Day 3: CRASH Day

We are titling this day...CRASH day.  A few changes in the schedule have totally got this boy in a whirlwind.  We had a Dougie Houser nurse (not kidding), who wasn't exactly as much of the go-getter Dougie was...then an imaginary nurse practitioner, named "Brian" who changed all of Cooper's medications to oral and as needed, vs. IV and scheduled.  So 3 pain medications crushed in pudding on an empty stomach made this little boy spiral downhill!  The poor little guy still can't keep down much of anything...taking every last bit of energy he has left, (as evidenced below by falling asleep on the toilet after throwning up once again)!

There's been puking, sleeping, more puking, crying "my head is hurting," then more sleeping.  A new i.v. had to be put in his arm to switch pain medication back to i.v. delivery (which took 5 people to hold the HeadStrong boy down), and now medications are back to scheduled - Thank you to the Pain Management and Neurosurgery team! Yesterday, it seemed Coop was ahead of schedule, this morning we were way behind and now this evening, things are slowly getting back on track.  I.V. fluids were restarted to help with his dehydration and his little body couldn't seem to get enough sleep!   A few doeses of the scheduled medications and our little boy snuggled up to his Momma for some rest his body obviously needed.

Hopefully, now that today's CRASH day is winding down, the worst can be put behind us and tomorrow will bring smiles, more snuggles for Mommy and solid food!  Please send more prayers, Prayer Warriors - Cooper needs you!

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40: 30,31 

Day 2: Up and Downs

Hello Day 2...and buckle your seatbelt for the roller coaster ride of recovery. We will continue to say the nights are...well, rough, but Coop says "he's doing good." (Video to come later)!  The constant battle between nausea, agitation and pain have the nurses on their toes. His bandage has come off, allowing air to help facilitate healing. The nurses swear he won't touch his incision...we aren't so sure they have totally figured out what HeadStrong really means yet!

He's tolerating clear liquids and Popsicles pretty well in little doses, but his little tummy isn't quite ready for solids quite yet. His list of medications is growing everyday, up to 6 now, but the steroid dose is getting smaller, allowing Cooper to be a little more comfortable and a little less feisty!

With little rest and lots of caffeine, the HeadStrong family geared up for a wagon ride down to the playroom for a little pool! Cooper seemed to enjoy the change in scenery and proudly showed of his new incision like a champ! Daddy says it will help with the ladies...chicks dig scars, ya know!  But just when the roller coaster reaches the top, it heads down the hill a little faster than its upward journey. Pain medicine wears off and agitation gets worse leading to a vicious cycle of more pain and pressure. So for now, we will take things one hour at a time, be happy and thankful for the ride up and be patient through the downslope. 

 Keep praying Prayer Warriors, we still have a long road ahead of us.

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of  trouble."  Psalm 46:1

Day 1: Road to Recovery

"...After the darkness of night comes God's amazing sunrise."  After a long night, it is so encouraging to see the sun rise this morning.  The PICU nurses have labeled Cooper as a feisty little guy, who didn't sleep very long despite all the "sleepy drugs" they were giving him.  He would doze off into a peaceful sleep and then wake up in tears, crying out.

But the morning sun brought a new ray of healing.  His face is a little more swollen because of positioning and fluids during surgery, he has a RoCKiN' new hair cut and gets to eat popsicles!!!!
There are still mountains to climb to get Cooper more comfortable, but he seems to be settling down and resting a little easier with each passing hour.

Cooper is continuing to impress the staff with his HeadStrong personality (we prefer "HeadStrong" rather than feisty)!  He peed and pooped on the big potty, of course, and was appalled at the idea of a diaper.  Then said "no thanks" when they brought in a crib for him to sleep in!  Give this boy a big boy bed, already!!:). And that is exactly what he got!  His PICU nurse said "that crib ain't gonna fly with Coop."  I guess they have figured him out already!  

He has been transferred off the PICU and has moved to a new home away from home on the 5th floor!  Transitions like this means something must be going right...and we all kinda think its because he's a HeadStrong boy!

"Oh Lord, my God, I cried to you for help and you have healed me."  Psalm 30:2

Day 0: Blessed

New Update: our HeadStrong boy has made it out of surgery with flying colors!!  Dr. Mangano said Cooper can now have relief, his vitals are stable and lost minimal blood.  The more extensive surgical technique was absolutely necessary but now the risk of his symptoms returning are slim.  He is already waking up; still a bit foggy, but awake, safe, and breathing strong!  We knew our Cooper was strong, but to have results like this...how blessed are we?

To raise such a HeadStrong boy...there must be HeadStrong parents!  The silent sigh of relief could be heard for miles!  Praise God!

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Day 0: Keep Praying

The power of prayer continues to be overwhelming and ever present!  There has been comforting news from the surgery team almost immediately after our time of prayer.  And the Prayer Warriors must be praying...we just got news that the skilled Doctor Mangano has decided that a more extensive approach was necessary.  Cooper's body needed more relief, so they needed to open up the first layer of brain tissue and try to shrink the tonsils of the cerebellum.  The nurse said it would take at least another hour.  A small gathering, ok, large gathering of family and friends gathered in the near empty waiting room, praying for guidance of Dr. Mangano's hands to relieve his pressure and keep him safe.  Then less than 10 minutes later, the nurse updated our group that the doctor was closing and finishing the surgery!  We think that is enough proof that HE is present.

Keep it up Prayer Warriors, the power of  prayer is working!

" Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans12:12

Day 0- I Laugh in The Face of Danger-HaHaHaHa

Ok all, here's a quick update.  Our little HeadStrong boy continues to show his spirit while waiting for surgery.  He is "laughing in the face of danger" like Simba; playing mini golf with Daddy and making silly faces while refusing to wear the yucky hospital gown.

You would never guess that this little boy is awaiting a big surgery...his face never showed an ounce of fear.  He went back for anesthesia around 3:45pm (which would take about an hour), then begin surgery around 5:00.  344 long minutes has been blocked out especially for our little Coop and we will be anxiously awaiting any news.  How is it that the clocks in the waiting room refuse to go faster?!
Gear Up Prayer Warriors...here we go!!!!

"I waited patiently for The Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1

The Power of Prayer...and Sweet Treats

A very intelligent Albert Einstein said, "Coincidences are just God's way of remaining anonymous."  And how very true that statement is. There have been countless "coincidences" along Cooper's journey, yet we truly believe this is just God guiding the Miranda's down the path for peace.  God has placed so many road signs to lead to Dr. Mangano, and other detours to give personal testimonies of similar situations and even more praise for Dr. Mangano.  It seems very clear, that things are, just the way they are meant to be. 

So tonight, on the eve of Cooper's surgery, a few Prayer Warriors gathered to shower Cooper (and the rest of the Miranda's) with prayer and best wishes.  And the presence of God could not be denied...there was the sound of little voices playing Pirates, then the sound of young siblings asking God to heal their brother, and always the quiet sound of tears being wiped from our cheeks.  We prayed to God for the power of healing, safety and relief for this little HeadStrong boy, as well as patience, peace and comfort for his parents and siblings.  The presence of fear never showed it's face; yet faith, power and community rose above all other emotion. 

The power of prayer is undeniably strong and the comfort of sweet treats doesn't hurt either!  After some devotion, prayer,a little game of Pirates, tears and more prayer, we all gathered around a delicious tray of sweet treats and soaked up the sense of togetherness.  Fellowship with these Prayer Warriors   was just what the doctor ordered to give comfort and peace to the family.  Thank you to all who showed your dedication by praying tonight at 7:00 and please continue praying for fast healing and quick relief for Cooper. 

The HeadStrong personality will provide him with strength and determination to conquer the pain...and God will take care of the rest! 

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9