Surgery Update

Mom and Dad left for Houston on Wednesday.  They arrived safely.  I am always nervous when my loved ones fly.  They have some old friends who live about 30 minutes from the hospital there in Houston that are letting them stay with them for the next 10 days.  Craig is in the Stake Presidency there and so it is comforting to know that there are a couple of resources if we need them.  We, at one time thought we didn't know anyone in the area.  They were so lucky to have found old friends.

As they stepped off of the plane, they saw this banner.  Right there in the airport.  Such a strange banner to hang in an airport, but it felt like they knew our family was coming there and we were being welcomed.  So many people have commented to us that their friends or family members have been to that hospital for a variety of reasons and they can only say good things about it.  This banner brought a lot of comfort for some reason.

Before Kori and Russ left for the airport, Dad and Raleigh went over and gave everyone blessings.  It was a very spiritual moment to get to be a part of and I was so glad that I was able to be there.  Very beautiful words were spoken.   Lots of tears were shed, mostly by me.  And we talked about how we all felt at peace.  We are all so overwhelmed at the outpouring of love that has been extended to their family.  And to our family as a whole.  It has been such a great thing to witness.  Kori's ward is freakin' awesome.  They have rallied around their family and stepped in to help in immeasurable ways.  People who we don't even know, pick up their kids and take them to their various activities.  People who we don't even know have come to the hospital in vast numbers to visit, extend support, give them money in the thousands of dollars, give them food.  One lady brought Kori a brand new bottle of doTerra Frankincense Oil...  I was like "dang, that little bottle retails for $80, Kori.  That's like liquid gold right there."  There are good people out there.  Really good people.  She has had a steady stream of non stop visitors.  People asking what they can do to help, but better than that....  people just doing things without being asked.  I love knowing that they are so loved.

Kori and Russ left Thursday.  We were so nervous for the flight.  Kori isn't a good flyer on her very best day.  We were worried about pressure on her head.  Extreme nausea.  Massive vomiting.  But, she did pretty well.   A little woosie.  But she had a smile.  Phewwww.....  one stress down.

Friday Morning they arrived at the hospital at exactly the scheduled time.  Never mind it took them 3 hours to make the 30 minute journey.  And dad said they at one point ended up in a gravel pit and they were the only people in A CAR.  He also joked that mom was looking for a good divorce attorney.  Oh geez, the car is NOT a good place for mom and dad to be at the same time.

I think she looks pretty dang cute considering she has a brain tumor and is battling SEVERE humidity with naturally curly hair.

Here is the famous and....  according to mom......  the most perfect man on the planet, Dr Rao.   Apparently, he is extremely confident without being cocky.  He and his colleagues have done 900 of these surgeries this year alone.   That is 3 a day.   He said things like  "I am going to take really good care of her"  and  "I am not nervous"  and  "We will get it."   When Russ asked  "Will she remember me when she wakes up?"  he laughed and said "Yes, of course she will remember you,  that will not be a side effect of a ROUTINE CRANIOTOMY"   Routine??????   ROUTINE??????  At our hospital, they were saying it was outside their scope.  At THIS hospital, it's routine.  He is going to fix her up and make her perfect again.  I can't even spell Craniotomy and he performs them every single day.  So grateful for smart people who were able to pass biology class and who don't throw up when they see blood.

Meanwhile back at home.....   It was Grant's Birthday.  Kami and the kids kidnapped him and took him to breakfast in the morning

This is such a great picture.  Look at all of the straight teeth in this photo.  Kori hasn't been worried about anything else this whole week except missing Grant's birthday and not being there to help Garrett with his Senior Ball.  I think he had a nice birthday.  He'd NEVER say if he hadn't.  He's not that kind of kid.   We also went bowling with the cousins.  It didn't go off without a hitch.  Why would it?  But, it was pretty fun.  Kami, who has friends in every corner of St. George, made a call and got us hooked up with a FREE bowling session for 15 in the "B Lounge" at Fiesta Fun.

Meanwhile......  back in Houston.  Kori and the gang tried to pass the time by going to see a movie.  And guess who was there

The amazing and blurry, Dr. Rao with his sons.  Apparently, on the weekends when he is not saving lives and making families feel at peace from 1200 miles away....  he's just a regular guy who eats popcorn and watches kid movies.  

Here is where they are staying.  It's a great place.  It's so affordable and right next to the hospital.  Thanks, Josh for sending me all of the info.  It's pretty cool that I have some pretty great friends too.  

Here is Kori and Russ' ward, who held a Ward Family Fast for her and then sent her this picture to show her they were all thinking of her.  What a great group of people.  

So.... there it is.  Her surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 7:00am.  Her tumor is on the right side, which is great for easier access.  She will have a pretty extensive question mark shaped incision in her head with very minimal shaving of her hair.  The surgery will probably take 8 to 10 hours because of that pesky artery that will require some extra time to maneuver around.  Recovery and therapy following the surgery will be determined by the surgery itself, but we are hopeful, confident and peaceful about everything.  

Thanks again for all of the prayers and help and selfless support.  Keep the prayers and positive wishes coming for the next 48 hours.  I will update on IG and here when I get a spare minute.