Surgeries

Happy (age 4) and Cutie (almost 1 year) had surgeries today to remove cysts. Happy’s cyst seems to have been an infected follicle that just kept growing. Cutie’s cyst was something that probably formed while he was still in the womb. Very different types of cysts, but both necessitated removal. The cysts are being tested, and we’ll find out what they were for sure, next week. Today, the two of them had their surgeries back to back, by the same doctor. I’m so thankful that we had a wonderful doctor who we trust did a good job. The nurses were fantastic too and helped put the boys at ease.

Cutie went first. He was a hungry boy because we couldn’t give him food for so many hours prior to surgery, and he just kept tugging at me and crying. It was the saddest thing. He was calm when they took him in for anesthesia, and seemed to do fine. We were not allowed to go in the room with him for this. When he woke up, I was brought to him, and he was grateful to be able to breastfeed immediately. After nursing, he just wanted to go right back to sleep in my arms.

While I was with Cutie, Iron Man was able to be with Happy while he was given anesthesia. Happy was dressed in a playshirt and orange socks, and Iron Man teased him about wearing a “dress” and “pink socks.” Happy would giggle his adorable laugh each time and say, “It’s a playshirt, Daddy!” and “No, they are ORANGE socks!” Then Happy teased Iron Man, who was wearing a big white hospital getup, complete with a white hat. Happy told him, “You look funny, Daddy. You look like a chef!”

Iron Man played with him and held up the anesthesia mask (before it actually had gas in it) to himself, pretending to fall asleep. Happy was playful and… well… happy as usual. When it was time to put the mask on himself, Happy was still playful for the first 15 seconds or so, but then as he became disoriented, he became scared. He couldn’t recognize anyone in the room, and for about 5 or 10 seconds, he was terrified. He tried to get up and cried out loudly, “I can’t do this!!!” It was hard for Iron Man to see it, and it was probably for the best that he was the one who went with Happy instead of me. I’m not sure how I would have handled seeing my little boy in that state.

Afterward, Happy was tired and solemn, but he didn’t (and still doesn’t) remember a thing about falling asleep. He only remembers playing with Iron Man right beforehand. By the time we left, he was feeling more himself. The nurses offered to let him ride in a wheelchair out of the hospital, but Happy said he wanted to walk. Big boy!!! In true “Happy” style, he greeted and chattered with all the nurses as we walked out. The boy ought to run for Mayor. Even after surgery he kept his composure and charm…

Neither of the boys seemed to have their appetites affected. They were both hungry and tolerated their food just fine. They were both pretty cheerful hours later after the tylenol wore off. I kept asking Happy if he felt sore or sick, and he did not. Therefore I decided not to give them any more tylenol unless they need it. Both boys are now in their beds for the night and, aside from being more pale than usual, seem to be back to normal. We’re praying for a complete and quick recovery.

Iron Man took a few pictures today on his cell phone camera. I’m hoping to post those soon.