Great news!

We are home from Boston. It was a short trip, and we didn't get to do our usual visiting, next time! Everything went very smooth on Monday. The same anesthesiologist from last year put her to sleep, and they let me walk her back. She did really well pre-op and had the staff laughing. The NP listened to her heart and lungs pre op and after she was done said to Katie "thank you for being cooperative" and Katie responded "no I Katie". Also when I took her back in the procedure room, and they were putting the mask on to put her to sleep, they asked her if she wanted some raspberry flavor, and her response "no I alright" They still put it on her anyway, but we all started singing Twinkle Twinkle, and she was better, and the gas kicked in. It's always a bit hard leaving your child, but I knew she was in good hands. Some tears shed, but expected, right? The whole thing took about 2 hours and we were able to see her right away. She had to stay flat for 4 hours post procedure, but shockingly she did very well. She was in a regular size bed so I could lay with her. Drugs and cartoons also always help! Thankfully, for her, Dora Christmas was on for the last hour:) The neuro radiologist and neurosurgeon were very pleased with the results. The neurosurgeon showed me the images and was smiling when he was showing me pics of the new blood flow. Figured a smiling neurosurgeon is always a good sign!!We were discharged around 3pm and hung out at the hotel. We left this morning, and the drive home was ok. She got a little cranky about 3 hours into the trip so we stopped at the mall in Nyack and gave her a break, got back in the car, and she slept the rest of the way home. Obviously we are thankful to be home, and this news is the best Christmas gift ever!!! Thanks again for all the love, thoughts, and prayers!!

Monday

It's hard to believe that's it been almost a year since Katie's surgery. (It was December 13th) We are driving up to Boston tomorrow for the follow up angiogram at Boston Children's on Monday.

Here is the wiki definition:)

Typically a catheter is inserted into a large artery (such as the femoral artery) and threaded through the circulatory system to the carotid artery, where a contrast agent is injected. A series of radiographs is taken as the contrast agent spreads through the brain's arterial system, then a second series as it reaches the venous system.

I obviously don't feel quite as nervous as last year, but it's still a little nerve racking. She will be asleep for the procedure and I think has to lay flat for 3 hours post procedure. She had one last year before the surgery, and did surprisingly well staying flat for 3 hours. Hoping she does as well this year!! Thankfully she likes to watch TV so we brought a ton of DVD's and there is a TV at the bedside.

Please just keep her in your thoughts and prayers. We are so much stronger because of all of you!!