10 Little Fingers
  • Home
  • Updates
  • Videos
  • Subscribe

CI Surgery day!!!!!!!!!

2/18/2014

26 Comments

 
Picture
February 17th, 2014 is a day that will live in infamy……at least for us. 

What a great weekend.  You have no idea how awesome it was to have so many people with Bentley on their minds.  Except for when we sang Happy Birthday to ken.  Operation Lonely Girls was still the mission, but we had to make a few exceptions being it was Mercedes Marathon weekend.  Saturday night was the spaghetti dinner.  We met family and friends there, but I had to sanitize my hands after every person I shook hands with.  Lindsay was still a little anxious going into the weekend.  We experienced the same quarantine affect on Sunday morning during the marathon.  We didn’t let anyone get near Bentley.  It was kind of funny.  Jessica, my sister ran the half-marathon for her, along with a few of her friends.  They wore some super sweet “Team Bentley” shirts.  I mentioned the two teams who were raising money for the Bell Center in Bentley’s name.  They all did great.  We really appreciate the effort and time so many people put into that event.  I can’t believe so many people just offered to run really far up and down the streets of Bham.  I love the Bell Center too, but….

PictureMorning-after. Back to her old self, sort of.
Thank you so much for everyone who showed Bentley love this weekend.  We really appreciate it.

Now, to the part everyone really wants to know, how was surgery?!!!!

It was kind of funny.  If only you could have heard mine and Lindsay’s conversation on the way up to Bham on Friday.  Our nerves were actually starting to get to us.  We almost turned around and didn’t drive up until Sunday night, just because we didn’t want her getting a last second cold prior to surgery.  We got a huge surprise on Sunday, and got some Facetime with Uncle Jarod.  That was pretty special.  We were pumped to see him before surgery. 

Fortunately, we didn’t have to get to Children’s too early.  We left the Villa de Shocka around 730am.  Perfect timing.  The surgery registration area was packed.  We had to sit at a little kitty table as we waited to be called back.  Our Outback pager finally went off around 945.  We went back and got the usual questions.  All 50 of them.  I laugh, because Lindsay doesn’t like this part.  Dr. Woolley came by, and many other people.  I tried videoing as much as possible.  Bentley must have known it was a big day, because she never cried or fussed a bit.  Even though she hadn’t had anything to eat since Sunday night.  They pried her from our arms around 1000am.  Well, we knew at that point we had about 5 hours to wait.  No worries, just 5 hours of my baby passed out with a tube shoved down her throat, her head cut open in two spots, two holes drilled in the base of her skull, and an insanely fragile electrode placed inside the most fragile seashell (her cochlea) I’ve ever known.  No reason to worry, or get stressed, or sit there staring at the Outback pager hoping for an update.

Well, we tolerated it well.  We were blessed to have both sets of parents around us.  Quite a few friends stopped by as well.  It was a great way to pass the time.  However around the 5.5 hr mark, I was starting to get a little anxious.  I decided that was the perfect time to shift to some actually work-work.  That kept me occupied until Dr. Woolley appeared.  He came bearing good news.  The surgery went well.  It was a huge success from their end.  They just had to take things slow because of her size.  It was great, we were so relieved.  Unfortunately, he also said it would be another hour or two to wake her up.  I’ve mentioned how rough anesthesia is on her before.  She must have prepared for this, because although it took 2 hours for us to see her, she was almost completely awake. 

When we walked through those doors and saw that bunny rabbit wrapped up on that gurney,  I was just elated.  “Thank you Lord!”  I can’t begin to tell you the relief I had knowing I could see and touch her.  She was a tad swollen, and had some big ole earmuff bandages on, but she was as precious as ever.  The rest of the evening was basically Lindsay and me fighting over who got to hold her.  We were obviously treating her head as if it contained two cracked eggs, but what do you expect?  She was a little fussy for a while, but Lindsay was pooped.  She crashed and I just couldn’t take my eyes off of B.  She was so sweet laying there in the crib.  Around 1130pm she started rubbing her feet on the blanket and smiling.  All I could do was pray “Thank You! Thank you thank you thank you!”  I watched her until she fell asleep around 1am.  I think her big day finally hit her.  I’m not sure it was long afterward when I passed out. 

This morning, everyone was feeling better.  We were discharged around 1pm, and headed straight south.  Bentley was awesome.  She never whined or complained.  She made some sweet little coos, but that’s about it.  Back home we realized how stinky and smelly we all are.  I didn’t take my shoes off for 36 hours.  Right now we are all debating where the hospital stink is coming from.  Is it from Bentley’s headband and dressing change, or is it from me?  Lindsay, as a source of the stench, isn’t an option.  Bentley has to wear these funny headbands to hold on the dressings.  The incisions are right behind her ears, and her ears are draining pretty good.  All in all, the surgery couldn’t have gone any better. 

Thank you to everyone who threw up some prayers.  I can’t thank you enough.  Bentley has a couple of new knots on her head, where the implants sit, but otherwise seems back to her old self.  We’ll head back up for a post-op appointment next week, and we’ll try turning them on February 27th!  It is so hard to believe she’s got them.  This has been such a milestone to achieve.  A milestone that holds so much potential.  Thanks again for all of the support and prayers.  I’ll let you know how the turn-on day goes.

26 Comments
Mama B
2/18/2014 11:43:50 am

I am so thankful today for soooooo many reasons!!!!!! Yesterday was just amazing!!!!! And Bentley has surprised us at how well she has so far tolerated her surgery! So Ken and I had to have another celebratory meal today before leaving Bham!!!!!!! I cannot even imagine how many meals we will have to celebrate with NEXT week!!!!! I love you Justin, Lindsay , and Bentley and am so thankful to have you all in my life and to also be able to be a part of baby girl's precious life and journey into her new world of sound!❤️

Reply
Rachel Hokanson
2/18/2014 11:55:51 am

Praising The Lord for a smooth surgery! That little peanut is such a trooper! Will continue to pray for her healing and can't wait to hear how it goes on the 27th!

Reply
Rene Burke
2/18/2014 01:26:39 pm

So glad all went well. Bentley is such a trooper! Praying everything continues to go as planned when the implants are up and running. So excited to see what God has planned for her!

Reply
Nicole Sciacca
2/18/2014 01:44:03 pm

I am so excited to read this and to hear the updates AND to have Facetimed all of you guys the night before. I felt really special that I got to see her. We were praying all day yesterday and will continue to do so. BIG HUGS!!!!

Reply
Mary Beth McCrary
2/18/2014 02:30:07 pm

We are so thankful to hear about Bentlry's surgery going so well!
We will continue to pray that all goes smoothly. We rejoice with you all.
Many blessings, The McCrarys

Reply
Lisa Horne
2/18/2014 07:36:46 pm

So excited that things went well for Bentlley and you guys! Keeping you all in my prayers!!!!

Reply
Dawn Carter
2/18/2014 08:42:21 pm

SO happy to know that the surgery went well, that Bentley took it all in stride, and Mom and Dad made it through the LONG wait! And that Justin's sense of humor remains intact! Love you guys!!

Reply
Kendall Boggs link
2/18/2014 08:54:35 pm

I love this!!! So happy for you guys!!! I love all the support around you! I know that God is looking after your sweet Bentley! You have a world of surprises awaiting you!!! I also LOVE your humor and your writing Justin! You guys have such a fun attitude and you put it on paper so well!!! Good luck and prayers are surrounding you!!!
xxxooo
kendall boggs

Reply
Colette & Gregg
2/18/2014 09:22:53 pm

We are so excited for Bentley. We know you are thrilled everything went so well. We will keep your family in our prayers. Thanks for the updates. Love you guys!

Reply
Jeanne Halfman
2/18/2014 10:54:49 pm

God is good! Prayers continue. Can't wait to see what He has planned for the 27th. God has blessed sweet Bentley with two amazing parents. Hugs to all of you!

Reply
Kim Spencer
2/19/2014 12:02:13 am

Justin and Lindsay, all I can think to say is a big HALLELUJAH!! This is just incredible news and I was so relieved to see your update this morning! Know you are all exhausted but know it is beyond worth it. All of you continue to be in our prayers. So thankful her sweet little body handles the surgery like a champ! Love you guys! You ROCK!!! (Oh and good luck finding the stench!!)

Reply
SANDRA TURNER
2/19/2014 03:51:15 am

praying for this sweet baby- and such a amazing family. Got the 27th on my calender extra prayers that day.
sandra turner

Reply
Gloria Watson
2/19/2014 03:54:10 am

Prayers for all of you.

Reply
Cathy Benton
2/19/2014 04:54:59 am

So excited for you all! Skip and I consider it a privilege to pray for you all!!

Reply
Nancy Jones
2/19/2014 05:33:22 am

so glad the surgery went well. hugs and prayers

Reply
Sandra Roland
2/19/2014 05:38:32 am

Amazed and thankful to know that this step is behind you. Unbelievable amount of prayer warriors out there, praying for baby B's next miracle. Believing and agreeing with all...the 27th will be a wonderful day for us all. In Jesus name....Bless you!

Reply
Susan Edwards
2/19/2014 06:37:49 am

So happy and thankful that the surgery was so successful and that Bentley did so well. She is so tough and sweet.

Reply
Harriet Tyler
2/19/2014 07:07:49 am

Wonderful news...so happy that all went well! Continued prayers...

Reply
Teresa Denney
2/19/2014 09:04:59 am

Giving thanks for this great report. What love was shown all around. We will keep praying in Elberta.

Reply
Kim Redmond
2/19/2014 10:59:31 am

So thankful things went well. Bentley and your family are in our daily prayers.

Reply
Janet Tueman
2/19/2014 11:59:40 am

So pleased to hear this update and thrilled B tolerated rhe surgery so well-what a warrior she is! I know I would have gone to pieces. Justin, you and your bride AMAZE me in every sense of the word! All glory to God! Next week can't get here soon enough. Please keep us posted. Prayers are vowing to you all. So much love, j

Reply
Karen Isaminger
2/19/2014 12:09:28 pm

So thankful for Gods steadfast love shown on Bentley. Already praying for the 27th

Reply
MarthaLee McCarthy
2/19/2014 01:02:13 pm

What a wonderful report! Our prayers will continue for little Bentley and all of you!

Reply
Cath Young
2/20/2014 11:57:29 am

Bentley is one tough little girl. This is such a beautiful story of family love and faith and I look forward to reading your updates. The next one is going to be huge! - Can hardly wait. Continued love and prayers to you all from, the Youngs.

Reply
Cindy and Carl Davis
2/21/2014 05:20:21 am

We are so excited and thrilled that B's surgery is behind you all! What an amazing precious baby girl~and equally amazing parents! Your strength and faith are an inspiration to all of us! We are continuing to pray for all of you!! Love this precious family so much!! :)

Reply
Heather Williams
2/21/2014 08:48:02 am

Hi. I am part of the crew that sits a row behind all of you at Auburn games. I have enjoyed following sweet Bentley's progress. God has a special plan for her. Praying for her and both of you often.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    If you can't see the older posts, look through the archives to find out how it all started and get up to speed.  To receive email notification of updates, click here.

    Author

    I will be writing most of these.  Justin, that is, the dad.  Lindsay will provide her input.  

    Archives

    March 2023
    December 2017
    October 2016
    July 2016
    January 2016
    February 2015
    September 2014
    July 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.