Today was the day that so many of us have been waiting for for almost 15 months.  My brother-in-law, Scott, drove straight from Texas to our house and was here by 7:00 AM so he could go with Zac, Jack and I to his appointment this morning.  My sister, Nikki, and Zac’s Grandma Jean also met us there to lend some some support for Jackers!  Braden had to stay at home this time with my Aunt since being in the OR probably wouldn’t be the best place for him!  Jack was very excited on the way to the hospital this morning and was in such great spirits.  We were checked in and within a few minutes in walked Dr Maze…Jack ran up to him and gave him one of his new bracelets and gave him a big ol’ hug to go with it.  He has been such a big supporter of our family and it was great for him to be there for such a special day.

Outpatient surgery is a bit different than inpatient…only Zac and I were able to go back with Jack to be admitted and prepped for surgery.  We went back and got Jack all ready for surgery and Dr Acosta and Dr Maze came out to tell us all that was happening.  Dr Acosta was one of the first people that told us that he assumed Jack had Neuroblastoma and we have had such respect for him ever sense.  He is a wonderful surgeon with a very kind heart.  He told us how happy he was to see Jack in for this type of a procedure and how happy he was for our family.  Dr Maze got Jack ready to go and with a bit of Propofol, Jack as taken away in Dr Mazes arms for surgery.  We went out to the waiting room to meet Grandma Jean, Scott, and Nikki.  We chatted for a bit and about 25 minutes later, Dr Acsota came out and handed us Jack’s broviac.  Crazy.  Crazy to think that he has had that in his body for the past 15 months.  He said all went well and Jack could take a shower tomorrow night!  TOMORROW NIGHT!  AHHHH!

Five minutes later, Dr Maze came out and brought Zac and I back to see Jackers.  It was a bit of an outer body experience for me to see Jack’s chest totally clear of tubes.  He looked perfect.  I started crying and we thanked Dr Maze for being there and there were hugs all around.  After a bit they let the rest of the gang come back and see Jack.  Jackers finally woke up and ate his Popsicle and then he sat up and asked to go home, so off we went.  By the time we got in the car to go home, he was feeling great.  He ate and ate and ate and was feeling pretty good.  He said it is a little sore from where the tube used to be, but other than that he is already used to not having his tubes anymore.  It is funny because he knew that his tubes were coming out and now that they are out he acts as if that was how it is supposed to be.

We ask him how excited he is and he plays it off as if it’s no big deal and this is just how it is supposed to be, but then this morning he said to Braden, “Hey Brady…grab my shirt!  No tubes!” It is now Saturday and tonight is the night that Jack will be able to take a shower…we cannot wait!!!  I am pretty sure out bathroom will be a soaking wet mess by the time he is done!  Jack woke up with a little bit of a cough this morning so hopefully it is nothing, but I will be watching him like a hawk today to make sure nothing comes of it.

Jack getting ready for surgery:

Jack at home with his tubes in hand!