Polly's angiogram

This weekend I was grouchy. I tried not to be…I prayed and cleaned, did yoga and attempted to interact with the family…but my stomach was uneasy. I just felt mad.

Today I got a call from Children’s Memorial Hospital regarding Polly’s test that will take place tomorrow at 12:30pm. As I sifted through details on the phone with the nurse; no solids after midnight, no drinks after 9:30am, yes to medications, no to aspirin, it dawned on me that my grouchy attitude started last Friday and has become more pronounced up until today. On the phone with the nurse, realizing that Polly is back in the hospital tomorrow for a rather involved, possibly dangerous test, I felt the tears come.

I don’t want Polly to have to go through all of this (*this being Moyamoya, the strokes, the invasive tests, the surgeries, possible complications from all of the above.) In that same breath I know it’s not about what I want but who knew you could ever care so much for another soul.

Tomorrow is a part to this Moyamoya puzzle. There’s no way I can adequately explain what angiography is, so I’m going to site Dr. Michael Scott (yes, we like The Office TV show and the fact that the Dr. and the main character’s name is the same brought about some much needed humor during our first week researching MM), the leading surgeon out of Children’s Hospital Boston specializing in Moyamoya.

“Because we need to know flow patterns of blood around the brain, and also to determine whether any blood flow is getting to the brain from arteries outside the skull, all patients need to undergo formal cerebral arteriography (or angiography). This test involves the placement of a small tube (“catheter”) through an artery in the groin up to the neck where its tip is placed in the individual blood vessels supplying the brain, x-ray visible dye is injected, and x-ray pictures taken. This part of the diagnostic evaluation is extremely important in planning the surgery and estimating its risk. ”

So that’s what Polly is having done tomorrow. The nurse told us that they will observe her for 23 hours after she comes out of anesthesia so it’s another Marchenko sleep over at the hospital tomorrow night.

We so appreciate prayers for Polly once again. This test can be dangerous. Strokes and seizures can happen during and after the test. And Polly already figured out from a few weeks ago that she doesn’t like hospitals.

Polly’s been so much fun to be with lately. She repeats everything you say (especially the last word of the sentence, BEWARE). And recently her favorite word is “awesome” and when asked a question, most of the time her answer is “sure.”

Lord, please keep this awesome little girl safe and brave tomorrow. Help the doctors get the pictures they need to put together a surgery plan. We trust you, God, and are sure that you are in control. I pray these things in Christ’s name, Amen.

I will update you all tomorrow.