[RavenSong]

If Q will be visiting you in the hospital one day post-op, you'll probably still have an IV running. Be sure to prepare him for that. Sometimes kids have a hard time seeing their mommies in pain with IV's in their arms. Has he ever visited a hospital before? You might consider taking him there for lunch a week or two before surgery. Let him get familiar with the smells and sights.

Will your niece be able to help you with Q after you come home? You'll be pretty sore for a week or so if you're having an open laparotomy. (Be sure you have a nice, comfy pillow you can hold against your abdomen. It really helps when you're doing your deep-breathing exercises.)