Surgery!

First, I apologize for my lack of communication with a lot of people who are important in our life. This has been a very intense semester, and while I have learned SO MUCH I am desperately looking forward to the end (unfortunately summer classes kick off May 4th!). I am in exam week now with one down, two to go (today I am studying!). So, if you have not heard from us, either through email or blogs or phone calls I do apologize and please do know that I am thinking of everyone, family and friends, and appreciate your support in our lives.

Second, SURGERY IS A GO. Our ENT doctor in Winnipeg looked at the CT scans yesterday and made the decision that everything needed for a successful implant and hearing outcome are present. That would be the cochlea itself, and hearing nerves! We will indeed be having surgery in Toronto on May 1st. The only dilemma that we are still facing is receiving notice of funding from Manitoba Health. There is little doubt that we will receive funding for a unilateral (one) implant, however we are waiting to find out if MB health will provide the funds necessary for a bilateral implant (two), which would greatly increase Corrina's ability to hear and communicate. Of course, as we know, two ears are better than one, and we do hope that funding is available to provide Corrina with the opportunity to hear twice as much in life, which in turn would substantially increase her ability to communicate and learn, which will assist with her cognitive and social development. All in all, the benefits would lead to a more normative social existence for Corrina. But hey, what's normal anyway?! Either way, we do hope the funding is provided. Here is the catch, MB health is notorious for taking their precious time in deliberating theses decision, however as the surgery date nears the surgeon needs confirmation BY WEDNESDAY, LATEST THE END OF THE WEEK. Please pray with us as our audiologist advocates and as our Doctor continues to make contact regarding this information. If we do not receive funding for two implants that the surgery will provide Corrina with one implant and I believe we would persist in working towards funding for two.

How are we adjusting at this point? I am not very good with medical procedures. Iv's, blood, needles, cutting flesh all equal a whoozy Janie. However Dave is a master at facing these types of invasive procedures, so I am fine because he will be very supportive. I will be there to love and comfort Corrina and he can take care of the medical stuff (looking after incisions, etc.. or he can teach me and this can be an opportunity for growth). Prior to the surgery we still have a number of doctor appointments (yup, one everyday next week!) so please do pray as appointments can be stressful for Corrina as us as we wait, and wait, and wait, and wait in waiting rooms! Also, these procedures are not much fun for a little person (vaccinations, ct scans, mri's...) but we pray that Corrina would deal well with the stress and find comfort and support from us, friends and daycare. We also hope this does not interfere with her sleeping and she needs to be well for her surgery (ie. no ear infections, colds, and most importantly fevers). In the past stress has affected her ability to nap and sleep at night. Lots to think about...
Dave is feeling very relieved that we have a confirmation of surgery! He was feeling stressed and worried this week but now feels refreshed (from what i can gather!) He could use prayer for accomplishing his many tasks at work while at the same time juggling doctors appointments this week as I study and write exams. He is such a trooper and our family is blessed by his positive, sacrificial attitude for Corrina. He takes her to any appointment I cannot make it to and never complains that he might be falling behind at work. Church has been very supportive and understanding of the situation and the youth and families that he has contact with the most are very empathic of the situation. In other news, DAVE LOVES HIS WII!
I am getting a cold again, most likely from studying late, waking up early and poor nutrition. But, just a few more days.....

Thank you for your prayers! If you have any questions or thoughts please do email us and ask! Oh, ps, I don't know if I had mentioned this before but we will be on a documentary for The Nature of Things. I do not know when it will be released, we haven't even done the interviews yet, however they will be filming Corrina's surgery (something I actually do not want to see). However, I am excited about being on tv, creating awareness for the clinic and people we work with, as well as a the issue of implants and hearing impairment in children!