Thanks so much for all the GORGEOUS messages! Yesterday was fun - interesting, and a little frustrating because the main therapist was off sick, plus they still don't have a definite date for Tara's op - just that it's 2 or 3 weeks away. Argh!But the pre-hab people are lovely (met them before) and they went thro' the amputation process in more detail - paying particular attention to the pain - apparently next time we'll get to meet The Chronic Pain Doctor - he's the guy who'll block the nerves to Tara's leg, amongst other things.
The physio taught Tara a series of daily exercises to do (x 30) to build up her upper leg muscles so that she can keep her leg straight after the op - which is vital because apparently if you bend your knee after the op then you'll never be able to walk properly, if at all.
And we all got to touch and hold a couple of prosthetics for the first time ever - it's funny coz they come in a lot of fancy designs nowadays - like wallpaper - but really, it's a leg not a wall - so Tara made it quite clear that she'd prefer a skin coloured one. That's one of the things we love so much about Tara - she's one of the most creative humans you'll ever meet - but when it comes to her leg she's no pretender. Last year a (very expensive) paediatrician suggested that Tara should make up a story about having been attacked by a crocodile when people asked about her leg - and she just looked at him blankly and then said to us "why?" - so we told her it was quite fine to carry on telling the truth like she always had.
Also found out that Tara needs a different leg for the beach to the one she'll wear ordinarily. And she'll need to swim without any prosthetic.
The kids were in on all the discussions - altho' they did play NOISILY on the floor thro' some of it. So far Tara's handling so well - altho' she did creep into Jadie's bed in the middle of the night last night. She's always been scared to be alone (won't go to the other side of the house on her own) - but the waking up in the middle of the night only started when she was in hospital last month. So we're working with her on that.
Went to a FAB children's Andy Warhol exhibition after pre-hab - heaps of fun acting up a storm for the "15 seconds of fame" movies you can film there; throwing silver balloons in the air (Tara klapping them with her crutches!) & of course doing the cliche Warhol prints (see today's pic).
Drove back in the rain (Tone's promised we can train it next time!) - Brisbane's about an hour from here - and we went for yummy dinner at Gav and Vets' so that we (Gorgeous Tony) didn't have to get home late and cook! THANK YOU!
2 comments:
Hey spunks
Have just got home from Stu's birthday dinner to find your great blog. So good as even though we live 15 minutes away it gives us all the info we need to keep up to date, and to explain to the chicks what your girls are learning about through this whole process and how Tara's Leggy Lou will be replaced by Cousin Lou very shortly .... we look forward to introducing ourselves to 'cous' at that time.
So sorry to have missed yesterday and give you a call to see how things are going - we look forward to catching up with you guys - I think Stu suggested park dinner Thurs or Friday night, weather permitting.....we'd love that.
In fact, this year in Qld, will be one of the better times not to be outdoors, as current forecasts say it's going to be raining until June! So Tara, when you have to spend time in hospital, at least it will probably be grey and raining outside spunky,...a good time to be in bed reading a book or watching your favourite movie!
Lots of love to you all - Tara, we believe you are a brave and beautiful girly, as are your sisters, your mummy and your very handsome daddy (Alex is writing this, not Stu!!!!).
See you soon - Love the Patons one and all xxxxx
Hello Tara mou .How are you my darling /I hope you are feeling much better now that the oparetion is over .
We are so proud of you my preciuos Tara for being so brave throuth al these difficult times .We pray that you will keep up this unique figthing spirit that you my Tara are blessed from the Lord
We wish we were there with you to hug and kiss you but mommmy daddy and your sisters do that for us my brave girl .
Remember though that in thought we are with you all the time day and night .
All the family and friends who were praying for you are phoning to ask how you are doing .So you see Tara mou that lots of people care for youand want to know that are doing well
God bless you agape mou and your mommy ,daddy and your sisters .
Lots and lots of love from Pappou and Yiayia .xxxxxxx
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