Maya Maya Maya...

Went to her ortho appt recently and had her legs measured and a series of xrays.  The outcome looks good!  She is healing really well.  The doctor sees improvement in the way she is walking.  I thought I was seeing the right leg/hip rotating in but at times I thought it was wishful thinking because then in her next step her leg would turn out.  But we both agree she is really making an effort to strengthen her muscle and that in time she will be walking almost perfect (for Maya).  So no surgery for at least 6 months.  Blessed and very happy for this sweet angel. 

6 Week Post Op...Maya's New's...

Maya went to see her orthopedic surgeon a few weeks ago and according to her xrays she is healing and the "hardware" in her hip is doing well.  However, I had noticed that the leg that was worked on turns out as if she was in 2nd position in ballet.  I kept thinking that it was because her muscle was cut and it needed to get stronger.  So when I brought it to the doctors attention he had her walk for him and then he said that when he did surgery he saw that the ball socket is much flatter than a normal ball in the hip.  This is part of dysplisa. 

As Maya grows and gets bigger her bones form differently than a normal bone would.  He feels that this might be another surgery for Maya in the near future.  My heart was broken and sick!  This means 2 more possible surgeries for her.  I just wanted to get her in as best walking condition as I could for next year when she goes to Kindergarten.  Not in my plans I guess!  Maya will see her doctor in a few weeks to get sort of a plan for her future surgeries.

Maya's 1st step

It's been 4 weeks post op for Maya.  She started taking steps last Thursday.  She is not 100% stable without her walker but she is doing great!  Because both legs were effected this time with surgery she is a little slower in her healing process.  We are so proud of her.  More updates to come!
Just watch her!!!!

She Truly Is A Miracle

 Maya was born a complete surprise!  12 weeks along and I didn't even know I was pregnant!  Because I was told I couldn't have children without IVF help we never thought this would happen.  Then after she was born we were told she had a skeletal dysplisa which would cause her bones to not grow properly.  When she was 18 months old I got Cancer!  I had to put Maya's medical issues on hold for a while and get well so that as she got older we could tackle the problems that might come with her dysplisa.  At the age of 4 the doctors began to see what was happening.  Her hips were not growing properly and the muscle attached wasn't growing at all!  So then it was time to make the decisions for her. 3 surgeries to correct this problem.  At times I was down because it was 1st my issues then her medical problems. I felt like I didn't have a break!  After the 1st surgery I learned a lot about Maya's strenght and toughness!  But now I see she is truly a miracle!  She tries to do everything on her own. She never complains and will sit for hours just cutting out little pieces of paper.  All I want to say is she came to our family for a reason.  I am still learning to be grateful for everything that has been given to me.  I'd be lying if I said this experience has been so easy and wonderful!  It hasn't.  It's hard on me to watch her in pain and to wonder what her future will be.  But for now I will say to myself that she truly is a Miracle and be good with that.

Maya's Pre-Op

Miss Maya had her pre-op for the next surgery in her right hip.  Because of the "bony" issues she has with her dysplisa the doctor has concern for her spine and neck.  I'm happy to report that for NOW her neck looks good and no fusion needs to be done at this time.

So we will move forward March 5th for the next phase of her hip.  She is a trooper!  She told the doctor that when she was done with surgery she was going to "DaNcE"  to funny...

I watched her yesterday play in my room and noticed how content she is playing with a baby doll and a remote control.  Life for her is so happy.  It reminded me again to be happy for the little things. Be grateful for everything!

Life is good~

3 Years Ago



I've been reflecting on the past 3 years and how far I have come.  For example, less doctor appointments, less pain and less thoughts of how hard having breast cancer was for me.  I realized that I truly can do hard things!  So when I complain about the things I have to do currently in my life I go back to how hard it was for me 3 years ago and my perspective becomes so much clearer!



3 years ago:  I can do hard things!

Maya Girl and her 1st Promo for Phoenix Childrens Hospital

When Maya had her 1st surgery it happened to be during one of the biggest Fundraiser of the year for Phoenix Children's Hospital.  It involved KTAR a local radio station that hosted a 2 day telethon.  I was taking Maya for a little stroll around the hospital and was approached by a PR person from Phoenix Childrens'. She asked me all about Maya.  After meeting this person I was then asked to do a radio interview http://cluffcrew.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html and share my experience with how Phoenix Children's Hospital has helped Maya.

About 8 weeks later Maya was asked to return to the Hospital to do a photo shoot. We were able to share her story with sponsors and thank those who have donated to the hospital.  These donations help make it possible for children like Maya to have such great care here at Phoenix Children's ~ 

For February Maya was chosen to do the Thank You card Promo.  I believe their is more to come of her.  The photographer took pictures of her for almost an hour.  With here personality... she did every pose they asked here to do.

And can you believe this was 8 weeks post op? Here hip was broken-reattached-and a plate was placed to hold it together!  I will post more pictures as the PR department continues to send them.!

Maya will have another surgery in March on her right hip.  But I'm very hopeful she will do great!

Love You Maya! And so does everyone else!