I wanted to say how very blessed we are to have soooo many friends..and family praying for Kristin..she is doing well.. last Friday was her 1st time to take a "paper test" where she lifts her leg by herself..(without her hands to help..that is..) and they can put one piece of paper under her leg.. welllllllll today the "head PT" lady said.."sooooo, Kristin I heard that you passed the Paper test..can you show me?"...soooo she did..but Kristin was able to lift her leg a LOT higher then one piece..it was over 3 inches off the bed..it was very cool..and the PT lady was impressed so I gave her the "line" that I give very often when we are told that Kristin is doing great...welllllllllll I say.."thats because we have LOADS of people praying for her"... soooooooo THANK YOU...
we will have a cat scan on Monday to see the measurements of the length of both legs..and how much growth needs to happen to the right leg now that her leg is straight.. One of the girls told her that its much more painful for the lengthening part because it is stretching muscles..and ligaments..but I told her.. we will have to SEE...and rely on GOD...for our strenth.. thank you..sweet friends... God is SHOWING UP..and getting to SHOW OFF..as HE IS sooo Good AT.. God is GOOD ALLLLLLLLL THE TIME... love Carla...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The lengthening process will begin on April 30th
We have learned that the screw, which is turned to widen the gap between the rings in the "frame", is attached to the "motor" in "Dr. speak". Up to now, the lengthening process has consisted of straightening the femur. Today, we were told that in two more days, Kristin's leg will be fully straightened! PTL! -- Next, a Russian doctor will make adjustments to the "frame". The process of lengthening the leg will begin, and will be accomplished by turning 2 "motors" equally on both sides of her leg to make the bone seperate..and give the length we need... - these pictures show the position of the "frame" when the straightening started and where it was on Easter weekend...
Kristin @ Scottish Rite Hospital
The first pic is of the Texas Scottish Rite Orthopedic Children's Hospital. This facility has got to be one of the best in the world. The pic of the nurse is showing the turning of the screw on Kristin's "frame". Dr.Carol performed a surgery in November to remove the rods & pins from Kristin's leg that were put in to repair her broken femur after a car accident that was in Sep. 05'--when her growth plate was damaged and the right side of her femur stopped growing while the left side continued...sooooo..On April 6th, Kristin had a surgery to cut the femur bone in half and install the "frame" on the outside which is attached to both sides of broken bone. Everyday we are turning a "screw" and "opening the break"-- Dr.Carol will oversee the entire lengthening procedure to the end, then surgically remove the hardware when it is over. love, Papa Cooley
Thursday, April 23, 2009
moving....to the other side...
We are moved to the other side of the room today..and it feels weird..our roommates (16yr old girl..and her mom) that we have had since day 3..have moved out..and we are missing them already.. I took them to the Ronald McDonald House tonight at 11:30pm..and will pick them up at 6am to take them to the airport..they are from St. Lucia and will be flying to NYC to visit with their Grandma..and the little brother who is 3 yrs old..this sweet momma has not seen her boy for 10months..
the reason for that is..because they live "out of the country"..and her sweet girl had the same procedure done that Kristin is having done..so they just stayed in the "states"...for a long time.. they did the time of "turning"..which was correcting the angle of the bone.. and then they had to lenghtening it.. then they stayed for the 6 months of keeping the "frame On and letting the bone" become strong..and WAITING to take the "frame off" ..so not to take it off to early..and then worry about any "break in the bone..or bending" in the area that was lenghtened... sooooooo after 10 months they had made friendships.. and it was hard to see them say "good-bye" to friends, nurses, kitchen girls, cleaning ladies..ect... ...which I do understand...its such a "family feel" between the families here... and I cant imagine being here for 10 months and not having my family come to visit.. "friends" would become your family..and then have to leave...wow...it has been an emotional day..
Im greatful for God letting us be a part of their "stay" ..it has been great.. and Im dreading taking them tomorrow..to the airport.. I love that our neighbor has had Christian Music/sermons on allllllll the time..its neat to see her "walk"..and I will miss them...I love that we are in the Palm of HIS HAND..and I will wait and see HIM... in alllll things..thanks for praying for my girl.. we are blessed.. I also forgot to mention that this last weekend..we had a neat guy from our church who stopped in and spent Sunday with us..it was great..cause Sundays are alittle slower..and we were blessed with his visit...thank you, Sterling.. much love, sweet friends..love Carla.. and her sweet girl.. our new number is.. 1-214-559-7706
the reason for that is..because they live "out of the country"..and her sweet girl had the same procedure done that Kristin is having done..so they just stayed in the "states"...for a long time.. they did the time of "turning"..which was correcting the angle of the bone.. and then they had to lenghtening it.. then they stayed for the 6 months of keeping the "frame On and letting the bone" become strong..and WAITING to take the "frame off" ..so not to take it off to early..and then worry about any "break in the bone..or bending" in the area that was lenghtened... sooooooo after 10 months they had made friendships.. and it was hard to see them say "good-bye" to friends, nurses, kitchen girls, cleaning ladies..ect... ...which I do understand...its such a "family feel" between the families here... and I cant imagine being here for 10 months and not having my family come to visit.. "friends" would become your family..and then have to leave...wow...it has been an emotional day..
Im greatful for God letting us be a part of their "stay" ..it has been great.. and Im dreading taking them tomorrow..to the airport.. I love that our neighbor has had Christian Music/sermons on allllllll the time..its neat to see her "walk"..and I will miss them...I love that we are in the Palm of HIS HAND..and I will wait and see HIM... in alllll things..thanks for praying for my girl.. we are blessed.. I also forgot to mention that this last weekend..we had a neat guy from our church who stopped in and spent Sunday with us..it was great..cause Sundays are alittle slower..and we were blessed with his visit...thank you, Sterling.. much love, sweet friends..love Carla.. and her sweet girl.. our new number is.. 1-214-559-7706
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
prayer...and blessings..
Hi...well our girl is doing ok..just having to "Deal" with the pain she has now.. its not toooo bad..just "different" than what she has had... and needing a little bit more meds..to help..along with having to "deal" with the pain too..
Today her Doctor came in and said that she could make a "bigger turn" (opening the break in the bone) and only 3 times per day..what that means is...she was turning 1/2 turn--4 times a day.. and now she will be turning a full turn 3 times a day... I will find out the "math" on how much bone lengthening per day that is...I missed seeing the Doc..and didn't get the math info from Kristin..Doc said that her X-ray from Monday was good..(what I did hear from Kristin).... :-)
.. gotta love HER...
We have met soooo many families..and kids with difficult lives....and I am Humbled by the fact that God has not GIVEN US TOOO MUCH...there have been kids who have had MANY surgeries.. and many, many more to come... and I have found myself Thanking our LORD for His Grace..and Mercy..along with His comfort.. and Strength..
thank you for your prayers..we are trully blessed..love to you all.. love Carla..and Kristin..
Today her Doctor came in and said that she could make a "bigger turn" (opening the break in the bone) and only 3 times per day..what that means is...she was turning 1/2 turn--4 times a day.. and now she will be turning a full turn 3 times a day... I will find out the "math" on how much bone lengthening per day that is...I missed seeing the Doc..and didn't get the math info from Kristin..Doc said that her X-ray from Monday was good..(what I did hear from Kristin).... :-)
.. gotta love HER...
We have met soooo many families..and kids with difficult lives....and I am Humbled by the fact that God has not GIVEN US TOOO MUCH...there have been kids who have had MANY surgeries.. and many, many more to come... and I have found myself Thanking our LORD for His Grace..and Mercy..along with His comfort.. and Strength..
thank you for your prayers..we are trully blessed..love to you all.. love Carla..and Kristin..
Fun weekend!
Finally taking a moment to blog about the weekend. Aubrey and I played hooky from school/work on Friday and snuck out after our nanny job on Thursday evening....to head to Dallas to see our sisters! :~)
We got to my Aunt Jane's house about 9:30....stayed up chatting till about 1100..then off to bed.
Carla has requested that we take our time getting up to the hospital on Friday, to give them some time to work on school.
So we went with Aunt Jane to our cousins band competition. It was @ a really cool amusement park...and would have been LOADS of fun for Aubs....although it rained extremely hard the whole time we were there. So, we hung out for a bit...then headed up to the hospital.
Wow...what an amazing place that hospital is....there seems to be something going on every hour on the hour! We got there in time for a quick bite of lunch, Craft time @ 1pm, P.T.@ 2pm, Rec therapy @ 3pm, Birthday party for one of the girls @ 4pm...dinner @ 5pm...and since it was a Friday night, Kristin and her friends decided to have a "Makeovers and Movie" night in the library. There were about 12 other kids and a couple moms who came down to watch the movie...do finger nails, and have some popcorn! Since the girls seem to outweigh the boys...those poor boys had to put up with the stink of the nail polish and remover...but they didn't seem to complain too badly!!! :~)
Aubs and i headed back to our Aunts house about 1100....and from what i hear the party went on way into the night....so needless to say, they slept in on Saturday. Which gave me time to relax wh my Aunt...enjoy the cool weather, coffee and lots of chat time on the back porch!!! :~)
We headed to the hospital about 1pm....Aubs and i weren't the only visitors Kristin had this weekend. Kristin's best friend Emily and Ms. Lisa came too...it meant so much to Kristin to have them make the trip to visit.
They had gotten a hotel room about 5 mins from the hospital, so Kristin was able to get an overnight pass. I think that Carla was less stressed to have their "first night out" to be close by so that they didn't have far to go if needed.
The most important things Kristin wanted to do was go to the MALL and GO SHOPPING....so we did...found her some skirts that will work with her brace, grabbed some lunch...and even got to watch the "Hannah Montana Movie"....we had a great time, and shopped with Kristin dropped.
About 7pm we headed to the hotel, to hang out for the evening..had pizza delivered and the girls spent most of the night...chatting, laughing, playing DS, and catching up with each other.
Sunday we got up 9ish...grabbed a quick bite of breakfast with Em and Ms. Lisa...dropped them off at the train station...and headed back to the hospital for the day.
Kristin finished up her school project and a bit of homework...so that i could bring it back to the teachers, then it was time to head back home. There were a few tears saying bye to Mommy, tho Aubs is adjusting well..and enjoying being spoiled while Mommy is away....shhh dont tell Carla!!!! :~)
Carla had a sweet little thing happen on Thursday. Both Carla and Kristin have known that they are on a mission to be a blessing to those who they come into contact with while they are in Dallas....Carla said that when she and Kristin were passing some of the P.T staff on the way to Rec Time....(Kristin must have had a big ol smile on her face)....and they overheard the staff say to each other...."Did you see that smile...wish all the kids had smiles on their faces, like her"!!! :~)
Isn't God good....so it was some neat confirmation that they are right where God wants them to be, and will walk through this season with them.
The schedule is busy and always on the GO...although that is both Carla and Kristin's personalities....so they are enjoying the busyness. Kristin's room seems to be the "hangout" room.....Carla is has found making time for school has been a bit of a challenge...so keep that in your prayers....that they will be able to juggle the busy schedule and school too. Kristina roommate is moving out this week, so i think Carla is hoping for some more quiet time to be able to focus on school...and REST a bit also! :~)
All is going well with Kristin's leg, having a bit of pain from the brace beginning to do its job.....but she is doing good.
Thanks so much for your prayers and cards...her wall is FULL of cards!! What an encourament that is to both Carla and Kristin. Thank you to each of you for being there for us @ this time in life!!
Bless you all ~Aunt Christa
We got to my Aunt Jane's house about 9:30....stayed up chatting till about 1100..then off to bed.
Carla has requested that we take our time getting up to the hospital on Friday, to give them some time to work on school.
So we went with Aunt Jane to our cousins band competition. It was @ a really cool amusement park...and would have been LOADS of fun for Aubs....although it rained extremely hard the whole time we were there. So, we hung out for a bit...then headed up to the hospital.
Wow...what an amazing place that hospital is....there seems to be something going on every hour on the hour! We got there in time for a quick bite of lunch, Craft time @ 1pm, P.T.@ 2pm, Rec therapy @ 3pm, Birthday party for one of the girls @ 4pm...dinner @ 5pm...and since it was a Friday night, Kristin and her friends decided to have a "Makeovers and Movie" night in the library. There were about 12 other kids and a couple moms who came down to watch the movie...do finger nails, and have some popcorn! Since the girls seem to outweigh the boys...those poor boys had to put up with the stink of the nail polish and remover...but they didn't seem to complain too badly!!! :~)
Aubs and i headed back to our Aunts house about 1100....and from what i hear the party went on way into the night....so needless to say, they slept in on Saturday. Which gave me time to relax wh my Aunt...enjoy the cool weather, coffee and lots of chat time on the back porch!!! :~)
We headed to the hospital about 1pm....Aubs and i weren't the only visitors Kristin had this weekend. Kristin's best friend Emily and Ms. Lisa came too...it meant so much to Kristin to have them make the trip to visit.
They had gotten a hotel room about 5 mins from the hospital, so Kristin was able to get an overnight pass. I think that Carla was less stressed to have their "first night out" to be close by so that they didn't have far to go if needed.
The most important things Kristin wanted to do was go to the MALL and GO SHOPPING....so we did...found her some skirts that will work with her brace, grabbed some lunch...and even got to watch the "Hannah Montana Movie"....we had a great time, and shopped with Kristin dropped.
About 7pm we headed to the hotel, to hang out for the evening..had pizza delivered and the girls spent most of the night...chatting, laughing, playing DS, and catching up with each other.
Sunday we got up 9ish...grabbed a quick bite of breakfast with Em and Ms. Lisa...dropped them off at the train station...and headed back to the hospital for the day.
Kristin finished up her school project and a bit of homework...so that i could bring it back to the teachers, then it was time to head back home. There were a few tears saying bye to Mommy, tho Aubs is adjusting well..and enjoying being spoiled while Mommy is away....shhh dont tell Carla!!!! :~)
Carla had a sweet little thing happen on Thursday. Both Carla and Kristin have known that they are on a mission to be a blessing to those who they come into contact with while they are in Dallas....Carla said that when she and Kristin were passing some of the P.T staff on the way to Rec Time....(Kristin must have had a big ol smile on her face)....and they overheard the staff say to each other...."Did you see that smile...wish all the kids had smiles on their faces, like her"!!! :~)
Isn't God good....so it was some neat confirmation that they are right where God wants them to be, and will walk through this season with them.
The schedule is busy and always on the GO...although that is both Carla and Kristin's personalities....so they are enjoying the busyness. Kristin's room seems to be the "hangout" room.....Carla is has found making time for school has been a bit of a challenge...so keep that in your prayers....that they will be able to juggle the busy schedule and school too. Kristina roommate is moving out this week, so i think Carla is hoping for some more quiet time to be able to focus on school...and REST a bit also! :~)
All is going well with Kristin's leg, having a bit of pain from the brace beginning to do its job.....but she is doing good.
Thanks so much for your prayers and cards...her wall is FULL of cards!! What an encourament that is to both Carla and Kristin. Thank you to each of you for being there for us @ this time in life!!
Bless you all ~Aunt Christa
Saturday, April 18, 2009
doing..well....
HI..Im writting for the 1st time..now that we have some time..its almost 1am...and we are not yet asleep...Kristin and about 10 other kids had a "movie night"...with popcorn and some candy...then off to the shower..We have 4 special visitor this weekend..my sis..and Kristin's sis..along with Emily..and her mom, Lisa.. it was soo good to see them..and we have had a fun late afternoon and evening..
Our days have been busy..with alot going on..its such a blessing to be in a place that is soooo aware of making sure that the kids are "GOOD".. Our days are filled with PT two times a day..School work..along with time with our new friends that we have met here...going to the kids "Child Life room", Kristin has therapy rec. @3-p which is fun mainly because of the "goofy" therapy leaders..
We are runnning abunch.. but Kristin's pain is controlled with meds..she had a rough day a few days ago..but doing much better..Im greatful to all who have prayed for our girl... The "turning" is going well..today our doctor told us that we have about 2 more weeks of "turning" that will result in a straight leg for Kristin.. and then they will xray and find out how much longer the leg needs to grow.. ..then we will start with the lengthening of the bone..its sooo amazing to SEE GOD..and HIS provision... and I do love that we do get to be a witness of "answered prayer" along with the power of PRAYER... Dear Friends, THANK YOU..for praying..and holding her UP..she still has a rough road ahead..but HER STRENGTH IS FROM OUR LORD... LOVE Carla and Kristin..
Our days have been busy..with alot going on..its such a blessing to be in a place that is soooo aware of making sure that the kids are "GOOD".. Our days are filled with PT two times a day..School work..along with time with our new friends that we have met here...going to the kids "Child Life room", Kristin has therapy rec. @3-p which is fun mainly because of the "goofy" therapy leaders..
We are runnning abunch.. but Kristin's pain is controlled with meds..she had a rough day a few days ago..but doing much better..Im greatful to all who have prayed for our girl... The "turning" is going well..today our doctor told us that we have about 2 more weeks of "turning" that will result in a straight leg for Kristin.. and then they will xray and find out how much longer the leg needs to grow.. ..then we will start with the lengthening of the bone..its sooo amazing to SEE GOD..and HIS provision... and I do love that we do get to be a witness of "answered prayer" along with the power of PRAYER... Dear Friends, THANK YOU..for praying..and holding her UP..she still has a rough road ahead..but HER STRENGTH IS FROM OUR LORD... LOVE Carla and Kristin..
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A look @ the day
Today has been a very busy day for Kristin. She had two physical therapy sessions today and was able to put 40 pounds of weight on her foot without holding on to the bars!! The PT said that was incredible for her to be able to do and that most kids her sizes usually can only do 20 pounds their first day. After physically therapy, Kristin was off to decorate Easter cookies, the chefs from the Hilton Hotel baked cookies and came to teach the kids how to decorate. Kristin was able to make a friend today and spent time with her playing the Wii!
They took all of Kristin's bandages off today so both of the halo's around her leg show. Kristin is being very brave and strong which is exactly what everyone has been praying for; God is so good! Please remember Kristin and Carla Friday as they will be turning the key and separating the bones. This will be a very painful procedure. Thank you all for all of your prayers, The Lord’s peace that passes ALL understanding as truly been felt in Kristin’s room.
~Gram Cooley
P.S.
I talked to Carla tonight and Kristin is quickly making friends and getting settled in. She was waiting on the nurse to come in and help her with a shower this evening....then teach her how to clean all the pins that run between her leg and the brace. So, she will be aching tonight i am sure, but hoping she rests well this evening.
One of our friends asked for Kristin's address...so wanted to post it for those who would like to send her a note!!! That would make her smile! :~)
Thanks! ~Christa
Scottish Rites Hospital for Children
c/o Kristin Hazel
2222 Welborn Street
Dallas, Texas 75219
They took all of Kristin's bandages off today so both of the halo's around her leg show. Kristin is being very brave and strong which is exactly what everyone has been praying for; God is so good! Please remember Kristin and Carla Friday as they will be turning the key and separating the bones. This will be a very painful procedure. Thank you all for all of your prayers, The Lord’s peace that passes ALL understanding as truly been felt in Kristin’s room.
~Gram Cooley
P.S.
I talked to Carla tonight and Kristin is quickly making friends and getting settled in. She was waiting on the nurse to come in and help her with a shower this evening....then teach her how to clean all the pins that run between her leg and the brace. So, she will be aching tonight i am sure, but hoping she rests well this evening.
One of our friends asked for Kristin's address...so wanted to post it for those who would like to send her a note!!! That would make her smile! :~)
Thanks! ~Christa
Scottish Rites Hospital for Children
c/o Kristin Hazel
2222 Welborn Street
Dallas, Texas 75219
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Kristins first visit with physical therapy....
Dearest Friends,
Well, here we are one day after surgery and already the therapist is in here and doing exercises with Kristin. And along with them, they brought a shoe to wear!!! I am thinking they are going for a walk in a bit??? We were able to get her up to go to the bathroom and to get dressed!!!!! It is unreal!!!!
Tomorrow the Dr will take all of the wraps off and show Kristin all of the hardware that is holding her leg together. On Friday they will turn the key and separate the bone. She is being very helpful and doing a great job with the therapist.
They are putting her first shoe on now that is 2 and a half inches high so she will be up straight for the first time in three years YES!!!!!! Then as her leg grows, it will change and as her leg grows then they will keep changing her shoes till both of her legs are on the floor together.
WOW You all should be here to see your Prayers being answered in Action!!!! Keep praying, Our girl is worn out from getting out of bed, but happy she tried :~)
Love you all, Anita aka Grandma Cooley
Well, here we are one day after surgery and already the therapist is in here and doing exercises with Kristin. And along with them, they brought a shoe to wear!!! I am thinking they are going for a walk in a bit??? We were able to get her up to go to the bathroom and to get dressed!!!!! It is unreal!!!!
Tomorrow the Dr will take all of the wraps off and show Kristin all of the hardware that is holding her leg together. On Friday they will turn the key and separate the bone. She is being very helpful and doing a great job with the therapist.
They are putting her first shoe on now that is 2 and a half inches high so she will be up straight for the first time in three years YES!!!!!! Then as her leg grows, it will change and as her leg grows then they will keep changing her shoes till both of her legs are on the floor together.
WOW You all should be here to see your Prayers being answered in Action!!!! Keep praying, Our girl is worn out from getting out of bed, but happy she tried :~)
Love you all, Anita aka Grandma Cooley
Monday, April 6, 2009
Quick note from Aunt Christa
Aubs and I had a busy day....started out kinda "hairy"...i will explain in a sec. Off to school/work....Aubrey went with Cameron to play @ his house while i took care of Carlas nanny kiddos...picked her up...home to shower, grab a bite, watch some disney, work on homework...ice cream with Daddy and asleep @ 905!!! Success! :~)
Gotta share this funny story with you....If there was an award, i would have lost the "mom/aunt of the year award" this morning....I was driving Aubs to school...and were about 2 mins from the school when I and looked in the backseat...and saw that Aubs hadn't combed her hair....Opppsss!!! :~)
Searched the car for a brush, but no success..stopped @ the gas station next to school...and once again, no success...so, i thought...if @ last resort, i will finger comb it, and explain to the teacher that we will do better tomorrow!!! heheheee!
As i was pulling into the school parking lot, i said a quick prayer that I would see someone i knew and humble myself to ask if they had a brush we could borrow......sure enough one of Carla's close friends was pulling in behind me... and was kind enough to share her brush!!! You ROCK Darlene!!!
So, guess tomorrow is another day to try to perfect aunthood!!! :~) Wish me luck! LOL!!!
Thanks for all the encouraging texts, emails, and messages...we couldnt have made it through such a hard day without you all!!!
Blessing to you and yours!!!!! ~C
Gotta share this funny story with you....If there was an award, i would have lost the "mom/aunt of the year award" this morning....I was driving Aubs to school...and were about 2 mins from the school when I and looked in the backseat...and saw that Aubs hadn't combed her hair....Opppsss!!! :~)
Searched the car for a brush, but no success..stopped @ the gas station next to school...and once again, no success...so, i thought...if @ last resort, i will finger comb it, and explain to the teacher that we will do better tomorrow!!! heheheee!
As i was pulling into the school parking lot, i said a quick prayer that I would see someone i knew and humble myself to ask if they had a brush we could borrow......sure enough one of Carla's close friends was pulling in behind me... and was kind enough to share her brush!!! You ROCK Darlene!!!
So, guess tomorrow is another day to try to perfect aunthood!!! :~) Wish me luck! LOL!!!
Thanks for all the encouraging texts, emails, and messages...we couldnt have made it through such a hard day without you all!!!
Blessing to you and yours!!!!! ~C
A look @ Kristins week ahead!!!
Hello once again,
Here is a little update to my previous update... -- Dr. Carrol came in a few minutes ago to check on Kristin and said once again how smoothly her surgery went. She said that today was Kristin's and she didn't have to do anything she didn't want to do and could have whatever she wanted... that's easy since she is sleeping most of the time. :-)
Tomorrow - the physical therapist will get her up for a bit if K feels up to it.
Wednesday - Dr. Carrol will take off the wrap and packing around the "cage", show her how to care for the pins and keep everything clean. It will be K's first opportunity to see everything.
Thursday -she will begin her regular PT
Friday -Dr. Carrol will begin the process of lengthening the leg.
And so the procedure begins!
Good night and God Bless,
Bill for all of us
Here is a little update to my previous update... -- Dr. Carrol came in a few minutes ago to check on Kristin and said once again how smoothly her surgery went. She said that today was Kristin's and she didn't have to do anything she didn't want to do and could have whatever she wanted... that's easy since she is sleeping most of the time. :-)
Tomorrow - the physical therapist will get her up for a bit if K feels up to it.
Wednesday - Dr. Carrol will take off the wrap and packing around the "cage", show her how to care for the pins and keep everything clean. It will be K's first opportunity to see everything.
Thursday -she will begin her regular PT
Friday -Dr. Carrol will begin the process of lengthening the leg.
And so the procedure begins!
Good night and God Bless,
Bill for all of us
Update from Papa Cooley...
Hello All,
Time for Papa to get off an update about Kristin. - She has been a very brave girl today. She began her morning in the OR waiting room where the nurse tried to get an IV going. He tried both hands and couldn't get a vein w/o either running into a valve or having the vein disappear on him. He finally ended up giving her some happy juice my mouth (ugly tasting) and the anesthesiologist got one going in the OR.
She was wheeled away at 7:45 AM and at 11:15 we got the call that she was in recovery and that we could go to see her. We no sooner got to the recovery room when she was moved up to her room.
The Dr. said that the surgery went very smoothly and quicker than she thought it would. (Praise The Lord!) The break was clean and the Dr. that oversaw the nerves as the bone was being broken and the screws were being put in said that there was no significant nerve damage.
She has three screws in the upper part of the femur and two in the lower part and a rod keeping the two sections of the bone from coming together. Everything is held together with a cage type framework and the physical therapist said that beginning tomorrow Kristin will be able to actually walk on it a bit. (she can put as much weight on it as she can tolerate.)
For those who were aware of her leg being a bit crooked as well as shorter than the left one; the Dr. said that only the right side of the growth plate at the bottom of the femur was broken. the left side actually continued to grow, forcing the bone to curve to the outside rather than grow straight. The first couple of weeks will involve straightening the lower end of the femur as well as the lengthening of the entire bone. (The frame is structured to do the straightening. - Our Almighty God has truly given doctors great wisdom and knowledge. Of course, we know that HE is the One who does the healing. The doctors and medicine are the facilitators!
It is now about 5:15 PM and she is beginning to be a bit more alert. The entire staff here at the hospital have been some of the finest! An hour ago a lady came by with a "goody" bag containing a build-a-bear, a game, some perfume, and various other notions and sundries. K is looking them all over as I write. :-)
Carla has done very well throughout the entire ordeal. God has held her in His hand too. (and Grandma:-))
Actually, we have only just begun as the lengthening process will take two months. There will be periods of intense pain but our God knows all about it and we trust Him to get everyone through it.
Thank you for all your prayers and emails. Be sure to keep up with this blog and we will keep you abreast of what is going on.
Good evening and God Bless,
Bill (tonight) for the Hazels and Cooley's
Time for Papa to get off an update about Kristin. - She has been a very brave girl today. She began her morning in the OR waiting room where the nurse tried to get an IV going. He tried both hands and couldn't get a vein w/o either running into a valve or having the vein disappear on him. He finally ended up giving her some happy juice my mouth (ugly tasting) and the anesthesiologist got one going in the OR.
She was wheeled away at 7:45 AM and at 11:15 we got the call that she was in recovery and that we could go to see her. We no sooner got to the recovery room when she was moved up to her room.
The Dr. said that the surgery went very smoothly and quicker than she thought it would. (Praise The Lord!) The break was clean and the Dr. that oversaw the nerves as the bone was being broken and the screws were being put in said that there was no significant nerve damage.
She has three screws in the upper part of the femur and two in the lower part and a rod keeping the two sections of the bone from coming together. Everything is held together with a cage type framework and the physical therapist said that beginning tomorrow Kristin will be able to actually walk on it a bit. (she can put as much weight on it as she can tolerate.)
For those who were aware of her leg being a bit crooked as well as shorter than the left one; the Dr. said that only the right side of the growth plate at the bottom of the femur was broken. the left side actually continued to grow, forcing the bone to curve to the outside rather than grow straight. The first couple of weeks will involve straightening the lower end of the femur as well as the lengthening of the entire bone. (The frame is structured to do the straightening. - Our Almighty God has truly given doctors great wisdom and knowledge. Of course, we know that HE is the One who does the healing. The doctors and medicine are the facilitators!
It is now about 5:15 PM and she is beginning to be a bit more alert. The entire staff here at the hospital have been some of the finest! An hour ago a lady came by with a "goody" bag containing a build-a-bear, a game, some perfume, and various other notions and sundries. K is looking them all over as I write. :-)
Carla has done very well throughout the entire ordeal. God has held her in His hand too. (and Grandma:-))
Actually, we have only just begun as the lengthening process will take two months. There will be periods of intense pain but our God knows all about it and we trust Him to get everyone through it.
Thank you for all your prayers and emails. Be sure to keep up with this blog and we will keep you abreast of what is going on.
Good evening and God Bless,
Bill (tonight) for the Hazels and Cooley's
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Heard from Carla...
Hi~
Carla called and said they are settling into their room. Had to share a sweet little blessing that she shared with me...Sis said that as they were unpacking their suitcases and heading into the hospital...she asked Kristin if she wanted to a snack...but by the time they got in the elevator...they realized they hadn't grabbed something out of the car. So, sis told her she would hunt down a venting machine and grab her something...as they arrived in their room...there on Kristin's bed was a gift bag...with goodies, shower stuff, snacks, journal, chocolate...ect...with a card from the girl who was just moved out of Kristin's room....wasn't that sweet?? Then after being in the room for about 5 mins.....two girls from down the hall stopped in to welcome them. They were so excited!!
I know...i know...as if we needed anymore proof that He was taking care of every detail, its fun to see the hidden blessings....makes me realize that they are always there....we just have to look for them, huh?? God is good....all the time!!! :~)
I hope that they are settled down quickly and get some rest tonight...They have a wake up call of 6am, to apply the numbing gel to Kristin's hand to start the i.v...then the day will begin soon around 7ish!!! :~)
Aubs is sawing logs, so i am off to sleep also!!!!! Sweet dreams to all!!! ~C
Carla called and said they are settling into their room. Had to share a sweet little blessing that she shared with me...Sis said that as they were unpacking their suitcases and heading into the hospital...she asked Kristin if she wanted to a snack...but by the time they got in the elevator...they realized they hadn't grabbed something out of the car. So, sis told her she would hunt down a venting machine and grab her something...as they arrived in their room...there on Kristin's bed was a gift bag...with goodies, shower stuff, snacks, journal, chocolate...ect...with a card from the girl who was just moved out of Kristin's room....wasn't that sweet?? Then after being in the room for about 5 mins.....two girls from down the hall stopped in to welcome them. They were so excited!!
I know...i know...as if we needed anymore proof that He was taking care of every detail, its fun to see the hidden blessings....makes me realize that they are always there....we just have to look for them, huh?? God is good....all the time!!! :~)
I hope that they are settled down quickly and get some rest tonight...They have a wake up call of 6am, to apply the numbing gel to Kristin's hand to start the i.v...then the day will begin soon around 7ish!!! :~)
Aubs is sawing logs, so i am off to sleep also!!!!! Sweet dreams to all!!! ~C
A look @ the weekend...and settling in Dallas tonight!
Hi~
We had a super busy weekend....Kristin had a sleepover with her best friend on Friday night....Saturday some of Carla's girlfriends set up a quick.."meet us for a taco" time with sis. We had lots of laughter...its a wonder we weren't kicked out! Aren't friends wonderful???
Spent the afternoon in the park...and ended the day with a swim in the lake. YES, it was chilly....tho Kristin wanted to take a swim, since she will be unable to swim till after about November...so sis took the girls down for a dip in the lake!!! :~)
We had an incredible service today @ church, rejoicing with over 30 people being baptised...two of which were Grandma Hazel and the Kristin and Aubrey's cousin too...there was a special time of prayer for Kristin, Carla, Randy and Aubrey. It gives us so much more comfort to know that our sweet family is being lifted in prayers each day by many many people!!!!! Thank you to our dear friends and family!!
Kristin, Carla, Mom and Dad got to Dallas about 7ish. Kristin has to check in tonight @ the hospital, so they are going to visit for a couple hours with our Aunt Jane and cousins...then leave for the hospital about 8ish.Kristin is set up for surgery @ 8:30 in the morning. She is quite fearful, so praying for a peaceful sleep tonight and that all goes well tomorrow. I will keep you posted.
The visit on Friday went well....Kristin had a full day of stopping in all the depts....x-rays, labs...she has come to find out that she hates the needles... :~)....visit with the Dr's, her counselor, and checking out her new "abode" for the next 2 months. Carla said the surgery team were pretty open about the things that "could" happen as a result of this surgery...which has kinda made Kristin worry more than she has been...though she knows deep in her soul and standing in faith that she is in the palm of His Hands and right where she needs to be..couldn't be in better hands, huh????
When Kristin was there @ Thanksgiving...she had a nice view of the Dallas skyline...which is so pretty @ night....Carla was secretly hoping they would get a room on that same side, and guess what.....she has a corner room, with a better view than her last stay!!!!! Carla and Kristin are looking forward to opening the blinds @ night and enjoying the view!!!! Isn't God good, its fun to see how in the midst of difficult times in life, He tends to the smallest of our hopes and gives us our hearts desire!!! :~)
Noooo....i haven't forgotten about our Aubs....saying bye to Mom and sis was hard, although we were heading off to spend the afternoon with Kim and Jessica...so it helped the "goodbye" to go well!!! Thanks, Kim!!! Kristin cried and cried....think she hugged me for almost 3 mins straight...and wouldn't let go!!! Broke my heart, and made me want to jump in the car and go with them!!! :~)
Aubs and I are enjoying a quiet night @ home....had a bite of dinner while watching Funnest Home Videos....in my opinion...hearing children's laughter is the best thing in the world!!! :~) I thought she was going to spit her broccoli across the room!!! :~) We are looking forward to the months ahead!!! :~) Please keep her in your prayers too as she will be away from her mom and sis. Praying that we will help to fill the void and the time with tons of fun, so her heart isn't sad.
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers!!!
Blessings to all!!! ~Aunt Christa
Ps....Carla asked them when she was allowed to have company and they said as soon as Kristin is feeling up to it...so they would love a visit if anyone is in the neighborhood! :~)
We had a super busy weekend....Kristin had a sleepover with her best friend on Friday night....Saturday some of Carla's girlfriends set up a quick.."meet us for a taco" time with sis. We had lots of laughter...its a wonder we weren't kicked out! Aren't friends wonderful???
Spent the afternoon in the park...and ended the day with a swim in the lake. YES, it was chilly....tho Kristin wanted to take a swim, since she will be unable to swim till after about November...so sis took the girls down for a dip in the lake!!! :~)
We had an incredible service today @ church, rejoicing with over 30 people being baptised...two of which were Grandma Hazel and the Kristin and Aubrey's cousin too...there was a special time of prayer for Kristin, Carla, Randy and Aubrey. It gives us so much more comfort to know that our sweet family is being lifted in prayers each day by many many people!!!!! Thank you to our dear friends and family!!
Kristin, Carla, Mom and Dad got to Dallas about 7ish. Kristin has to check in tonight @ the hospital, so they are going to visit for a couple hours with our Aunt Jane and cousins...then leave for the hospital about 8ish.Kristin is set up for surgery @ 8:30 in the morning. She is quite fearful, so praying for a peaceful sleep tonight and that all goes well tomorrow. I will keep you posted.
The visit on Friday went well....Kristin had a full day of stopping in all the depts....x-rays, labs...she has come to find out that she hates the needles... :~)....visit with the Dr's, her counselor, and checking out her new "abode" for the next 2 months. Carla said the surgery team were pretty open about the things that "could" happen as a result of this surgery...which has kinda made Kristin worry more than she has been...though she knows deep in her soul and standing in faith that she is in the palm of His Hands and right where she needs to be..couldn't be in better hands, huh????
When Kristin was there @ Thanksgiving...she had a nice view of the Dallas skyline...which is so pretty @ night....Carla was secretly hoping they would get a room on that same side, and guess what.....she has a corner room, with a better view than her last stay!!!!! Carla and Kristin are looking forward to opening the blinds @ night and enjoying the view!!!! Isn't God good, its fun to see how in the midst of difficult times in life, He tends to the smallest of our hopes and gives us our hearts desire!!! :~)
Noooo....i haven't forgotten about our Aubs....saying bye to Mom and sis was hard, although we were heading off to spend the afternoon with Kim and Jessica...so it helped the "goodbye" to go well!!! Thanks, Kim!!! Kristin cried and cried....think she hugged me for almost 3 mins straight...and wouldn't let go!!! Broke my heart, and made me want to jump in the car and go with them!!! :~)
Aubs and I are enjoying a quiet night @ home....had a bite of dinner while watching Funnest Home Videos....in my opinion...hearing children's laughter is the best thing in the world!!! :~) I thought she was going to spit her broccoli across the room!!! :~) We are looking forward to the months ahead!!! :~) Please keep her in your prayers too as she will be away from her mom and sis. Praying that we will help to fill the void and the time with tons of fun, so her heart isn't sad.
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers!!!
Blessings to all!!! ~Aunt Christa
Ps....Carla asked them when she was allowed to have company and they said as soon as Kristin is feeling up to it...so they would love a visit if anyone is in the neighborhood! :~)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Heading to Dallas for final checkup
Hi~
I cant believe that its been so long since i updated this blog....sorry about the delay, it seems like time has flown by, and hard to imaigine that the time has arrived!!!!
Its been a hectic couple of weeks getting everything organized for the next couple of months.
Carla and Kristin are just getting to my aunts house in Dallas as i type. Kristin has her final checkup tomorrow to make sure that her leg is ready for the big surgery set for Monday. They will take final x-rays to check to see that all is ready,they will see the docs one more time and also have some time with the sweet therapist that has been assigned to Kristin, to help to prepare them for the next few months and assure them that they will be there for her every step of the way.
Kristin has had to go up each month to have followups with the team, last months appt was quite different from the months all along...the hospital staff were much more serious in preparing us for the amount of pain that Kristin will be in. Of course, that choked Carla right up....tho they assured her that they will be monitoring her pain and will spend the first week getting her settled in after surgery and get her pain under control. Eventually she will only have pain when they are actually turning the dial twice a day...thankfully Kristin is a strong chick, with a great pain tolorance and someone who knows that her strength comes from God and the many many prayers that are being prayed for her.
Its great to know that Kristin will be in such good hands when she is in Dallas...we are humbled by the way the doors were opened so easily for this amazing opportunity to correct her leg while she is still young. One of the greatest things about the hospital is that it is so geared for children. Its neat to see how focused they are to make sure that Kristin is involved every step of the way.....she almost has more control than her mom does!!! :~) Which Aunt Christa thinks that's the way it should be!!!!!!! hehheee!!!
Kristin is excited to get up there and meet new friends, her therapist said they have a 15 yr old girl who has just had this surgery and is lonely for a friend...so she cant wait to get up there and meet her!!! :~) Isn't it neat how God puts people in our path who we need them and when we are needed!!!!
I just got off the phone with Carla and asked for specific prayer requests to post:
Kristin's prayer request:
"That i will be strong to be able to get through the next few months."
Carla's prayer request:
"That i will be strong for Kristin, that i will not be fearful, and know that He is in control!"
Wow...those are some incredible chicks, huh???? I love em!!!
Something else i wanted to include was a mailing address so you can send cards and notes of encouragement to Kristin while she is there. I know she would love that!!!
Scottish Rites Hospital for Children
c/o Kristin Hazel
2222 Welborn Street
Dallas, Texas 75219
My contact info if you need anything is:
Email: cooleychrista@hotmail.com
Cell #: 210.365.4388
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for our sweet girl! I will keep this updated much more often...i promise!!!
~Aunt Christa
I cant believe that its been so long since i updated this blog....sorry about the delay, it seems like time has flown by, and hard to imaigine that the time has arrived!!!!
Its been a hectic couple of weeks getting everything organized for the next couple of months.
Carla and Kristin are just getting to my aunts house in Dallas as i type. Kristin has her final checkup tomorrow to make sure that her leg is ready for the big surgery set for Monday. They will take final x-rays to check to see that all is ready,they will see the docs one more time and also have some time with the sweet therapist that has been assigned to Kristin, to help to prepare them for the next few months and assure them that they will be there for her every step of the way.
Kristin has had to go up each month to have followups with the team, last months appt was quite different from the months all along...the hospital staff were much more serious in preparing us for the amount of pain that Kristin will be in. Of course, that choked Carla right up....tho they assured her that they will be monitoring her pain and will spend the first week getting her settled in after surgery and get her pain under control. Eventually she will only have pain when they are actually turning the dial twice a day...thankfully Kristin is a strong chick, with a great pain tolorance and someone who knows that her strength comes from God and the many many prayers that are being prayed for her.
Its great to know that Kristin will be in such good hands when she is in Dallas...we are humbled by the way the doors were opened so easily for this amazing opportunity to correct her leg while she is still young. One of the greatest things about the hospital is that it is so geared for children. Its neat to see how focused they are to make sure that Kristin is involved every step of the way.....she almost has more control than her mom does!!! :~) Which Aunt Christa thinks that's the way it should be!!!!!!! hehheee!!!
Kristin is excited to get up there and meet new friends, her therapist said they have a 15 yr old girl who has just had this surgery and is lonely for a friend...so she cant wait to get up there and meet her!!! :~) Isn't it neat how God puts people in our path who we need them and when we are needed!!!!
I just got off the phone with Carla and asked for specific prayer requests to post:
Kristin's prayer request:
"That i will be strong to be able to get through the next few months."
Carla's prayer request:
"That i will be strong for Kristin, that i will not be fearful, and know that He is in control!"
Wow...those are some incredible chicks, huh???? I love em!!!
Something else i wanted to include was a mailing address so you can send cards and notes of encouragement to Kristin while she is there. I know she would love that!!!
Scottish Rites Hospital for Children
c/o Kristin Hazel
2222 Welborn Street
Dallas, Texas 75219
My contact info if you need anything is:
Email: cooleychrista@hotmail.com
Cell #: 210.365.4388
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for our sweet girl! I will keep this updated much more often...i promise!!!
~Aunt Christa
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