Weekend before surgery

Learning that Penn had a brain tumour was a complete shock to us all. She didn’t exhibit any symptoms - nausea, vomiting, headaches, loss of appetite, seizures or delay in development.  Doctors were amazed Penn looked so good despite having a significant mass in her left frontal lobe. As we reflect on what happened earlier this month, we now realize our dire situation had positive signs scattered throughout the days leading to surgery. 

When the doctor tells you Penn will have to be intubated immediately. After giving her one final kiss and cuddle you still hear her crying twenty minutes later. Penn’s medical team made a last minute decision not to intubate. You now have an entire weekend to converse, hug and kiss your kid as much as you want. 

When the medical team tells you Penn cannot eat any solids and in less than 24 hours they revert their decision. Penn can now eat whatever her heart desires. Ice cream! Cookies! Sushi! Yogurt! Toast! Lemon loaf from Starbucks! Whatever Penn said she wanted, you bet we got it for her. Penn’s medical team realized she was stable and surgery could be postponed until Monday. Emergency surgery wasn’t needed.

When no one is allowed to visit Penn in the hospital because of COVID, including siblings. But then you have a private ICU room that has a window and a steady stream of visitors wave and blow kisses to Penn. 

We knew so many people near and far were sending all their love, prayers and positive thoughts for our family. We could feel it. And despite all the tears I wept, I knew deep down, someone was trying to tell me, everything will be ok.