(Tim sitting in the same day surgery waiting room)Cory and I said "See ya later" around 7:45. At 9am, we got a call from the nurse telling us they had finally started! Then came the waiting. Cory and I went home for awhile to change and "freshen" up a bit. Then we headed back downtown and went to the Salt Lake Temple. For a couple of hours, I was able to put all "the cares of the world aside" and relax. I knew Tim was in good hands and all would be okay. After, we went to lunch and while eating, we got the coolest phone call ever! Bronco Mendenhall, BYU's Head Football Coach, called to see how Tim was doing!!! He wants to throw a party for Tim this fall when Tim is up and walking on his prosthetic:) Then it was back up to the hospital. We visited with a social worker for awhile and some friends in the ICS unit. Cory and I were able to see some pictures and video of Tim's surgery. Very cool, but not for the faint of heart! A local news station want to do a story on rotationplasty and the awesome benefits of the surgery. Tim will be in the story! Then we sat and waited for the nurse's phone call. At 5:30, she called and said another 2 hours. Wow! So we got some dinner at the hospital and waited some more. Just as I got comfortable on the very small and uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room hoping to take a little nap, the surgeon walked in a little after 7:30pm. 10 1/2 hours after the first cut! Tim did great! He was stable during the whole procedure, but lost a lot of blood. He needed 3 units of blood and a unit of platelets during the surgery. All of the blood vessels and 4 of the 5 nerves were saved. The entire cancer tumor was removed!! The ankle was rotated and attached to his femur. Dr. J was exhausted as he did not leave the OR the entire day, but he was elated with how well everything went. Finally, around 8:30, we got to see our "Bug!" He spent the night in the PICU so the staff could watch his foot closely. Tim was pretty much out of it, but he acknowledged Cory and I there and pushed his pain medicine button a lot!! I took a peek of Tim's new limb. It is a little weird to look at, but it is pink, warm and the blood is flowing. Tim even moved all of his toes for us :) But, no matter how long the day was and how swollen Tim looked, as far as we know, HE IS CANCER FREE!!
(Tim in the PICU)Cory and I can't thank all of you enough for the prayers that were offered for Tim yesterday! We know a lot of you prayed for Tim and had him in your thoughts all day. We have felt so much over whelming love and concern for our little guy. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We know that Tim had angels with him yesterday because of all the prayers that were said for him and our family. Tim truely is a warrior!!
(Holding a Good Luck sign the night before surgery.)
12 comments:
So amazing that he can already wiggle those toes. He is a warrior and we just love that boy more everyday for his courage and faith. -the Bishops
YAHOO! We're so glad to hear that the surgery went well. Give Tim a big hug from the Pinnocks!
So happy to hear that it went well. 10 1/2 hours - that surgeon is a trooper! :) I imagine that was a very long day for you all. I am SO happy to hear that they were able to remove the entire tumor!!! Amazing! HOORAY for Tim being cancer free!!!
I loved hearing the Bronco called to see how Tim is doing - just makes me think he is that much more awesome of a guy. That is so cool about the party!! :)
I don't know if you guys have heard of the CureSearch Walk in SLC in July (CureSearch is the fundraising/public relations arm for the Children's Oncology Group - they are doing a walk here in July to raise money for childhood cancer research), but we contacted BYU athletics and Cosmo is going to be at the walk! Thought you fellow BYU fans might enjoy that. :) Go to: http://www.curesearchwalk.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=452894 to find out more about the walk and sign up.
We'll continue to pray for Tim and his recovery!
I am so glad to hear the surgery went well. Tim was on my mind and in my prayers all day yesterday. Let Tim know he is loved!
WOW Amanda!! We thought about him and you all day. It was about 8:30pm and Larry said, "I wonder how Tim is doing?" We are sooooo glad everything went well. What a weight lifted off your shoulders and to say "cancer free" sounds so wonderful! I wondered what you guys would do all day and the temple is a perfect place to relax, for a few hours. Glad you could go! Wish I could give you a hug, from one mom to another, thanks for your courage.
I know that God hears and answers prayers and I am so thankful for that. I am so relieved to hear that everything went well and that you and Cory were able to find some peace at the Temple. You guys were on my mind the entire day. How cool that Bronco Mendenhall reached out to you on this particular day! Cancer free - what a blessing! TIM IS MY HERO!
So glad to hear that the surgery went well. I love that he can wiggle his toes, just amazing.
Adios cancer! That is so great to hear about the nerves, movement, and a warm foot. I love it!!! Thanks for keeping us posted! He is in great hands there, as you already know.
I'm glad everything went well. I'm sure he'll keep doing great!!
WOW, I am so happy that everything is going good for him. How cool that Bronco called too. Tim seems so brave.
What a day for you and Tim! I am so grateful for the good surgeons who took care of your boy. He's a strong young man with amazing parents who I admire. I know you'll be in for a long road still, but being cancer free is HUGE! Hooray that the surgery is over and hooray it was a success!
Today is my birthday and what a WONDERFUL birthday gift to read this and see that Tim is doing so well- YAY!!!!!!! Words cannot express. John and I read your blog and we are thrilled. Kisses and hugs to Tim from the Knowles! :)
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