The Aftermath

The Aftermath. This was the worst part for me. Due to Brin's CSF leaks her surgery was much more complicated and elaborate which ='s more pain and swelling. The first day of surgery wasn't bad. Second day I think I almost fainted when I took Brinley's earmuffs off. Her head was so swollen, almost alien like. Her eyes started turning black and blue with bags underneath that would put Joan Rivers to shame. Very scary for a Mommy to see her baby girl in such bad shape.

Waiting Game

Time went by SLOWLY, and do I mean slowly. The girls talked about everything under the sun. Five straight hours to catch up on nails and the latest celebrity gossip. Oh, and to check the surgery patient board. Brinley was 107440. Gigi had the great idea to push two chairs together and Danica ended up napping for 2 hours. Finally over 5 hrs after the surgery began, it ended.

In good hands...

Rod gave the Anesthesiologist and run for his money. He asked all the questions...I just cried. The ER nurse came in with the Surgeon to take Brinley. Rod and I watched them walk down the hall, until we couldn't see them anymore. Then the excruciating wait began.

Pre-Surgery

Arrived in Palo Alto on Sunday in prep for the big day. Enjoyed our hotel for a bit before heading out to dinner and having thee worst dining experience in history at Chili's. Both sets of supporting Grandparents were in tow, Poppa Harley, Glama, Gigi and Poppa Golf. Can't forget Uncle Trevin and Courtney (more pictures to follow) Late Sunday I got a call our surgery was pushed back from 6:30 to 8:00am. We arrived at 8 (with a hungry and thirsty baby don't forget) and were told "there's been some delays". So.......we walked the halls and tried everything in our power to distract Brinley. Her surgery started at 11:40am. Dr. walked out at 4:51pm and took Rod and I into the consultation room. Dr. Blevins stated Brinley was a strong girl. Surgery went good however they had a few unexpected issues arise. While drilling into the skull bone Brinley had a CSF leak (spinal fluid leak) Dr. took tissue and muscle from another part of her skull to cover and stop the leak. Second ear, same thing. Another CSF leak. Odds of this rare complication happening? Less than 1%. Need I say more. So, we're home. Brinley is slowly recovering. Really swollen, two black and blue eyes. For the past 48 hours I've questioned if I did the right thing. This, after all, is an elected surgery. Then, reality hits, and I'm thankful for my resolve in pushing for this surgery. Grateful for the wonderful surgeon and hospital that took care of Brinley and thankful we have this modern technology. There's many deaf people out there that ferociously argue the CI route. God wanted her deaf, so she should stay deaf. I see it this way.... If I had cancer, I'd try and treat it with chemo. If I lost a limb, I'd use a prosthetic. If I had poor eye sight, I'd get laser eye surgery. If I was deaf, I'd get Cochlear Implants. Simple as that. I hope Brinley reads this blog one day and feels great joy with our decision as parents. We'll have that conversation down the road. So looking forward to it....

Hats off to ya!

Just wanted to share my favorite item these past few weeks. Brinley has come to HATE her hearing aids so it's been a struggle keeping them on during the day. A good friend of mine made Brinley some beautiful custom hats to match all her outfits. These hats are perfect!!! Not too tight. Fit just over her ear enough to secure her hearing aids (will work for CI's too) plus....hello....they are adorable! Here's a picture of Brinley rocking one of the hats. You can't even tell she has her aids on! My friend has an Etsy shop. She makes these hats and matching sister bows. Let me know if you'd like her contact info