What a Day....the Quickee Version!

My oh my. This post has to be shorter than me because I am seriously about to lose all brain power. I just felt compelled to update, as so many of you have prayed for us today.

First of all, ELLIE IS AMAZING. Every doctor and therapist commented on her demeanor and how easy she was to handle. I think she's just really used to people examining her, but I can't help but be SO. PROUD. Though, when she announced to the neurosurgeon that she "just farted", the pride was crushed a bit. HA!

We saw the orthopedist first. He's the one that would operate on her hips and/or tendons. We were literally in his office for ten minutes. He eagerly declared that Ellie was a "superb candidate" for SDR surgery.

Next, we saw the physical therapist. We were with her for over an hour. She worked Ellie HARD! At the end of our appointment with her, she said, "I have to admit that I'm on the fence..." She was concerned about Ellie's right hip, which we've been keeping an eye on. She said that Ellie may have to undergo right hip surgery even with SDR. Sigh...

Lastly, we saw the big Kahuna, Dr. Steinbok. He's the neurosurgeon who would be performing the surgery. We were in his office the longest. He had a good, thorough look at Ellie and at the end of it all he, without hesitation, recommended that Ellie undergo the surgery. He said it would be "possibly life-changing". He predicted that her criss-crossing would be either eliminated or greatly improved, which, if you have seen Ellie walk, is a HUGE encouragement! He wasn't sure if he could fix all of her hip issues, but the surgery would definitely keep her from going under the knife for other orthopedic procedures. The amazing thing is that he performs the same less-invasive procedure as in St. Louis! He even studied under Dr. Park, the "famed" BEST SDR surgeon in the world. Yet, instead of paying $40,000 for Dr. Park to operate on Ellie's spine, this surgeon would do it for "free" (don't even GET me started on the merits of universal healthcare today....WE ARE SO BLESSED TO LIVE IN CANADA!).

Dr. Steinbok pretty much inferred that, as far as he was concerned, we could make an appointment for the surgery today. We weren't ready to do that, but, wow, are we encouraged! AND SCARED. Like crap.

So scared, in fact, that if I write in more detail, I may cry. I don't want to cry. I just want to eat the pick-up food that Richard so preciously walked a couple blocks to get (LOVE downtown Vancouver!). And the special treat he just surprised me with: a box of chocolate love from the Cupcake Factory! (LOVE Vancouver!)

THANK YOU so very much for your love, prayers and support. I nearly boo-hoo'ed when I read my blog comments and emails this morning. I felt the love!

More later...

LOVE YOU ALL!