SEVEN DAYS LATER, HER SMILE IS BACK!!!

Hard to believe that seven days ago I was more afraid then I have ever been in my life, while at the same time finding comfort in the verse Isaiah 41:10. On Friday Oksana started to run a fever but she was put on antibiotics and today the fever is gone.Today she has severe neck pain so they decided to sedate her this morning because the pain meds really did not cover her pain. She is sleeping for about four hours now. I hope when she wakes up she will be doing better. Tomorrow the plan is to start aggressive rehab. She has to learn to balance with the added weight of all the head gear as well as regaining her strength. I decided to add this picture so everyone can she her beautiful smile.

PRAISE GOD It Is OVER

Today was by far one of the longest days in my life. Oksana was taken down to the operating room at 6:30. They started by 7:45  and her operation was over by 4:30. Almost 4 hours quicker then expected. Dr. Sandami expects there to be no paralysis, just a long difficult recovery.I know this is not one of her cute pictures but I felt like this is true to went she had to endure today. I was told today that she is a brave little warrior and you know what, she is the bravest little girl I know. What you see in the picture she will have on for 3 to 6 months. I am exhausted now ,have not slept in two days. I will write more tomorrow.

Less Then 24 Hours Away.

What a beautiful day today is. Oksana and I are both very quiet this morning. She wanted coffee so I went and bought one for her. When I came back she asked if today was her surgery. She is very matter of fact about it. I told her that it was tomorrow, and all she said was okay. Part of the surgical team came in and today will be a busy day with last minute labs as well as starting her IV's. I asked her if she was getting nervous and to my surprise she said no.. She is amazingly brave and I intend to spend this entire day praying. Isaiah 41:10. This is a verse very dear to a wonderful friend of mine, I will memorize it and keep it close to my heart throughout this day and tomorrow. Please keep Oksana in your prayers. I will post again as soon as she gets out of surgery.

Five Days Away !

For Oksana today began with some of the pre surgical tests that needed to be done. Tomorrow is a meeting with the head surgeon and we will go over the entire plan for Mondays operation. Oksana did have a busy and fun day after all the tests were done. Someone from the Philadelphia zoo came and Oksana was chosen to be the volunteer for the bird show that was given today. After that she was asked to participate in a video Shriners was doing to raise money for the hospital. At 2:00 this afternoon Oksana had a cd signing / concert that was the release of her very own cd. Music by music Mike, her music therapy man and all original lyrics by Oksana ( artist name, Sasha) yeap! A 12 song cd, autographed with a picture of her given to everyone who attended the signing until the cd's ran out. Here is a picture of the singing sensation at Shriners. So in the midst of our ever growing fear, concern and worry God gave her such an amazing day. She truly is a star here at the hospital. Everywhere she goes, everyone she meets seems to just fall in love with her.

Ten Days

I am sitting bed side to Oksana right now watching her sleep. Next week will be an emotional week for sure. The surgeons have already scheduled the pre surgical tests for next week. She is starting to ask me questions about the operation. We did not even touch on the fact that there would be two more, because up until last week she thought the halo was it. She has accepted the fact that there will be one more and we decided to leave it at that. Next Friday the 28th will be the last big meeting of everyone before her surgery on Monday. If there have been any changes or if the tests next week show a need to modify anything we will be made aware of it then. She now has 11 lbs. of traction on her and is doing well. Last night her left hand did go numb so they are monitoring her more closely today.
  Today is a busy day for us. I was asked to give Oksanas' testimony to 150 people who are the Shiners and other donators to the hospital. It will be nice to be able to share with people how because of them Oksana has a GREAT chance to be well.
    later today my friend kelly will be driving her brothers and sister up to visit and hopefully tomorrow I will get to go home overnight. 

THREE WEEKS TODAYh

This morning a few of Oksanas' doctors came in to examine her and set up tests and physical therapy for the next couple of weeks. It was during that time I realized we are 19 days away from her first 12 hour surgery. Wow!! They have her up to 9 pounds of traction and she has amazed everyone with how well she is doing. She has had minor issues and showing some signs of neurological symptoms that have not gone away but they are so slight and do not seem to affect her at all. She has been the light of every ones day here, and each day someone comes and shares with me how special they feel Oksana is. Today we met a woman from Virginia. He son has been a patient here on and off for five years. Oksana made up and sang her a song, then shared with her how great this hospital is and how although she wants to go home, this is where God wants her to be.. She touches every person who she meets, it blows me away.

As We Start Another Week

This picture was from yesterday. We had a visit with my friend Heiki and her son Rocco. For Oksana and me as well visits with people are the highlight of our day. Today marks two weeks here for us. Time has gone so slowly with many concerns along with some complications. The praise comes in when I look back over this time here and it has been full of opportunity to share with other families. Each day I see how much strength and endurance Oksana has as well as how she has recovered each time from the neurological issues that have been arising. God is here with us, no doubt about it. He continues to protect her and lifts us both up when we get scared.

Princess Oksana, wearing her bedazzled halo thanks to Aunt Joyce, along with her gown from our friend Heiki. How beautiful does she look.