Day 2 Update for Julie!

Well, a couple days of a long wait and it's been a bit of a shock to our system. Julie has been so strong in this journey so far and I don't see this changing anytime soon. Day 1 of surgery is complete and Dr. Myianji did what he expected to do with no problems whatsoever. The big shock for all of us was probably seeing her post surgery still sedated but waiting to come to. Funny how you know things and expect things but it happens you feel so shocked. Well, that's how we were to hear her 1st few words of "I love you" or "I hear you but can't see you". Flopping her hands around like Jake in Avatar wondering what all this crap is in her hands/arms! Once her eyes opened it was better and her comments quickly ramped up to her usual joking, crazy self. Quite medicated so she was a bit over the top and the slurry speech added to our anxiety but yet gave us laughter and tears combined. She really felt that she deserved something as the she asked us with slurry words "Can I have a lolipop since I did so good". Well, although she couldn't have it, Rod & Katie brought her one in and she was smiling ear to ear.

She pulled through phase 1 with flying colors and is in great shape for the big day tomorrow. As for what little routine we've had here starting off due to the unknowns of each day, we've managed to keep pushing forward and making it work. Katie is fully in school of course so she has those commitments but was very clear that she was coming in on day 1 to see her little sister. Who would deny her that privilege right. She and Rod were in for a visit on night one. Rod is the one keeping Katie sorted out for her weekly school/sport commitments and Aiyana has been with me supporting Julie and will assist as required with helping Katie if need be. Rod & Aiyana are great and everyone is so supportive of one another and it's such a joy to all be together to help Julie and keep her spirit high.

Today, on day 2, we got good news after the Dr's did an xray on Julie that she gets to move up to the 3rd floor out of ICU. They have been great in there and Amanda/Katie have taken phenomenal care of Julie for us. We will probably see them late Wed. after the last surgery again. Julie told us she nodded of while the girls were doing a shift turnover and she wanted to give Katie a hug but she was gone when Julie roused from her slumber. I am sure she'll get another chance.

So, I hope that's a good take on where we're at, what's gone on, etc...I will have a good update for everyone on how she does tomorrow and maybe even have a picture on the new spine with a slight hint of metal. Thanks for sharing in our journey everyone, your kind thoughts and prayers are so appreciated by all of us we can't thank you enough.

Pat/Aiyana & Rod/Jessie & Julie/Katie