WEll....you noticed soemthing that didn't look right....and your ped, instead of saying "let's watch it" sent you to the best of the best. What more could you ask?
BUT...you might consider a second opinion if it would make you feel better.
Has Dr. G seen her yet? Or do you just make an appointment for the surgery and the great one walks in the door and does the surgery?
Have they determined that it's intercranial?

I think you are doing the right thing.....and baby Grace will be fine...be cause we won't let it be otherwise!!
Linda C starting the circle....

I'm joining Linda in the circle...I don't anything about the Cyst but my DN went under at 3 weeks to have a shunt put in due to a brain bleed from complications during delivery. She made it through the surgery just fine. Like Courtney, I know Grace will make it through this challenge too!

David

Thank you.
Linda, I don't know if it is intercranial or what that means - guess I need more research. The pediatrician measured it over a 3 month period and it grew. We have seen the neurosurgeon and it is called cranial surgery. No, you are right. Nothing more I could want...just reassurance I guess.

David, it is so scary when they are so little. Glad Courtney is okay:)

It is going to be fine.

Hi Maggie. Sorry, I don't know anything about it either - but certainly don't blame you for being concerned...it's a scary thing for parents to put their babies in someone else's hands.

It sounds like the specialist is excellent and I totally believe you're doing the right thing...you couldn't just sit and wait knowing it is growing and becomoing more risky...

Keep us informed, OK?
Stacy

Of course it's a scary thing to be told your baby needs surgery! OTOH, you've got a super-qualified neurosurgeon & I can't imagine this doctor works with anybody but the best on his surgical team. Baby Grace will be fine (she has the Forum Power protecting her!).

All of you will be in my prayers.

/tricia

Maggie, you, Grace and your family are in my prayers. It sounds like you have the best doctors working with you. I have faith that everything will be fine. Hang in there! (((hugs)))

Maggie, here are some sites with more info.
On this one scroll down to Physical"
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/TOPIC686.HTM

Here's another refrence. Scroll to objectives...and so you don't have to look it up "periorbital" means around the eye and orbit means theeye socket...the bone around the eye.
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0194599805002366
It looks to me like a dermoid cyst is not common, the location, her age ande ven her sex are all the most common sort of cyst.
Linda C

This from Children's Hospital, Boston:

A dermoid cyst is a slow-growing mass most often found on the scalp, face (usually beneath the eyebrow or near the bridge of the nose) or the neck. It is made up of skin breakdown products. Because this kind of a cyst (a cyst is an isolated mass with no drainage tracts) grows progressively, you child's doctor will refer you to a pediatric surgeon for further evaluation. If the dermoid cyst is located on the scalp, the surgeon will to see whether it extends through the cranium. For that reason, a child with a dermoid cyst on the scalp will probably undergo an X-ray of the skull. A consultation with a neurosurgeon may be needed and further imaging studies may be necessary. Dermoid cysts, because of their nature to grow progressively, should be removed surgically.

Hi Maggie,
Sounds like you've got some great doctors and what a blessing that your pediatrician didn't just say not to worry and ignore it.

It's the most normal thing in the world to be worried about your baby going in the hospital whether they're a toddler or a twenty year old, so feel free to check in for handholding!

"Old" Grace

Children recover from surgical procedures much faster and much easier than we do. You seem to have the best doctor. Put your faith in him. Remember that children can pick up on your anxieties, so staying very positive will also help Grace. Keep us posted, because everyone here will be thinking of you and Grace.

He looks like an outstanding physicians. Just a few questions I would get clarified, though, since it is a teaching hospital. How much of the actual surgery will Dr. Goodrich be doing? Will he be using residents for opening and closing, and if so, what year in their training are they? Will the anesthesia be given by a Nurse Anesthetist, Anesthesiologist, or resident? If it is a resident, what year of training?

ANd like Kris mentioned, Grace will definitely pick up on your anxieties. The anesthesia will go much more smoothly and easier for her if you "act" as normal and upbeat as possible. Do not show her any fears or nervousness -- save that for during her surgery when she cannot see you. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Leel, that is the most concise and clear description I have seen. Thank you.

Yes, I will put a big smile on. I don't want her to feel my anxiety.

Dlynn, thank you. I have copied and printed and will call this week. I know you have "experience". It really is the anesthesia I am most worried about.

"Old" Grace - LOL! "New" Grace says Hi! You gave me a giggle because my son used to say to his father who he shares a name "you old, me new".

I will keep you all posted. I appreciate all the advice and thought.

Maggie, your princess is in my thoughts and prayers! Sending huge hugs out to you! Poor baby has been through a lot, she'll come out of this with flying colors!

Maggie, My daughter had surgery to remove a branchial cleft cyst when she was 17 months old. It is scary. I had many questions and concerns about the anesthesia too. My daughter came through with flying colors and healed well. Kids actually do better than adults. Being a nurse I've seen that a lot.

Dlynn has great advice. Write all of your questions down and don't leave until they're answered.

Tracey

Maggie,
I've been at the hospital a lot the past year with my mother and my husband, and I'm not sure what your experience has been, but be certain to ask EVERY time someone comes in the room what they are doing, what medicine they are giving and what dosage they are giving. Be sure that this squares with what your doctor said to expect and don't assume that they are giving her the "right" thing. Always ask and double check!!
Also don't be at all shy about telling anyone coming in the room to wash their hands at the sink before touching her.... that's what the sink by the door is for and some hospitals have a lot of staph going around. They're supposed to do this, but you'd be surprised how few actually do!
Will be keeping you and young Grace in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow!

"Old" Grace

Seconding what old Grace said.
during the 6 months or so when my husbandw as sick and in and out of the hospital all the time, once they gave him thew rong meds....they gave him Lasix instead of Prilosec...I came back and asked why the notice on the door to measure all fluids, the nurse said that was SOP for anyone taking Lasix? I hit the roof as he hadn's been given lasix and the day before he had recieved 4 units of blood.
Then another time someone forgot to order the anti nausea meds and had a very bad and un necessary miserable couple of hours whiel someone rectified that, another time I went to visit my MIL in the assisted living facility and found a crash cart outside her door....she had been given the wrong medicine....another time when my GS had a huge orthopedic surgery, theyw ere supposed to do a nerve block before they closed....someone forgot....and no pain meds were perscribed....that was a HORRIBLE time and finally they put him on so much morphine that they had to sit there and remind him to breathe...
Do not be afraid to ask questions and to question Doctors and nurses.....they are working for you....and you pay them. Question what they are doing and why.
But I know you will!
Didn't mean to scare you with my horror stories...but it's always good to be aware.
Linda C

Maggie, I am just seeing your post
I will keep Grace in my prayers, you know with that name she has a special place in my heart!
And yes, ask all the ques you want..and I know she will be fine..she is full of Grace..

My son had three surgeries before the age of two, two of which required a general anesthetic. After the second one he came back from OR to his room standing up in his crib/bed. Little ones heal so quickly. Keep that in your heart. Grace will amaze you, I'm sure.

LIke Linda said, question everything, but don't just accept their answers -- see for yourself. Educate yourself ---know what meds she is to get, what they are for, how often and how much. Don't just ask what the nurses are giving, ask to see them and read the labels to make sure it is correct. I have made medication errors myself and I have seen them made by others. It is always a good thing to double check their work. Even though they may try their best, hospitals are busy and everyone gets distracted at times -- it's human nature and can't be helped. Just be very friendly and polite about it. Have some candy or something in the room to offer them so that they will like you and not think you are just a bossy bit**.

Why in the world is this listed under ;candy:?????

Because the search function is carp and because the last post above yours mentioned "candy" for the nurses.

Annie

Grace will be in my prayers until I receive notice otherwise.
When my oldest son was 3 years old he had surgery on his chest to repair a defective breastbone. His chest was sunken until it looked like a valley between two hills. At this time he weighed less than 20 pounds due to the kidney disease he was born with. He was a tiny little boy , smallest baby born at Pensacola Naval Hospital in 1976, 3 lbs 7 1/2 ozs but full term.
He didn't gain weight like normal size kids do. At age 6 months he weighed only 6 lbs
He came through the surgery on his chest just fine and and again when the surgery to repair another birth defect 2 years later.
Grace will be just fine with all the prayer coverage the forum will cover her with.

Just reading this now Maggie -sounds like you have most of this thought thru- just the emotions to deal with. You and Grace will be in thoughts and prayers over the next few months. It is so scary when it is a little one.

janet

I thought I responded to this. Grace will be A-OK! Looks like you are in good hands, and Grace will be rid of her "boo-boo" soon. Keep us posted!

Maggie - I hope the surgury went well 9 months ago. size>

;)

(pwm bumped this up the other day)

FOAS, I noticed that too, December 2008. I probably wouldn't have noticed except I thought "but it's not even December yet", LOL.

Annie

Oh my....I'm so surprised to see this and apologies all for not updating. I feel bad.

Okay....welll...I chickened out at the last minute. Is horrible...I know but I had a major anxiety meltdown that paralyzed me.

So, here we are and she still needs the surgery. It is growing inward - very very slowly - but it will only grow never go away and it eats through bone...etc. Again, very very slowly.

I will be calling soon for an appointment...and please know I appreciate and soak up all your comments, advise, and support - truly.

OMG Maggie!! Get that taken care of!!!
Yeah slow growing....but never the less growing....and the longer you wait the worse the whole thing becomes...
Get someone else to take charge if you can't do it....but little Maggie needs good medical care!
Gramma Linda C

I know, Linda! I know!!!!! Your right, of course. I'm calling this week.

Maggie,

It is hard knowing that our wee ones need surgery. I remember early this year posting about Peyton needing surgery for a cyst on her neck and your posting about Grace. Peyton had surgery and all came out well in January. Now the boys ( Hayden 2 and Hudson 1) are both having tubes in and Hayden is getting his tonsils and adnoids out too. I worry about the surgery and put off scheduling it. Will probably worry every hour until it is over, but I know it is better to get it done now rather than wait and have it affect their health and learning more. It is hard to do but better to have it done now rather than later when the cyst is more involved or it becomes a risky surgery.

Stacie

Maggie, Thought of you today and wondered how little Grace was doing. Did she ever have the surgery? Hope all is well.

Ann

Wow - I can't believe this thread is a year old! How is little Grace? I hope that the surgery was done and is healed and just a distant memory now.... please do update.

Alexa

Oh my!! I know that thoughts of your baby scares the bejasus out of you, but I sure hope the little girl has had it done by now.....before it becomes brain surgery.
Linda C

Any update?

A year old? Closer to two. Maggie, I know I pissed you off a while back but for what it's worth I, too, miss seeing you post here.

Wow, how did I miss this the first time around? Maggie, I hope your little girl is doing well and the surgery is, as someone else said, a distant memory.