Dear Caden: The Big Day is Scheduled

***This is a repost from Caden's Caring Pages which were written while we were waiting for, and after Caden's Cranial Vault Reconstructive surgery***

We've been having to wait for Caden's Neurosurgeon and his Plastic Surgeon to get together and discuss the plan of care for Caden. We finally have an appointment where we will speak with both of the surgeons to find out exactly what they are planning on doing and what we should expect. That is scheduled for December 14th.

Now that we have that appointment we have his actual surgery date scheduled for December 20th. From what I have been told, Caden will be in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) for 3 days after the surgery and then will be in a step down unit for about 2 days. That means we will be discharged on Christmas Day. A healthy Caden will be the best Christmas gift of all!

I have had several people ask why are we doing the surgery during Christmas. It's not because we want to, but it is the soonest that we could get the surgery scheduled. We are on the early cancellation list, so if there is an opening sooner we will try and take it. We want the surgery to be completed by the end of the year because 1) if we wait I am going to get an ulcer stressing about it- and yes, I am giving this to God, but Caden is still my baby and 2) we have already paid the crazy deductible and really don't want to have to repay it at the start of the new year.

I cannot express my gratitude for all of you who are praying for our family during this time and for those of you who have given monetary gifts to assist for paying with his surgery. It helps my heart to know that we are not alone during this trying time, that we have many friends and family that truly care. If there is any changes to Caden's appointments I will make sure to let you all know.

Recently Caden just had his FIRST birthday! Can you believe it? A year has come and gone and my little boy has gotten so big and has changed so much right before our eyes. He still will only walk a few steps and then say "nah, crawling is so much easier." His new game is dropping things and saying, "Uh oh!" and it never gets old...ever. I can't wait to see what this upcoming year has in store for us. I know that Caden will continue to grow into a happy and healthy, rambunctious little boy- at that is the way it is supposed to be.