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Times, They Are A'Changing!

Surgery dates and times, that is!

I got a call Tuesday night from CHOP about Abby's VEPTR surgery in April.  It was supposed to be the 6th and now they are changing it to the 23rd.  To those of you who don't have a medically complex child, this may not seem like a big deal.  But given the fact that we are planning for a one month stay and Abby's many appointments are a juggling act as it is, this threw me into a tailspin.  I'd completely blocked out April for surgery and scheduled a ton of stuff for the beginning of May...yay.

A few tears were definitely shed over the frustration and stress of it all.  Then I pulled on my big girl panties and got to work.

After making many phone calls to The Ronald McDonald House (we were at the top of the list when I put in the room request in September...with the date changes, I'm sure we probably won't get in...), ENT, the dentist, audiology, my boss, etc., I think I have everything figured out.  Matt had also blocked out April, but he has some big things for May that really can't be changed...so it looks like I'll be on my own for most of the hospital stay.  At least he can be there for the surgery.  Abby and I will have lots of GIRL TIME!  (If you have ever heard her say this, it's with lots of sass and emphasis...she loves her girl time!)

As always, there is a silver lining!  Two, actually!  Abby will now be able to get her hearing aids on April 7th!  We weren't able to get in until May because of her surgery, but now she will get them a whole month earlier.  This makes me very happy because I was concerned about everything she was missing in school while she couldn't really hear.

We weren't going to be able to do The Red Shoe Shuffle for RMH because of Abby's surgery (it was the weekend after!), and now we can!  I don't know how much fundraising will be able to happen between now and then, given the very late start and everything going on with my dad, but we are thrilled to be able to participate and support our favorite charity.

So, we're choosing joy, are thankful for the silver linings, and are trusting that this surgery was changed for a reason.  My Eternal Optimist (that would be Matt) pointed out that this gives Abby's ribs 17 more days to grow strong enough to hold the VEPTR!

It's all good.  It always is.

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