The countdown is on and Meghan will be having surgery in 13 days.  Wow.  13 days.  I can remember the time where we had 3 months to go.  The surgery date is approaching too quickly.  I find myself many times lately second guessing myself if surgery is necessary.  Then I remember she has a secondary condition, syrinx (syringomyelia), and blocked CSF flow - along with other symptoms -  and I come back to reality and remember it is necessary.  I hope and pray that Meghan comes out of surgery as the same cuddly, helpful, giggly little girl that went into surgery.

In this season of giving, I wanted to share a couple places that are near and dear to our hearts.  The first is Childrens Hospital.  Obviously, this is very dear to us as this is the place that finally found what was causing Meghan to have a rough life.  If you would like to donate to Childrens Hospital, please go to: https://giving.childrensmn.org/donate

The second is called Pillowcases for Patients.  I urge you to go to the facebook page, Pillowcases for Patients, to see first hand the amazing person who runs Pillowcases for Patients.  Her name is Erin Kirby and she is just 15 years old.  She was involved in a car accident in 2011, causing her a TBI.  She was hospitalized and knows first hand how much being hospitalized stinks.  She wants to brighten the days of young patients in the hospital, so she makes personalized pillowcases.  She relies solely on donations.  She is donating a pillowcase to Meghan, so Meghan will have her very own Dora the Explorer pillowcase.  If you would like to donate, please send your donations to:  Pillowcases for Patients- PO Box 346- Oregon City, OR 97045.  I think this young lady is just incredible and the world could surely use more people like her!

Update on Meghan.  Meghan and I were very sad to have to miss Jeff's family Christmas last Saturday in Iowa.  We were looking forward to getting out of the house for the day.  Meghan wasn't 100% yet so we decided it was best if I stayed home with her while the boys went to Iowa as planned.  They had a great time.  Hopefully we'll be able to join everyone next year again.  On Wednesday, Meghan had her last physical therapy session until she is well enough from surgery to continue sessions again.   I love those girls. It was a tearful session as they have become family to us.  They are going to stop over to visit Meghan after we get home, and read her a book or two.  I received the MRI images, radiologist reports and the Neurosurgeon notes from appointments from July and October in the mail today.  I find it very interesting to read all of the reports and learn the medical language.  I am learning so much as we go through this adventure.  I didn't find too many surprising news that we weren't made aware of, but her radiologist report from the MRI in October stated the brain herniation extends down to mid-level of the  C2 vertebrae.  The report from July's MRI stated top of C1 vertebrae, so the herniation did worsen from July to October.  Because it extends to the 2nd vertebrae I think Meghan will have her top 2 vertebrae's removed, but won't know foresure until post surgery.  As soon as I can figure out how to do this, I will post an MRI picture of Meghan's Chiari and post a picture of a "normal" brain.  Then you will be able to visualize what Chiari Malformation is.  I took Meghan back to the doctor on Thursday to recheck her ears and throat.  She still digs in her ears often, and she has decided since Wednesday not to eat very well.  She will eat a few bites at each meal, but thats it.  Her ears and throat were clear so atleast I know the antibiotic is working.  As for not eatting, we will have to keep an eye on that.

Please keep Meghan in your thoughts and prayers in these days leading up to surgery.  We are saying many prayers that she stays healthy enough for surgery.   

Have a wonderful weekend!