If you have been following Facebook over the past few days you would have heard that Peyton made it through his rhizotomy surgery very well. Dr Park is confident he got all of the spasticity, needless to say we couldn't be more excited.
The surgery itself took almost three hours, with set up and a bit of recovery time, Melissa and I didn't see Peyton for about four hours....four VERY long hours... He was very sleepy when we saw him, but very happy to see us. The effects of the procedure were immediate, I gently moved his foot and it moved a lot farther than it ever has. An hour or so later when he was getting settled in his recovery room, his nurses were checking him out and asked him to wiggle his toes and move his feet, and he did, the most we have every seen him move them before, in directions we have never seen him move, we were elated!!!!
The past few days have had some ups and downs, he has an epidural which is great because he feels virtually no pain, but bad in a way as he feels no pain so he doesn't understand why he needs to lay still. Yesterday he began to have spasms in his back and legs that really cause some discomfort, but the nurses have begun giving him muscle relaxers to help soothe them.
Most of yesterday and already today, he has gotten very frustrated and has taken it out on nurses, and mom and dad. If he can make it through today, tomorrow (Friday the 30th) will be a interesting day as they will remove the epidural, and begin sitting him up eventually getting him out of bed and starting some mild therapy. Needless to say, it could make for an interesting day...
As most of you know, we are a family that believes in God, but weren't overly religious people. But through this endeavor, we have really begun to believe more, and understand there is Hope for Peyton... Yesterday I think God sent me a message that, even though this has been a very difficult journey for us, we have handled it well and has reminded us that things could be significantly worse...We had to share a room with another child the first night we were there. We were upset of course as you want as quiet of a room as possible so all of your attention can be on your child, but the child that came in was Peyton's age and had a VERY difficult night from the shunt that was put in his brain to release the pressure that his cancer is causing him...Humbling indeed. Strangely enough, he was in our room for only one night, just long enough for us to understand.
Before I wrap this up, I want to thank ALL of you for ALL of the prayers, and warm messages you have sent us over the last few days. We feel so blessed to have such warm friends and family surrounding us and helping this family through this very difficult time, you have really helped make things a little easier to handle. Thank you SO very much!
Thanks again for following everyone, we will continue to update you all as much as we can over the next few days as Peyton starts writing the next chapter of his new life.
Love to all!
That smile is priceless! We're so happy for you all and the leaps that he is already making. I know that the next few days will be challenging as the pain medicine is weaned off and therapy begins. We will continue to think of you all as the journey continues, love you guys! The Duncans
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