Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The clock is ticking...

Again, I don't have a ton of jokes or quote-worthy material to post tonight. It's been a long, exhausting day. Emily showed her two-year-old-ness like a champ during her pre-op, absolutely refusing to let the nurse take her blood pressure, maintaining a zen-like calm while they drew blood from her arm and then requiring three adults to hold her down while they took x-rays. If her head fully spins around, I'm out. Dr. Paley's on his own.
Team Paley once again showed why people travel from all over the globe to see them. The staff could not have been any nicer or more helpful. We were in the hospital from 11 AM until about 2 PM, took a brief break for lunch (Sonic!!) and then back for more meetings, pictures and Paley-ness until about 5:30. While it was a difficult day mentally, it obviously could have been far, far worse. Some brief notes from today's activities...
-Kate and I get to decide which one of us wants to go into the operating room with Emily and anesthetize her. Oh, and it's helpful if she starts crying, because she breathes harder and falls asleep faster. How's YOUR day going to start tomorrow? Got a tough day at the office? F--k off.
-We're looking at close to seven hours worth of surgery and surgery-related goodness tomorrow. 90 minutes for prep, three hours for the procedure, an hour to cast and another hour for her to come out of her haze.
-Met a pair of moms (one from Michigan, one from Utah) who are here with their sons for lengthenings. Both were extraordinarily friendly and talked about the community that exists around the hospital making things so much easier as everybody has somebody to lean on. Comforting, to say the least.
-At one point, one of the moms talked about Paley's ability to remember each child and even their specific interests. Caroline Eaton, who was in on the conversation, chimes in, "the really amazing thing is that he can look at x-rays and recognize the kids by their femurs!" I am NOT making that up.
-Caroline led off one of our meetings today warning me to not post any photos of Ems in her spica cast. Apparently, after a few conversations with the FBI, she found out there's some pervs out there who are into that sort of thing...ifyaknowwhatImean. I WISH I were making that up.
-In the final, self-serving note of the evening, Caroline mentioned Paley's weekly meeting with his team where he presents upcoming cases. In front of about 40 people, he read directly from The Gray Area while discussing Emily. Allegedly, there are now bets being placed as to which staff member will be mentioned in future posts. And if you think I'm not immature enough to somehow use this to our advantage...well, then you clearly have not been paying attention. Having said that, nothing makes sleeping in a reclining hospital chair easier than a nice fleece blanket. Ahem.
Anyway, the last supper is finished. Emily is watching Kung-Fu Panda (I know...I'm shocked too) blissfully unaware of what awaits her. Kate and I hope to get SOME sleep before walking through the hospital doors at 6 AM. But I wouldn't bet on that.
I'll have the laptop with me tomorrow and will try and give some updates throughout the day. If you know anybody upstairs with any pull, put in a good word for us. We'll take all the help we can get.

6 comments:

Jamie said...

Hi,it's the extraordinarily friendly mom from Utah, here. I was talking with Caroline tonight and we talked about your blog (and the office bet-ha,ha). I've had a grand time and shed a few tears reading over your posts. I wish you all the best tomorrow as your sweet girl undergoes surgery. For me, it's one of the hardest things I have to do as a parent. If you need anything while you're in WPB, the extraordinarily mom from Michigan and I would be more than happy to help out. You know, like someone to talk to or deliver a really big chocolate candy bar to your room...that always makes me feel better :)

Sarah Ballough said...

Thanks for the update Tim. You guys have been on my mind all day. Good luck, Emily will be in our thoughts and prayers for a smooth day tomorrow and speedy recovery afterwards. Wishing you brighter days very soon.

Renee Rollier said...

Kate and Tim,
Haven't stopped thinking about you guys all week. Emily will be in my thoughts and prayer all day. Your blog is very helpful in keeping everyone posted and allows for a good cry too. Wishing you guys strength for the days to come and stay strong for each other and especially your little princess. Hugs to you all!

AS said...

By this time you know that the crowd's with ya and the Cubbies are rooting too! Glad you have made some friends. Love to Ems and remember she is in wonderful hands...all the way around. Will watch the blog...wonder if anyone will be doing anything else?

Phil D said...

The Tredwells are in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for the updates.

Anonymous said...

This HAS to be one of your best blog entries EVER!
The stimulus for release of tears (not that I need that) and the material that is chuckle producing are
unbelievable. And hearing about so many wonderful people who have become a part of this new community for you warms my heart. It helps me to feel closer than the many miles between us, and I hope you feel the same about your many friends and family members who eagerly wait to hear of Emily's progress.

Much love,

Gram