Friday, August 27, 2010

Surgery for Hazel

We took Hazel to her long awaited doctors appointment today. We met with the neuro surgeon and we loved him. He's Nigerian and sounds just like Mr. Echo from Lost. He told us Hazel would need surgery and gave us two different options. The first option would be to wait until she's 9 months old and have major reconstructive surgery on her skull. She would need to spend a week recovering in the hospital but would not need to wear a helmet. We've seen pictures of kids after they've had this surgery and they look really awful. The scar would also be from ear to ear over the top of her head like a headband. The second option is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery where they remove a large piece of bone where the growth plates have fused together. She would be able to come home the same day as her surgery and the recovery will be much easier. She'll have two smaller scars on the top of her head and will need to wear a helmet for the next year. She'll have to have a series of three different helmets and will need to keep them on all day. We chose the second option. She has surgery Sept. 13. He said he would have done it next week but he's going to be out of town. We were a little shocked he wanted to do it so soon. Overall I feel really good about everything. I was really scared she'd have to have the more invasive surgery because the research we had done on the internet explained that not everywhere does the endoscopic surgery.

10 comments:

Brandon said...

Mr. Echo was pretty much my favorite part of Lost. Too bad he had to die before the end. Shame. If your doctor is half as cool as him, the surgery will be a complete success. Let us know if we can help, at all.

We've known a few children that have had to wear those helmets. Our favorite was a little boy who kept a BYU football sticker on the side of his. It was cute.

You guys are awesome. We think about you guys and pray for you a lot. Take care.

Becca Jane said...

Haha, we loved Mr. Ecko too!!

Did you know I have a scar that runs across my head from ear to ear? I fell off our back deck when I was 18 months old and had a skull fracture and blood clot in my forehead. They had to do surgery. Luckily they cut back into my hairline, so it's only visible if you know to look for it. That said, I don't blame you for choosing Option #2!!!!

Well, I will definitely be thinking about your sweet family over the next months!!

The Izant's said...

I think you made the right choice! At least she won't remember having to wear the helmet. You guys are in our prayers always! Love ya!

The Tall Girl Cooks said...

I used to babysit a little boy who had that endoscopic surgery and wore a helmet for the first year of his life. I started babysitting him around 18 months, post-helmet and he looked as normal as any other child. I think you've made an informed decision and I'm glad they gave you the options. Invest in some cute stickers for her helmet!

Katie said...

I'm so glad that you like the doctor and that you had some options. It sounds like you made the right decision. Hugs to everyone! Sorry I can't be there this weekend! Happy blessing! :)

Anonymous said...

That's amazing news! I am really happy and praying for the little kid!

Baby Sister said...

Hey Eliza, it's your cousin Amanda. I just found your blog. Your daughters are adorable and I will be praying for Hazel and her surgery!!

Barbara said...

One of our sons quads wore a helmet for a year. He was reading at 3.5 and in the gifted program in kindergarten. Not as big a deal as it sounded. He has a great shaped head now.

Christin Foscarini said...

So happy to hear you were given a less invasive option! That is such good news. No one wants their child to wear a helmet, but wow I would way rather that then the other. Plus you can just put a headband around the helmet and she will be cute no matter what :) Love you guys! I will pray for you guys especially for the surgery.

Carlie said...

Miss you guys already (not the bugs). I think I will be planning another little weekend like that as soon as Jeff forgets about this one!