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Cassidy's Story
CHAPTER NINE
Progress report
At the time of writing, it is June 2004, six months after her Triple Pelvic Osteotomy. Cassidy will turn 13 next month and is now a young lady. Much to my horror she is a good few inches taller than me! She still has quite a limp, which the physiotherapist says is mostly due to her brain still telling her to limp. It is winter at the moment and the cold, wet weather has brought out arthritic pain in Cassy's hip, which she recently rated at 3 out of 10. Her right knee is feeling the strain of its extra load as she limps onto her right leg.
Recently Cassy, who is patrol leader of the local scout group, attended bush camps where rock climbing, long distance hiking and abseiling were the main activities. She did them all. She has recently been given permission to ride her bike again and will be getting a new bike for her birthday.
We are a little concerned at her pain and her limp and will bring this up at her next visit to the RCH in September. During that visit, the surgeon will assess when if at all, the plates will come out. They may stay in forever...that would make any airport security check interesting! Seriously though, we don't think Cassy is out of the woods yet and feel that there will be more surgery on the horizon for her.
Cassidy is full of enthusiam for life and as a result of all her experiences, has developed a strong constitution which will help her through any future difficulties. Lachlan is a very sweet caring boy and has demonstrated remarkable maturity and patience over all of his 10 years. We worry at times if it is hard for him to be in Cassidy's shadow, as naturally our attentions tend to focus on Cassidy. In a way though, this long term 'ordeal' has strengthened us all, despite its hardships. David and I continue to be best of friends and to operate as a family unit whenever possible -the kids have one great big happy extended family!
I will update this story from time to time as new developements occur, Chapter 10 is now ready for you to read and includes updates, so check back regularly.
P.S. Here's a reward for reading Cassidy's story! Cassidy has a most beautiful singing voice...click here to hear her sing.
Chapter 10 -Updates/Fourth Surgery
