Tessa's doing well on postoperative day #1. Her spirits are good and, thanks to the epidural, she's hardly had any pain so far. She and Susan were able to get some sleep in 45 minute increments between vitals and such. Sam and I stopped by for a while before catching the plane home this afternoon.
In 2008 it took a long time for Tessa to smile easily and joke around like her normal self after her operation. I'm really encouraged by the fact that she already seemed like the regular old Tessa today! That all may change when physical therapy starts and the IV comes out, but for now it's great to see some definite signs that this won't be as rough as her last go-around was.
Talking to family on the phone last night, I was struck by the realization that my little girl doesn't have a leg-lengthening operation in her future. That's something we haven't been able to say since she was diagnosed in mid-January of 2001. It's an indescribable emotional release to have the big operations behind us. It's not over- she still has recover and rehab this summer and will need a minor operation next summer to remove the ISKD rod and pretty up her scars a bit, but we've rounded third and are headed for home, and it feels pretty great!
Susan's got the next few days covered, which will likely include bringing Tessa and her wheelchair, crutches and assorted paraphernalia back to the apartment where she can sleep on something not made of vinyl for the first time in several days. Keep the comments coming! Tessa really loves to read them.
(These photos are of Tessa this AM getting out of bed and into her wheel chair for the first time.)
Lovin the finger nails! Next time we're together we are painting our nails!
Posted by: Kat | June 12, 2011 at 09:41 PM
Tessa--you would look absolutely stunning in the midst of surgery:) i hope you continue to do well during this period! Good luck tessa!! You're in our hearts and prayers!!! Bailey
Posted by: Drawing buddy:) | June 10, 2011 at 02:36 PM
Tessa, if you do not utilize (and by that I mean excessively play with) those brightly colored toys/blocks behind you in this picture, I will be severely disappointed in you.
Posted by: Libby | June 09, 2011 at 10:47 PM
I completely agree with Abbey! You look so pretty, strong, and confident! And it's so good to hear you doing well! In my (weird) mind, you were still sleeping until the next update. So whenever I pictured you- you were still sleeping. To you get what I'm saying or am I just being my weird self? :)
Anyway, Lots of love! -G
Posted by: Grace | June 09, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Tessa, you are doing so great! And look how pretty you look just out of surgery :>) Will keep sending good thoughts and prayers your way. You'll be home in no time.
Hugs and kisses from Rhode Island
Posted by: Cheryl Knopf | June 09, 2011 at 04:26 AM
What a beautiful sight to see your leg WITHOUT the dreaded pins and cage! No pin site care! Much easier to get up and down! Dare I wonder?...showers with some privacy? No more awkward stares from strangers? You have got to feel so relieved about the new technology. Abbey is right. You are a beautiful sight! I'm missing you and loving you.
Posted by: Zanny | June 09, 2011 at 12:02 AM
love the nail polish:)
so glad this wa the last one!!!
Posted by: lyuda | June 08, 2011 at 11:56 PM
I just read your Dads blog and I am still teary. What a heavy burden lifted off of you and I can't begin to express how happy I am for you and I am sure everyone that has been saying prayers for you and for your family all these many years feel the same way. You are loved by many
Tessa Jean! Aunt Pam
Posted by: Pam Hostetter | June 08, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Look at those pretty legs!! Told you it wouldn't be long before you heard from me. =) So relieved to hear you're doing well!!!
p.s. you look so pretty, esp. in the last picture, despite having just gone through surgery. Now that says something. <3 ("greater than, three. Oh, it's a heart!")
Posted by: Abbey | June 08, 2011 at 09:29 PM
Great news!Can't help but think of this picture when you said things were "rolling"
http://www.wtc-terrorattack.com/shankesville/lets_roll.JPG
Time for you to start enjoying life again Tessa. Only good things are in front of you!
Posted by: Mr. C | June 08, 2011 at 08:47 PM
We are so proud of you Tessa! You are an amazing young woman. Sending wishes for a speedy recovery your way.
Love,
Sean, Sarah, Sophia & Sayla
Posted by: Sean Hostetter | June 08, 2011 at 08:30 PM
That is fantastic to be up in the wheelchair POD#1 !! Just think - another first that is down and done. Keep up the good work. I recall Mom going to therapy a surgery before so you are in seasoned hands! Best wishes for a good night everyone.
Posted by: Diana | June 08, 2011 at 07:11 PM
no leg lengthening operation in her future--woo hoo! hang in there--the final stretch. sending good thoughts to you all.
Posted by: nancy | June 08, 2011 at 06:50 PM