A long day before the longest of days

Today was a full day of appointments at the RCH.  We met with many of the surgical team who will be involved in Freya's surgery tomorrow.  The surgery is being conducted by Wirginia Maixner, of the the co-joined twins fame.  If she can successfully separate 2 toddlers with fused brains, we know Freya is in safe hands.  As Wirginia explained to Freya when she tentatively asked about the danger of the surgery and the risk of the "d" word (which she cannot bear to name) Wirgina replied,  "Freya, you are more at risk climbing the stairs or crossing the road than you are having this surgery.  I am very, very good".  Just what Anthony and I needed to hear from our surgeon, total confidence - forget about the modesty!

I hope the team all get a good nights rest because it will be a long surgery.  Wirginia is a slow and cautious surgeon and the surgery will be at least 12 hours, but possibly up to 14.  Due to the length of the surgery Freya will require blood transfusions through a central line in the artery in her neck. After the surgery she will be either transferred to the ICU for a couple of days, or if she is stable enough straight to the High Dependency Unit in the Neurology ward.  I will post as soon as news is available.

Thank you to everyone who has called, emailed and texted messages of support today, and especially the children of Grade 5/6S at Fairfield Primary who made Freya the happiest we have seen her in weeks with the handmade cards, puzzles, games and the beautifully crafted pillow.  Thank you Miss Sear for bringing the gifts into the hospital and cheering Freya up so fabulously before her difficult day.