Graysen's BackStory: Game Time

They say that wherever you go, that's where you are.

Well, we are in Texas. Austin, to be exact. And Graysen is having scoliosis surgery tomorrow morning.

The last two days have been spent getting x-rays, CT scan, bloodwork, and an EKG.

We have also eaten some really good food, driven all around the big city of Austin, and have done some shopping (of course!). We've been using the "Brian Miller list of things to do in Austin" - and it's a good one! (He's a friend of ours, who grew up here and he knows what he's talking about:)

But today, we met with Dr. Geck and made some really big decisions.

He started with the facts. Graysen has a now 46 degree thoracic-lumbar curve, with most of the curve residing in the lumbar area. Dr. Geck happens to be a lumbar specialist, so we are in such good hands.

He then talked about our options. Open versus Minimally Invasive. L3 versus L4.

We talked for a long time about the pros and cons of Graysen's options.

The Open Procedure allows for better rotation of the vertebrae, but involves more trauma to the surrounding muscles and tissue, more blood loss, and a longer recovery.

The Minimally Invasive Procedure is a shorter recovery, and involves less blood loss and trauma to the surrounding area, but doesn't allow for as much correction.

Now, L3 versus L4.

This is a tough decision.

Going down to L4 will give the best overall correction of the scoliosis. She will have very little curve by going this far. Visually speaking, she will look more "normal". She will be straight. The curve will be corrected to a point of being almost non-existent.

Stopping at L3 does not give as complete a correction. She will be left with some scoliosis. Most likely 15 degrees or less. Dr. Geck will see it. We will see it. Graysen will see it. But you probably won't. It's a slight curve, and let's face it, nobody's body is completely perfect. Right?

But, the beauty of L3 is that it gives more mobility, more flexibility. It will allow Graysen more natural movement. She will find daily activities a little easier, she won't appear "stiff" and she won't feel that way. The big picture is that long-term - when she is my age, it will allow for a lot more movement and normal motions will not be such a challenge. Normalcy. As much as you can expect, while wearing steel rods in your back.

And that's what they are. Stainless steel rods and screws. Somewhere in the ballpark of 8-10 inches in length and 5.5 mm in diameter.

So, back to the options.

We talked about BMP (Bone Morphogenic Protein) versus bone taken from her hip (for the bone fusion), pain medications to be used, what anesthesia will be used, hospital stay, recovery time, restrictions, limitations, etc, etc, etc.

Again, the good doctor stayed with us until we had discussed every aspect of what Graysen is facing. He has such a good disposition and calmness and it's quite impressive to see how he puts Graysen at such ease as he talks to her. He is confident and factual, while at the same time, being caring and funny. He showed us data, graphs, and images to explain everything we talked about. He talked to each of us and answered every question we had. He sat next to Graysen and let her sign all of her paperwork. He talked about his own daughter and how she wants a jeep someday too! (She's ten). He made us feel at home and at ease. It is such a blessing to feel calm, while facing such a huge obstacle that is so scary and life-changing. Graysen, being the huge Grey's Anatomy fan that she is, has decided to call him McSwaggy - because she says he has lots of swag, with his scrubs and cowboy boots, his hipster glasses, and swoopy hair. She really likes this guy!

Not only does Dr. Geck have lots of swag, he is also has a lot of heart.

Dr. Geck is the founder of a non-profit organization, called SpineHope. This organization "is dedicated to bringing advanced spinal treatments directly to underprivileged children around the world". They provide state-of-the-art treatment to children who would otherwise not receive modern treatment for their complex spinal deformities. "SpineHope transforms the lives of children worldwide throughout surgery, education, and research".

To learn more about SpineHope, please go to www.SpineHope.org

Dr. Geck is our kind of guy.

But, it was time to make some big decisions.

Ultimately, this is Graysen who has to live with what is done tomorrow. It is her back, her recovery, her quality of life. Her choice.

So, she made it. With Dr. Geck's recommendation, and her Dad and I giving our thoughts, Graysen chose what she wanted.

Tomorrow morning at 8 am, Central Time, Graysen will have Spinal Fusion surgery for the correction of scoliosis. She has chosen mobility over appearance, and as much correction as possible, without compromising quality of life.

She will have the Open Procedure, stopping at L3. Graysen is at complete peace with her decision and so are we.

We had originally hoped that Graysen would be a candidate for the MISS procedure, and she is. However, after reviewing all of the information, the pros and cons, and the longterm prognosis, we are at peace with her decision to undergo the Open Procedure. We feel like we have done everything we can to give Graysen all of the critical information, every possible option available for the correction of her particular needs, and have sought out the best possible care to give her the very best outcome - both short and long-term. We have done our homework, found an incredible doctor and surgeon, and we have prayed. Now it's time to let it be.

It's game on.

We covet your prayers.

Please pray specifically for no complications, that she will wake up easily and not be sick from the anesthesia, and for pain that is bearable and manageable.

Please pray for Dr. Geck and all of the operating team that will be taking care of Graysen.

Please pray for our family as we wait.

Thank you for being a part of #teamgraysen. We are glad you are with us on this journey:)