Pre-op Surgical Tour at Children's Hospital

Sunday afternoon, the whole family went to Children's Hospital (CNMC) in Wash., DC. It would have been really nice had we known that the shuttle from the Brookland-CU Metro stop wasn't running on weekends. *ugh*

Anyway, we ended up taking the metro bus to Children's and lots of folks (even a homeless man) helped us. Thank you Lord! It was Matthew, Rebecca and a little girl named Marlo who were on the tour. (2 families) It was really nice to walk through every inch of what will happen on Monday. The nurses in the recovery unit were so helpful and answered so many questions. We went from the atrium to the beds where Matthew may be staying if he stays the night.

The kids put on masks, gowns, hats, shoe covers, etc. Doctors came by. Doctor Bear was around...........Matthew loves doctor bear! The kids were "dressing up" and looking over everything and able to touch machines and so forth. It was really neat for them to do that.

After the tour, the lady leading the tour had teddybear cookies and punch for the kids and each child was given a little present. I tell ya, everyone was up and happy and at ease about both surgeries. If you think about Marlo on Friday, please pray for her in and out surgery. (herniated kidney) She will be operated on and then released providing everything goes well. Her parents are really cool!

Matthew will go for pre-op lab work Thursday and there are loads of paperwork for our pediatrician to fill out and then, providing no fever and no signs of sickness, Monday morning, we'll go to Children's. Oh, the surgical nurse will call us either Saturday or Sunday night. NO FOOD for Matthew after midnight Sunday night. NO DRINKS except water up to about 4am? Something like that. I'm sure he will be asleep for most of the way to the hospital.

Daddy and Mommy are looking forward to the surgery because his palate will be fixed, and no more food will come out, but at the same time, I don't want him to feel pain. Or be uncomfortable. That will hurt us more so than him. I know once we get into the "sleepy room" (induction room) for Matthew to fall asleep, that will be hard. What parent wants to see their kids be put to sleep?! *sigh*

We'll be ok. Just please pray for our son! Pray everything goes according to plan and that there are no surprises or anesthesia problems. We thank you in advance.

Matt & Becca's mommy