Guess what?!?!?!?

 

After nearly 5 long months, Abby got her halo off today!!  We had appointments at CHOP, but we were NOT expecting for it to be removed today.  That was a very exciting surprise!

 She had a Plastics appointment to check the wound first.  It is looking much better and he complimented us on our hard work.  He changed the topical medicine we are using and  said to keep debrieding the wound twice a day.  We have a pretty good routine for that at this point, so it's ok.  We will see him in a month.  

Then we went to Ortho and got X-rays.  After he reviewed the X-rays, he came in and asked Abby if she wanted some good news!!  Eek!  We are THRILLED that her halo days are over!!  While it's a real possibility that she may go back in a halo in the future, it is nice to be done with it at the moment.

Now, Abby is in a hard cervical collar.  Yes, it's still a brace, but she has MUCH more freedom now!!!!  She can take baths, is able to move her head slightly to look around, is finding it easier to walk, as can do her hair, hugs and kisses are much nicer without a bulky halo in the way, and best of all....SHE IS ALLOWED TO RIDE IN THE CAR AGAIN!!!  Being home bound was getting harder and harder and Abby was starting to become resentful that she was missing out on things, so this is probably the best part!  We still need to be careful (as always!) but it will be nice to go places as a family again.

So here's to being halo-free!  Thank you Lord for this unexpected blessing!  We are grateful!!!