Round 2

The neurosurgeon admitted we have the hardest job - waiting. You have no idea how long surgery will take or what Penn will be like after. You can’t help but think of all the things that could go wrong while Penn is on the operating table.  We anxiously awaited for the OR nurse to give us updates throughout the day.

Every time the OR nurse called, she reassured us that Penn was strong and doing great. Two other neurosurgeons were sent into the operation room to assess Penn. They were taking their time and being very methodical. Due to scar tissue from her first surgery, Penn required blood transfusions. Penn lost two litres of blood.  

After five and half hours, we met with the neurosurgeon and she was extremely happy with the resection. They took out all the tumour minus a small portion on Penn’s thalamus. There was a chance Penn could be paralyzed if she was too aggressive and opted not to.  

Our reunion the second time around was more emotional than the first. She was swollen and non-verbal because of her breathing tube but she was alive. Penn made it through a second craniotomy, six weeks after her first one. Tears rolled down her face while she tried multiple times to pull out her breathing tube. 

When Penn saw me she slightly turned her body to the left and slowly patted the bed. I knew she was telling me to lay down beside her. Despite the breathing tube, leads, and endless IV lines, Penn reached out to me with both arms, and gave me the biggest hug. After all she’s been through, she was trying to comfort me. That’s what Sheldon always tells the girls - we need to take care of each other. We’re a team, we’re a family. Penn continues to surprise us with her resilience and determination. I am so proud of her and so proud to be her mom.