1 week to go … reflections from Mom
From the time Robert was diagnosed with Morquio Syndrome, we knew he likely had many surgeries ahead of him. I remember one of our first appointments with Dr. Mackenzie when Robert was just 3 years old him telling us that he would eventually need hip reconstruction surgery and will need to pin his knees and ankles. At the time, I watched our little boy with perfectly straight legs run down the hallway without any pain. I couldn’t quite process what he was telling us. I remember thinking, maybe it won’t be Robert. Maybe he won’t need surgery. Maybe he’ll be the exception. I hesitantly asked Dr. M, “how old are kids when they need this surgery?” He said he would expect Robert would need it by 6-7 years old. So, we had 3-4 more years to not worry about that. I tucked it away for so long and tried to pretend that wasn’t going to happen.
Well, here we are. Robert is 6.5 years old and we are 1 week away from him having the surgery we have dreaded for so long. Just as Dr. M anticipated, Robert’s hips have deteriorated, his knees are increasingly knock kneed, and his ankles are rolling inward. He is a trooper and doesn’t complain often, but on his very active days he complains of pain and is asking for Tylenol at school. I am so proud of how strong he is and he tries so hard to not let it slow him down from playing Power Rangers or super heroes on the playground. But, it’s time. We’ve second guessed ourselves over the past month if we are doing it too soon, but Dr. M has reassured us that getting this done now before it gets worse is the best way to go.
While every day since we scheduled the surgery has been excruciatingly hard, I am ready for it to be over. We finally told Robert about surgery on Sunday. (We didn’t want him to have the anxious feelings we’ve had longer than necessary). And, he took the news better than expected. He had some tears, worries, and a few questions but quickly moved onto fighting bad guys! We explained how this surgery will help his legs not hurt anymore and he is going to have a really cool cast that friends can sign. We didn’t explain the full extent of the fact he’ll be in a spica cast, laying flat for 6 weeks, but we’ll get to that next.
I know from talking to other Morquio Mommies that the next 3 months are going to be just plain hard and it is worth dreading, but I am filled with an overwhelming feeling of hope and thankfulness. I am thankful for the wisdom and guidance the other Morquio families have provided going into the surgery. I am thankful for Nemours Children’s Hospital and the father-son duo of Dr. William and Dr. Stuart Mackenzie. I am thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers we have already received as we head up to Delaware. I am thankful for our amazing friends who are ready for us to return home and help provide meals and good company as we navigate life after surgery. I am thankful for our loving families being in Louisville. I am thankful for teachers that are ready to help Robert not miss a beat over the next 3 months. I’m thankful for our 10 year-old daughter, Anna, that is staying so strong for her brother. And, I am so thankful for Robert’s courage and strength – he will get us through this. We are blessed in so many ways.
We will arrive in Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon and have two days full of pre-op appointments followed by surgery next Wednesday. More to come.
Thank you for #RootingForRobert
xoxo
I am a Tri Delt at Alabama and we heard about Robert’s story in chapter yesterday. Thank you so much for sharing. We are praying for strength and that he has an easy recovery.
Hi Emily! Wow … we are blown away by the outpouring of love from your chapter. It means the world to us. Thank you so much to you and your sisters. 💜
Helen and Bobby, Your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers. I can only imagine what you are going through but I have total faith that you all will battle on and little Robert will be running and having fun before long. Hang in there and if you need anything, just give us a sign and we will be there! Don’t forget to take care of each other. Sending strength and patience your way… ❤️
Sarah – thank you so much for your kind message! 💜💜
Hi!! I am a Tri Delta at Alabama! I heard about Roberts story this past Wednesday in chapter! Ever since then Robert and your family have been in my thoughts and prays! I hope your entire family has a amazing recovery physically and mentally!
Thank you so much for your kind message. We’ve been blown away by the support of all of your sisters. We truly appreciate it 💜
We’re right across the bridge in Jersey. Let us bring you a meal.
Hi Kim!
So good to hear from you. You are so kind. I’ll email you!
Xoxo