Update After Avery's Surgery

Hi Family & Friends,

Avery's surgery was two weeks ago, and our surgeon said that he believed he got 98% of the lymphangioma out of her arm. He said that was the best outcome he could have expected. However- he did have to put a drain in her arm. It is basically a long tub that was stitched into her arm to keep fluids from building up under her arm, where the mass was removed from. This has a bag that hangs off her arm to collect the fluids (pretty thought, huh??). The day in the hospital was one of the hardest of our lives- the almost 2 hours she was away in surgery were just unbearable...Clint & I sat in her recovery room just praying & talking about how much we were going to spoil her when she came back to us! When she was wheeled back into the room, she was so tired, and a little out of it. She slept in my lap until the anesthesia wore off. Then she was allowed a popsicle & some juice. We ended up leaving for home at about 5:30 that evening. We spoiled her with cookies, ice cream, and chick0fil-a for dinner that night. She slept like a rock - thanks to the pain medicine, and woke up the next day feeling just like her old self. Kids are amazing at recovering, and we were both amazed by her playing & running around just like nothing had happened. Her family & friends were stopping by with goodies, hugs, and kisses for the next few days- it made her feel so special!

A week after surgery, we went back to have the drain taken out of her arm. She was SO BRAVE. Really, she was just amazingly brave - and didn't cry until she saw her arm for the first time. But, it was quick & easy. We have spent the last week taking care of her arm with daily bandaging & sponge baths. She has been just great this whole time! She was able to take her first shower in two weeks last night. I know she enjoyed that! And tomorrow we go back to the doctor for one last check. Please pray that all is healing well. Thanks!!