Keeping on

On Friday afternoon, about 45 minutes before school ended, I took Emma in to see her class.  At the start of the week she had been hesitant about going in, but after a few days, and lots of positive reinforcement, she was excited to see everyone. 

I had been nervous throughout the day, and texted her teacher to that effect, but she reassured me it would be fine.  I sent her a picture of Emma, so to avoid any shock, and thankfully she had shown the class!  When we arrived all the kids were happy to see her.  She got several hugs (which is really important - nothing worse than feeling like people don't even want to touch you), and they had all made cards again!  There were balloons, gifts and the white board had a ton of greetings.

Em's teacher brought her over to sit in the guest reader chair and then sat next to her, while the kids sat at Emma's feet on the rug!  Emma shared some things about her experience - mainly about peeing with a catheter, then a bed pan and then a commode!!  Then it was questions and comments from the kids. 

They had lots of good questions, and I did my best to answer the medical ones and the ones about her restrictions and recovery. 

Emma was excited to go back to school today.  We did her hair half up, which hides the shaved, scarred, are.  She picked out a nice outfit and was excited that because she will not be doing gym, she can wear sandals the rest of the school year!!  Initially she was going to stick to her normal routine, which involves joining a different class for an hour a day, but she requested today to stay with her class as her teacher offered.  She also opted to have lunch with her teacher because she "doesn't want people looking at her without her knowing."

When I picked her up (a little early so she doesn't get bumped in the rush when the bell goes!) she had had a good day!  She spent the whole day with her class, including recess and lunch which was spent in the classroom with two friends and her teacher!

She was a bit sad to not be able to enjoy popcorn with the class at snack time, however there have been days that she has turned down the snack based on health level!  She just happens to love popcorn!

The right side of her face is almost back to pre-op size, and the incision is pretty clear - time for scar cream!  The left side is still swollen, but the surgeon said it looks fine and just needs time (based on the photo I sent him last night!).