TODAY IS SURGERY DAY!

Amy is in surgery! We arrived at the hospital at 7:00 a.m and went through "fast track" admissions, since we had done all the paperwork on Tuesday. Amy's blood was drawn for the white blood cell count, and while we waited for the results Amy was able to model her designer hospital attire, complete with "shawl blanket" (see photos). The ensemble is a lovely blue and white pattern, and items are interchangeable as either gown or robe! A must for every discerning patient.
We were taken into the consultation room at 8:25 a.m., where we met with the anesthesiologist, surgeon, and nurse (A nurse accompanies the patient everywhere and is with her at all times during the procedure and in recovery. She was described as the "substitute mom" for patients while they are away from their real mom. What a nice touch.) The anesthesiologist was not the same one we met with on Tuesday, so she was briefed on Amy's reaction to the Ativan. She said that she feels Amy was just very sensitive to that medication, due both to Amy's reaction and the duration of the side effects. As a result, she will not be giving Amy the typical twilight sleep meds prior to inserting the thoracic epidural, because that drug is similar to Ativan. She will also give Amy 3 types of anti-nausea medication. Dr. LoSasso (surgeon) said Amy's white blood cell count was normal :) He re-measured the template for the bar that will go in her chest, and then we bid her farewell with hugs and kisses. We were told that we should go to eat breakfast, because there was about an hour of pre-surgery prep work that needed to be done in the O.R.
Now, we are sitting outside in a courtyard garden which has a whimsical theme and is very quiet and peaceful. A nurse came out and told us that the surgery had started about 10:15 a.m. So, actual surgery is about 1 1/2 hours, then there is an hour in the O.R. post-surgery for x-rays. Then about 1 1/2 hrs. recovery time before we get to see her.
Amy was so excited that everything was fine and that the surgery was going to happen today. Thanks to all of you for your prayers. We will keep you updated!