn't have that look at all. After smiling and looking at Aaron peacefully sleeping in his stroller I told the doctor that prayer definitely helps and that Aaron didn't deserve any of that. He's the most amazing thing in my life, how could there be any anguish associated with him? Then he simply said, "You're a good mom," and smiled. What he observed in the short time we were together meant so much to me...and it still does! God is so good and I am so thankful that people can see his strength in me through all of this.