my daughter went through the first one last week and has bounced back pretty good so far, but i know she is dreading this week, she had a hard time getting to sleep tonight because she is worried about the next surgery and what people will think about her.

i try to comfort her and talk her through things, and remind her of how brave she is being, and that its ok to be scared and nervous, and that i'll answer any questions she has, but thats where she leaves it.  she looks in the mirror now and at first she was saying she looked weird, and i kept telling her that she didn't, her hair will grow back, the scars will fade, and that she is beautiful and always will be....

then her mood changes and she starts talking about what she wants to bring to the hospital this time, and what we should do while we are there.

Its hard sometimes to watch her, she wants so much to go ride her bike and play with her friends next door, but knows that she can't right now, and it frustrates her at times.

we leave tomorrow for the second surgery that is on wed, so i will update you all as soon as i can, we have been thinking about you all, and have just taken a few days at home to settle down a bit, and relax.

talk to you soon
Hillary

Thank you for the update Hillary!  Please let your daughter know from those of us who've already been through it she'll be back riding her bike and playing with her friends in no time!

Hugs to all of you!

[smiley=hug.gif]

Hi Hillary,

So glad to hear that Holly is doing so well after her first surgery. Now, to get through this one. Bless her heart, she's been a trooper and has been through alot. Can't say that I blame her for her apprehention, don't know that I'd be as brave. I do know that she's got he greatest love and support from you mom, and (IMO) the best doctor and staff in the world and after this needed second surgery, she'll be back to a normal healthy, long life. Hang in there guys!! You're in our continued thoughts and prayers. Anxiously waiting to hear from ya!

God bless,
Mar

Hillary---hope you have time to read my private message that I sent......your Holly is really a trooper....she is in our thoughts and prayers; what a brave little soul.....she will be bike riding again very soon......it is very normal for her to go through ups and downs at her age, especially when facing surgery...she is so brave.....tell her that all of her MM family think that she is wonderful, brave and full of heart......and that each and every day she will grow stronger after the surgery.......each day will bring many small gifts from God to her.........we love you both  Pat

Hillary,
Tyler wouldn't even look in a mirror the first few days after either surgery, Then when he did catch a glimps of him self he said he was scary looking. That all is distant memories now.
Let Holly know it will all be over soon and she will be out playing once again.
How are you holding up? I know the stress on the parent can get rough.
You and Holly are in my prayers.

Hillary - I understand the apprehension!  After my first surgery I had had enough...didn't want to go through with the second one.  But I did!  Maybe it will help to show her our pictures???  To see that the scars go away and you can't even see them.   The picture I posted is about 6 weeks post-op and you can't see anyting!  You would never know.  Just my  [smiley=twocents.gif].

-Shari

Thanks so much for the update.Many many prayers will follow you through this next surgery.Luckily you don't have a long wait......
Mary Grace

Hillary-

I understand how your daughter feels because i just went through the same thing. I had both of my surgeries in April and my emotions were up and down the whole time. Many days i cried wishing to be back to normal but now after having the surgeries out of the way it all just feels like a bumb in the road. Though im still recovering i realize that soon enough it will be behind me and ill be good as new.

I wish your daughter and you the best of luck on her second surgery. My thoughts are with you all. Remeber to hang in there and stay strong, i know there were days that i completely drove my mom crazy during surgery time!

Christy (Babyblue)