This little piggy went to....pathology!

On Wednesday of last week Roland's sixth toe was surgically removed. It was a long day for such a little toe, but as you can see above, everything worked out just fine. In the top photo we've been processed through check in, weighed (27lbs!) and dressed in our surgery pajamas. Roland's prep area and crib were great, and the blankets they use are the same as Baptist (which we have a few of!) so that was a welcome sight. Roland was alert to "something up" but curiosity seemed to keep him calm. I'm smiling in this photo because the great nurses are coaching you to stay positive and happy for the child, which we were - we knew he was in great hands. Dr. Chester and the anesthesiologist were very professional and approachable, confidently answering all our questions. Before we knew it Roland was being carried off in the anesthesiologist's arms without so much as a look back (so brave!). Hours later we reviewed the before and after x-rays with Dr. Chester to see how Roland's new toes, bones, etc. looked - everything went great. Finally, we were called back to see him.

It's a strange sight to see your child just in a diaper covered in wires, a cast, soft brace and an cords. You can't even hear the world around you, all you have is tunnel vision. I can say that now but at the time all we wanted to do was hold him, which luckily was why they call you back. While we were there another child, younger by a couple months, was coming out of her anesthesia from having the arteries to her heart opened up with stints, for the third time. You can't begin to imagine how humbling it is hearing the doctors talk about her recovery.

Roland didn't fair too well coming out of the anesthesia, so we stayed at the hospital a few extra hours, but it was worth it. When he awoke we were walking to the car and he started singing. As if he had just taken the worlds best nap. The rest of that day was a breeze, as pain meds were still in full effect!

Most of our concern was more about Roland's recovery rather than his surgery, as we didn't know how painful it would be - on all of us. Of course, the doctor was right about everything. Roland was EXTREMELY moody and wanted to RACE around the house with his new cast. The cast proved to be no problem for his walking and kicking, in fact, he finds great joy in kicking hard things with his foot as he can't feel it! This translated into a maddening time of trying to keep Roland still, engaged and happy all at the same time. If anyone is upset, it's Buddy as he's been the victim of countless cheap shots to the chest from a devious little peg-leg infant.

In the days after we had great support from near and far. Brian's parent's sent Roland a wonderful care package of interesting toys to play with on the floor. My mom was able to take off a couple days and keep Roland at home so we could return to work. Brian was able to catch a few off days and take Roland to the zoo, park, etc. To everyone who sent thoughts our way, it was all greatly appreciated, thank you.

I miss the sixth toe, it was just another reminder to me how special Roland is. But this story (and the photos, plaster stamp, concrete stamp, and ink stamps) will be his story to share years from now. And I know he's special with, or without, a sixth toe. And for all those like me who wondered, the toe goes to pathology, we didn't get to keep it.