We are less than a week away from facing surgery . . . again. This is much sooner than we expected. And it is not Joy, but Lindy. Our precious girl needs protection, and we will do everything we can to give it to her. She received surgery in China to remove a meningocele (which is a form of spina bifida) located in the middle of her back. We are so grateful that this was done, yet a recent MRI showed that the job was not complete. Her spinal cord lies directly underneath her skin and is not protected. If she were to injure the area, it could leave her paralyzed. So, our wonderful neuro surgeon is going to build a "bridge" of protection by using either one of Lindy's own ribs or her muscles in her back to pad the cord. He said he won't know for sure until he gets in there, but the goal is to protect the area from injury as best as possible.
The surgery should last a few hours, and then we will need to spend a couple of days in the hospital . . . sounds familiar! The good news is that she won't wake up in a body cast! However, we really do not know what to expect as far as her recovery. We pray that she will heal quickly and be up and about by Christmas.
Lindy really is a walking miracle girl. Our doctor is amazed. Hers is a story to write down in the medical records. Spina bifiida usually results in difficulty walking and moving. Lindy is fully functional and even runs and jumps. The Lord has given her this gift. He is the One who has ordained it. We trust Him completely . . . Lindy's life is in His hands. We are praying for safety and protection over our sweet girl, and we believe that our loving heavenly Father will use her life for His glory!
