First, my Dad’s co-worker sent some questions, and Dad forwarded them to me via E-mail:
Who came up with the name TG? Did any of TG’s ribs have to be broken during surgeries? Looking back, How did it feel to know so many people were thinking of and praying for you? How many total doctors were involved through the entire process?
I’m pretty sure that Mom and Dad came up with Titanium Girl, or “TG”. They then suggested it to me, and I liked it. The ribs had to be cut out and crushed to fuse my spine. Looking back, {and even now!!} I felt amazing that so many people, even people I barely or didn’t even know, were thinking of me and praying for me. It inspired me to push through, even when the pain was awful. I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA how many doctors were involved. It was THREE surgeries, so I’d have to say probably a lot. I hope that answered your questions!
Next is just an inspiring message from one of my Grandpa’s friends, which Grandpa sent me via E-mail:
“Just tell her for me that she is a hero in my book. I have been with adults who have had surgery, and not been as positive and strong and work as hard as she has. I have gone through several surgeries myself, and I know how hard it is to push yourself to get better.”
Next is a question from my Aunt: I want to know how she’s doing with the pain curve.
I’m doing good getting ahead of the pain curve, but sometimes I fall behind.
From my Mom’s Friend: Which was her favorite of the Harry Potter books, and why?My favorite HP book was The Deathly Hallows. This one was my favorite because of all the suspense and action. Order of the Phoenix is a close second, though.
From another one of my Mom’s Friends: I want to know who TG’s hero is, because TG is mine!
I don’t really have a hero, but if I had to pick one, it would be my friend H, who recently fought cancer.
From my Auntie J: How are you doing with relearning to sit, stand, get out of bed, and movement in general?
I’ve been doing that stuff for a couple months now, in a couple weeks it will be 3 months, so pretty good.
From my Mom’s friend: How tall are you now and do you feel taller?I am just over 5 foot 2.25 inches. I don’t feel any taller, but when I stand next to my friend G, {who, before my surgery, was taller than me} I do feel taller since I am as tall as her now.
From my Grandma: What did you take away from the Scoliosis Support Group Meeting? What did you learn by going there? Are you looking forward to going again?
I learned some stuff about scoliosis, like how if you have an inward turned big toe, you may have scoliosis. I really look forward to going again, as I’ve told Mom a bunch the past week. The girls were all nice.
From my Mom’s friend: Are you taller than your mom?! What is your favorite subject in school? What subject is the most challenging for you?
I am very close to being my Mom’s height. But no, I’m not. We’re about an inch to an inch and a half apart. My favorite subjects are reading, math, writing, social studies, and band. The subject most challenging is probably science, since I don’t like much of it. Sometimes I struggle with math, but it’s mainly science. Also, I’m not a fast reader, so my ELA/Social Studies teacher’s reading challenge has been kind of hard. With my missing 2 months of school, she adjusted my requirement, so it’s been easier.
From my Grandpa: have you had any second thoughts about having the amount of surgery that you had?
I didn’t really have a choice, but if I did, no. My doctor would have had to do the same stuff to my ribs and spine, so there is no regret or second thought.I hope I answered everyone’s questions. A few of my Grandma’s co-workers are sending in questions soon, so stay tuned for Q/A With TG Part 2!
-Titanium Girl 😀