Expect the Unexpected

   We opted to get a hotel closer to Philly because we had early appointments scheduled on Thursday and Friday.  On Thursday, Kelli had to have the COVID-19 test at 9:00.  Although it was a painful test, she did really well with it.  I was so impressed! Afterwards we hung out at the hotel and did a bit of hiking at Valley Forge National Park.

  

   We were to arrive at the hospital at 10:15 on Friday.  We got checked in and started the pre-surgery routine.  Around 12:15, they gave her some medicine to help her relax and she started to get a bit drowsy.

   Around 12:45 they took her back to the operating room.  Since it was lunchtime, Greg and I decided to go to the cafeteria for a bite to eat.  Shortly after we started eating, I got a phone call requesting that we come back upstairs because the doctor needed to talk to us.  There was a change in plans.  The doctor explained to us that the internal nail part had not been delivered to the hospital. (Thankfully they discovered this before she was given any anesthesia!)  Our options were to see if a courier could bring it that day, do part of the surgery (stopping the growth of the right leg) and save the lengthening for another time, or rescheduling all of it.   Our first choice was to see if someone could bring the necessary part to the hospital, so the doctor started to make some phone calls.  Unfortunately, that didn't work out as we wanted.  Finally, we opted to reschedule the surgery for Tuesday. 

   Kelli was still napping from the medication during this time.  When she woke up, I had to break the news to her about what had happened.  She was really upset.  She was able to hold it in until we got to the car, and then the tears began.  It was absolutely heartbreaking.  I know she was looking forward to getting this process started. 

   We're now spending the weekend regrouping and prepping for the new surgery date.  Unfortunately, Kelli will have to redo the COVID test, but they will be able to do it the same day as the surgery.  Hopefully, things will be a bit smoother this time.