THE BIG DAY...

This morning Taylor was unbelievably positive and brave. We played as much as possible before we sent her with the into surgery. In the waiting room Bryson played Black Eyed Peas, I got a Feelin' and they grooved. Then in the presurgery room we met with the surgeon Dr. Kaza. That was our first time meeting him, he is awesome and provided us with great information and reassurance of his skills and expertise. He informed us that the pulmonary valve replacement will either be a pig valve or a cow valve? He will have both available as options. He will give her an adult valve which should last through her child bearing years (30 plus years, incredible!) Taylor provided a good laugh as to if she would snort like a pig or moo like a cow when it was done. Dr. kaza also informed us he will be enlarging her left artery, which was news to us. But that being said he is the expert and we are completely putting our faith and trust in his hands. He also reassured us that the incision will be  in the exact same place as her scar and that the chest drainage tubes will be in the exact same spot also. It's just nice that the dr has the sense of making it less intrusive and mindful of her appearance. Which truly doesn't matter but just shows me that he cares. The majority of the time he met with us he peered right into my eyes. Smart man he knows a mothers heart is quite fragile, he provided us with great comfort. The estimated surgery time is 5 hours then 1 more hour until we get to see her in the ICU. We then met with 1 more dr and a nurse. The nurse explained the pain levels to T. Level 1 through 10, 1 being no pain 10 being the worst pain possible. Once the nurse left the room T asked, "Mom what does she mean pain?" It was a little heart wrenching, it was like she had not actually thought about the pain after the surgery only during the surgery. We have informed her as much as is appropriate with out completely freaking her out. It is a fine line and we have kept it as positive as possible. Then the anesthesiologist came into the room to meet with us, he explained the risks. He offered her anti anxiety medicine but T said she was ok. She also picked bubble gum as her flavor for her sleeping gas. Then we were off to send her to the operating room. Bryson being the amazing dad he is gave her a piggy back ride. We hit the parent stopping point and she was scared. She did not even want to look into our eyes :(. I gave her a huge hug and kiss and told her I could not wait to see her after the surgery. I told her she was strong and amazing. I told her I love her more then anything. And I told her that I was excited for her heart to be all better. Then Bryson told her he loved her and told her we would be there when she woke up. Then the anesthesiologist bent down and  she hoped onto his back for a second piggy back ride. That was the last time we saw her. Tears filled my eyes as we left her, but I didn't break down. I have absolute faith that she will be my amazing fun happy silly genius Tay soon. The incision started at 9 am. And now we wait. I will do my best to keep updates coming as we get them and have a chance.