One Year Post Op

It has been a year since her surgery. We really cannot believe it. I remember during the process I could not wait for it to be over and for her to be healed and now it’s a year later! She is doing wonderful! She has confidence and does not wear her hat ever, except when I make her. J When she will be out in the sun for extended periods of time I have her wear a hat to protect that area from sunburn. She will start kindergarten next month and we are so happy that her scars are mostly hidden and that she will feel “normal” amongst a new set of peers. Again, we are so blessed for the success of her surgery and for the genuine kindness and expertise Dr. Kane extended to our family. She will have additional surgeries, hopefully just one more, in a couple of years. We will probably do it over a summer so it does not disrupt her schooling. Most likely the plan will be to put in a small expander in her forehead and another under her hair to cover the area that still contains scarring.

I asked her the other day if she remembers what happened that day (of the accident) and her response was “I don’t remember what happened, but I know the story.” A part of me is glad to know that she does not remember. What I do hope she remembers is the extraordinary people we have met along the way, the courageous spirit she continues to carry and the unfailing love of our Heavenly Father.

God bless. 

Nine months Post Op

We had Solana’s last official visit last month. The doctor is extremely pleased with the results, as are we. It has been a long journey and we are not quite finished yet, but we are happy to be at this point. The “majority” of her reconstructive work has been accomplished. We discussed our various options for the future, but we will not be doing anything probably for the next couple years; both because it’s not exactly necessary at the moment and to give Solana a break from any medical procedures. We are eternally grateful for the Lord leading us to Dr. Kane. He has blessed our daughter and family beyond measure.

Seven months Post Op

Everything is going well. Solana has a follow up appointment next month.

Six months Post Op

Wow! I can’t believe it has been six months since the expanders were removed. Everything is going great and her hair is getting longer and longer.

Five months Post Op

I cannot believe it has been 5 months since her last surgery. At this point, she now has had her expanders out longer than they were in. I still get teary when I think about the procedures she had to go through to get to this point (that’s a lot for 4 year old) , but we are so grateful for it being such a success. Solana is doing well and happier than ever. She doesn't wear bandanas or hats anymore when she leaves the house; she is much more comfortable with herself than before.

Four months Post Op

Thankfully we have had no incidents this past month. The scar area is still red and sometimes changes in shades of redness, which makes me nervous; however we have not seen anything alarming. Thank God. When I look closely at the area you can see blood vessels which is causing the redness that you see (I am assuming, of course). My thought is because the skin is so thin you can see the blood vessels much more easily than with “normal” skin. Either way she is happy and healthy and we are so grateful for this blessing. As long as things progress well we will not see the surgeon again until March 2013.

Three months Post Op

So it has been a little over three months since her surgery and things are looking well. Her scar has healed well, but it has started to spread like the doctor advised might happen. When the expanders are removed and the skin is stitched together the skin naturally wants to pull back into its original place which causes the scar to widen. We are watching the area and will address it later on, if ever. From her last check up with the surgeon everything looks good and he doesn’t even want to discuss options or do any kind of surgery for at least a year. This will give her a break from the hospital and surgery procedures. We are thankful that the “big” surgery is completed and we can discuss possible further options at a later date. We are thankful that she will be able to start school next year and will have some sense of normalcy. Praise God.