Surgery Updates

I will be updating under this post throughout the day. Please keep checking back and scrolling down for latest updates.

10:30 am We arrived at 8am and have been waiting since then. Brady is hooked up to IV fluids through his Broviac. We knew that Dr. L had one case before us, but I guess now there are 2 before us. So, more waiting. We are now down in the surgical waiting area. The 2nd case is in the OR and they will let us know when it will be 30 more minutes. Brady is in good spirits despite not being able to eat or drink this morning. He has been playing with one tub of Playdoh for 2 1/2 hours now:) We were so blessed as we awoke this morning knowing that there were already those praying for us. The prayer chain is filled right up, with 3 and 4 people praying at certain times. I will update once he goes in...
By the way, Brady is wearing his bunny ears and hospital gown!

Noon update: Brady was just taken back to surgery. He did so well waiting all morning, but then at about 11am he started to get very upset. He didn't understand why I wouldn't give him a snack. It was very heartbreaking and frustrating at the same time that we had to be here so early. Matt took a walk in the pouring rain back to the Ronald to bring Brady's stroller and stuff back. We have a pager and are expecting updates every 2 hours. The first hour of surgery will involve hooking up the stimulators that will be used to test nerve function during the operation. Prayers needed!!! I feel peace but already am missing my sweet boy so very much. It was hard to hold him and hear his little voice and know I wouldn't again for a while. As I sit and watch the rain pour I just keep singing the chorus "Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of Heaven, Let it rain."

1:50 We just got our first update. Sounds like they just began the actual surgery. The first hour was getting the stimulators set up.

3:45 Just got our second update. Brady is doing fine and stable. The person on the phone said "Dr. L has started the approach." To which I said "what does that mean specifically he is doing." She answered "it means he is doing whatever he told you he was going to do." That is our update. She also said that the neurosurgeon is going to come in and take a look at the spine. We are praying for the possibility that he might be able to access the spinal section.

5:10 Big surprise. Apparently surgery is almost over. Right now we are waiting to speak to the surgeon.

5:27 Miracle on 68th street!!!! Praise God!!!!!!!!!! Just spoke with Dr. L. Surgery was successful. The large tumor in his chest is completely removed. More amazingly, Dr. Bilsky the neurosurgeon was able to remove part of the tumor in Brady's spine. No way to know if he got all of the spinal tumor because of the angle they were working with, but it is a miracle he got any at all. An even bigger miracle...they are NOT going to transfer Brady to the intensive care unit...they are going to try and remove the ventilator and have him breathe on his own. That means he can recover in the regular unit here on the 9th floor. The doctor even said his chest tube could come out as early as tomorrow. This is a MIRACLE indeed! We are over the moon and can't wait to see him. Please keep praying, but know that our prayers have been answered!!!!!

8:45pm Still in recovery with Brady. He is hooked up too many tubes and monitors. He is breathing on his own. Obviously in pain and swollen, but otherwise looks just beautiful! We are stuck here until a bed opens up on the 9th floor. No complaints from this mommy and daddy!! "Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise!"