Another emotional day...

Day number 2 at the Institute.  Again, 3 surgeries were performed on 3 girls.  They all went well and we will go see how they are doing today.  The third patient spoke good English so I spent a lot of time with her before surgery comforting her and re-assuring her that things will be OK.  She is studying for exams into University in July and one of her biggest worries was not being able to study after the surgery.  I told her she will have no problems and will do fine with exams.  She was also told by her own doctor and friends that the surgery is risky and it is bad luck.  Again, more re-assurance and we will be with her the entire way of the process.  This patient too said how she is made fun of by how she looks.  I will post a picture of her and you can see how beautiful she is.  She was tearing as she told me this.  Anyone who knows me that I can't let a good cry go to waste, I just had to join in. 

When her surgery time came, I walked into the Operating Theatre, held her hand until I couldn't anymore, and watched her drift off to sleep.  I was in Recovery when she came in and when she saw me, she smiled and grabbed my hand. (OK, pause here as I grab a kleenex, again...). Her parents were at her bedside, and we did the post-op instructions and gave them supplies to help with her care.  This team I am with "Facial Harmony Vietnam" brings added supplies for patients.  Some patients have their jaws banded, so it is difficult to talk, so we give them note pads and pens (which I bought before I left), carmex for the lips, toothpaste and brush, and soft catheters with a large syringe for providing liquid food into their mouths.  The parents are so appreciative.  Most of the younger patients speak some to very good English, but French is their too.  I have been understanding some French but very Rusty.

I haven't been able to post pictures as I type very readily, so will post pictures at the end.  There is a Picture of Nom and myself so you can see how beautiful she is.

I also took pictures in the Recovery Room (with their permission) of 2 beds with 2 patients in them.  See, I told you!  Also, one of the Operating Theatre's has 2 Operating tables where they do 2 at a time.  The bathroom was especially rough today with a terrible odor.  I restricted my fluids because it was difficult to go in there.  We were out at 4pm today, so headed straight away for the hotel.

SHOPPING, YAY!  Did some girl stuff today.  The 2 nurses I am with know the places for the good prices.  Picked up some raw silk scarves 3/10$.  Pearl necklaces with 3 pearls on a leather necklace $15.  They are just beautiful.  More shopping to come as I have some people to buy for.

Dinner out again last night, very delicious.  I am so happy I love Asian food.

Time for breakfast with the team and another day.  We will round on our other patients and see how they are doing.  Pictures below of the OR and Recovery Room.

Bye all!