So, Minnie was asking… “It’s number 53, right?”
I’m going with “its number last.” Tomorrow morning, they will Minnie around 0500 to put on EMLA creme and give her medication to help relax. Around 0630, she’ll go into the O.R., and some time after that, they will start the procedure. I think Dr. J said 14 hours. He plans to leave the halo on to assist during recovery/rehab. He will be cutting into the rib cage, and possibly removing a rib, just under the arm to allow him to collapse a lung and get to the inside of the cervical portion of the spine, where he will remove growth plates, and fuse vertebrae together. Once done, they will begin working on the outside of the spine, and will work between her waistline and the base of her neck. They will remove the tissue expander, install new rods along the spine, and attach them close to where the old VEPTR rods were.
They will hook up some cool spinal chord monitoring equipment that measures impulses in muscles to show that the ‘circuit isn’t broken/strained’, which will be critical to ensure any strain placed on the spinal chord is not too much. She has had this sort of monitoring in the past, but we’ve tried to avoid it because it seems to make her hair fall out where they put the monitors on. In this case, its really not optional. They had another patient last week that they stopped the surgery because the alarm went off indicating danger of paralysis, and after two weeks they tried again without any issue with the spinal chord. He did have another issue, but has since gone home and is doing well last I heard.
We’re pleased and impressed with the staff and their experience doing this procedure. We’ve seen half a dozen or so kids come through doing the exact same thing, and its been nice to see them recover, so we know what to expect. In spite of the experience of the staff and the impressive technologies used to protect Minnie, we still know that we need prayer and the Lord’s protection over this girl. We want the surgeons to be hugely successful in this and all of their surgeries, and really want this hospital to flourish in their mission to help children by whatever means possible.
Please pray for:
- Minnie Rogers
- Dr. Johnston & Orthopedic Surgery Staff
- Dr. Woerz & Anesthesiologist Staff
- All other staff in O.R.
- TSRHC
God has seen us through so much, He has been glorified through this little girl, and will continue to be, and that is my praise.
I’ll try and post tomorrow, but it will likely be late, as there isn’t really anything to know throughout the day, its just a waiting thing. We’ll be praying w/you during this time.
You all have all been on my heart all day. And you will continue to be tomorrow. I have a meeting with the church quilt group that made Minnie’s prayer quilt….and will have all of them praying. We love you all and know that God is in control and loves you and Minnie and all the family even more than any of us possibly could.
We will be really looking forward to all the wonderful results you WILL report tomorrow night! Or as son as you can. Big hugs to you, Rachel and Minnie….Ty and Josh too.
Love, Diane
As always your family is in my heart, but especially tomorrow. I would love for you to add Rachel, Josh and Ty to the prayer list. I will be praying for peace and patience during the surgery for all of you. I will also be praying that your hearts feel the outpouring of love for your family from all that surround you. I love you guys so much and have been so blessed that you have allowed us to follow you on this journey with you and Minnie
Praying, praying, & praying some more. Remembering the nerves, emotions, & thoughts that come with the “night before”, also remembering how God’s grace and strength make it all bearable. Minnie is an absolutely incredible young lady with a purpose in life that is beyond anything any of us can imagine. She also has an amazing family that knows the power of seeking & following God. I’ll (literally) be standing (and sitting and walking) with you guys in faith tomorrow that the surgery will go perfectly and the results will be just as they need to be. I hope you get some sleep! keep your phone close tomorrow 😉 I’ll see you close to noon!
<3 ~ Kara (and James, Caden, & Shayne "the Jr Bow Queen")
A short time ago I got on the computer to read updates & emails. The first email I saw was from a friend who has only met Minnie & her family throught this BLOG. Her attachment to & compassion for Minnie is evident as she asked for prayer to those on that contact list. I’m blessed to tears how the Body of Christ works. One part holding up another that they likely will never have connection with this side of heaven. I love you all & look forward to a cheerful reunion in April. I’m so thankful for the caution of the doctors & know that Minnie is far from just another patient. She has touched their soul & that goes a long way, doesn’t it. God is good & He has had His hand on the Rogers for years & will continue to.
Will be praying. Thank you so much for the update. We LOVE YOU guys.
Minnie, Josh, Rach, Ty
We are praying for the surgeons & all assisting tomarrow, For God our Physician to have His had on each step & on each person involved! God is good! We love you all! Love Mema & Papa
We are praying, we know that God is good and ask Him as our Great Physician to keep His covering of protection over Minnie and bless the surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses & assistants with clarity, knowledge beyond themselves , precision, strength, good rest tonight and good rest for all of you too! We love you! Mama/Mema, Larry/Papa
It is so great to receive an update. You have all been on my mind lately. I will pray very hard tonight for all of you and will be thinking of you as you start your day. Our Best to you! Jon, Kristina Lexi and Crew
Praying and praying! God IS watching over her as he always has
Love you all
Good Morning Josh and Family you are one great dad God has blessed you and big job and you have done it will great grace, And that Grace has come from the Lord. We are praying and our whole church. Keep looking up.Love to all Gram & Pop
I know that no one wants to hear from me, but I have been moved by all of your guys’ post and wanted to say that I am so happy to hear that Madeline is doing well. I check your website every now and then and I am amazed at the strength of both Josh, Rachel, and especially Madeline. You are all extremely blessed and I admire your dedication to the Lord when it would be easy to be angry with Him especially when our children are ill or hurting. I’ll be praying for a speedy recovery for your little miss, and I hope she’ll be able to come home soon. Take care.
Continuing to pray for all of you.