The Rods Are Out!

I'm sorry that I haven't updated sooner.  I just now found the time to sit down to write.  Alicia, Briley, and I traveled Fort Worth Sunday afternoon for Briley's scheduled surgery Monday morning. Alicia's cousin, Keramie, kept Bryson.  We were worried that he would not do good with being away from us, but he did great!  He had Jase to play with that kept him busy.  
Once we got to Fort Worth, we met up with a long time friend of mine and ate supper with him and his family.  After getting a belly full, it was off to the hotel.
The next morning, Briley's surgery was scheduled for 9:00 that morning and they wanted  us there at 7:30.  We got there on time, registered, and up to surgery.  Her doctor's first case was delayed, so that in turn delayed us.  Finally the doc came in around 10:30 for a short visit.  He asked us if we wanted to keep the rods.  Alicia and I both agreed that we didn't care if we ever saw those dang things, so in the trash they went.  They took her back and the waiting game began.
Finally around 12:00 noon, the doc came out and said that everything went fine and gave us instructions on post-surgery care.  He also said that he made a couple of the previous incisions look better so that maybe the scars won't be so noticeable.  We were then allowed to go back to see her.  Once again, her maturity and bravery amazes me.  She was kicked back in bed waiting for us to come in.  She was in quite a bit of pain.  They gave her a little morphine to make it better, and it did.  After a little while, we were good to go.  
Now, Briley has been on the steroid regiment since last week and she has the appetite to go with it (along with the grouchiness)!  This time she has been craving Subway.  Meatball subs & pizza!  Anyway, we were advised to only give her crackers or light snacks during the day until the anesthesia wore off, but Briley was determined to eat a meatball sub.  So that's what she got!  She hadn't had a bite to eat all day and she scarfed it down in no time!  We headed home and she slept most of the way.
Briley has bandages around both knees that will stay on for 5 days.  After that, we can take them off.  She has dissolvable stitches in and she won't be able to be submerged in a bath for a few weeks.  She is able to walk as tolerated, but that hasn't been much since we've been home.  It's been really hard to judge if she's in pain or if it's just steroids making her grouchy.  We've gave her a couple doses of pain meds today and that seems to help for a while.  
Her last dose of steroids were this morning, so they should be out of her system in 3 days.  That's really good news!  We'll take her legs one day at a time.  I know she'll be running around before long!  Bryson has also been really good with her.  So far, no fighting between the two!  In fact, he'll go fetch thing around the house for her!
We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers.  We are looking forward to the new year and glad that 2012 is over with.  Happy New Year everyone!  I'll keep you updated on Briley's progress.  Thanks!