A day of waiting and then a surprise!

We set off for the hospital this morning around 7:40-- we were told no later than 8:00-- This is getting a little old-- we just waited around until 10-- then they gave him anesthesia and started the MIBG-- after that was done he was wheeled up to the procedure room and was in Line for his turn for bone marrow aspirations-- He woke up not very happy and we were ready to leave when we got a phone call-- It was the nurse practitioner from Dr. LaQuaglia's office-- she wanted to see us again-- we met him yesterday-- So, we went over there after he settled down a bit-- When we walked in they said Grier could have surgery on Monday- This was a shock to us since we were told yesterday the schedule was booked for at least 4 weeks and into January--So, the whirlwind started again-- Grier was more than ready to get out of there and we were busy answering questions and checking him over-- There is one thing that will stop the surgery-- his counts are a little low-- so they started neupogen today again -- but they do not do it like we do in CLT-- they do a shot--- and I have not given shots before nor do I want to! So, they inserted an IV type thing in his leg and I put the needle in that instead of his skin-- It was and is very painful-- as well as the soreness from the bone marrow aspirations- He has had a day--- Today was much like the first day of CMC in March-- things going so fast and watching him scream in pain--not what you want to see your child doing!

About the surgery-- it is long-- we are told to expect anywhere from 8-14 hours-- the surgeon answers the time question like this-- "As Long as it takes!" Everyone here thinks highly of him and he has done this surgery a lot -- We are also told to expect Grier to be on a ventilator for a few days-- in PICU (across the street NY Presbyterian Cornell) And hopefully out of the hospital in 10-14 days- barring no complications- I am not going into too much detail because I am worried my kids may read it-- but we will need lots of prayers for the surgeon and Grier-- I will be updating on Monday as we get updates-- we should hear something every 1 1/2 hours-- Please do not call-- just look at the web page-- Recovery will be long-- 10-14 days?? Grier will need to get his lungs back in shape-- and wounds will need to heal-- We are once again in a quick time frame but we know this surgeon is the one we trust to do this serious surgery- We have listened to stories from folks from all over and tears come to their eyes talking about their child's surgery and the Dr.-- everyone says he goes to church at 6am before each surgery -- Some call him St. Mike-

Thanks for all the packages today-- it was like Christmas for Grier-- he had a good time opening things!! Little cards and toys are fine but the best thing would be to donate toys to ChildLife at Levine or the CMC oncology clinic in Grier's honor-- remember we have a little plane to fly back to Charlotte and we are living in close quarters! You all are so generous and I know everyone wants to do something-- so please donate books or toys to the new hospital or clinic-- even happy meal toys (unopened) are great for there prize drawer--

Grace and peace-
Amy