Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Surgery VI March 19th
Hi to all. Clay went to surgery as scheduled this morning about 7:45. He was in for a little over two hours. Mom and I attempt to explain each surgery before he goes down to the O.R. We usually keep it simple and to the point, so he will understand where he is going and that the doctors are making his hurt spots better. After this morning he will probably not buy that story again. He had progressed in leaps and bounds and every time we saw him his little face seems to be improving. He awoke during the 6:00 a.m. visit and we read a couple of good books and his eyes were wide open and alert. When he came back from surgery his face and head were completely encased in about an inch and a half of bandages and gauze and the only part of his face that we could see was swollen from the surgery. The surgeons had attempted to create a couple of peep holes in the mask but one is up near his right eye and he doesn't try to open that eye. All of that being said, we were really worried about how he would react to this new predicament. When the after effects of the sedatives had worn off, and his eyes started to open, mom and I explained to him that he had a big band aid all around his head. Clay knows from experience at home that a good band-aid fixes most ailments. He did really well in spite of the head and face being wrapped. Some clowns, from the Children's Hospital, stopped by his room today. They gave him a clown nose, which he was able to toss to us. During the surgery today they placed homograft skin on his cheeks and forehead. This is skin from a donor. It is used to ensure that the next step will go as planned and the face is ready to accept his skin. If this homograft skin has adhered to his face they will take it off and graft his face with his own skin. The burn doctors have a conference next week. Clay will only have one shot at surgery next week (Monday). I hope this sums up the majority of the day. It seems Clay will have some tedious days ahead. Thanks to everyone for your interest and for keeping Clay in your thoughts and prayers. Good Night
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Poor little Clay we feel for you!! Can't imagine how you are all holding up, but know God is with you and can give you strengh and comfort. You are in our prayers always.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Al and Jill Russell
Have been anxiously awaiting word of todays surgery. So thankful to hear things continue to go well. We think of you all so very often... With care, Susie
ReplyDeleteFrom California: I am happy the surgery went well today. That is wonderful. But I get teary thinking of poor Clay and what he has to go through. I know he is a trooper but it isn't easy, is it!!! My husband's face was burned also but he did not have to have grafts on his face. He had one graft on his forearm. You were on my mind this whole day. I wear my Fite Squad T-shirt every day (I got two so I could give one up to be washed.) And you will continue to be on my mind every day!
ReplyDeleteLove to you all!
I feel for all of you. I think you are right about him not buying it anymore. I'm sure by now that no matter what anyone tells him, he has figured out that it probably won't be any fun. The good news is that the more that you all go through, the easier it gets to go through it. I'm still praying for the big happily-ever-after ending and that little left hand. God Bless you all
ReplyDeleteWell, tonight I shared with Annie that we needed to pray hard for the healing of Clay's face. Having seen many burnt faces, she squished her face up and said, I hope he isn't hurtin' bad! Then she started praying her prayers like only someone who has somewhat of an idea what he is going through can do. She then turned her prayers to Cody and Carson and then to Clay's mama and daddy. We are gonna be praying for you all like there is no tomorrow! I wake up praying for you and go to bed praying for you! Don't you worry!! Before you know it Clay is going to be fishing and grinnin'! Loving you through HIM!! The Wood family in Mexico
ReplyDeleteWe pray Surgey VI proves to be successful and that Clay's little face will accept his own skin when the time comes. As he becomes more aware of what the doctors have to do, it could be disturbing for him, but I have a fair idea that you, Chance & DeeDee, are doing a fabulous job of explaining and keeping his fears at a minimum. You are great parents and your faith in God is guiding your words to Clay. Love and best wishes for the coming days, Dawn & Pam
ReplyDeleteChecking in every day and holding you close in our hearts....knowing God knows your needs and will be with you.
ReplyDeletethe Pittmans in NM
Thanks for your continued updates.
ReplyDeleteBruce, Chance and I continue to pray for Clay and your family. We wear our "Fite Squad" t-shirts and the prayer chain gets larger! People seem very drawn to this amazing little guy. Keep the faith and let us know if you need anything on the homefront!
ReplyDeleteWe are still checking in daily and praying for you guys so much. The girls love their shirts and bracelets and wear them proudly.
ReplyDeleteWe love you all,
Kelly, Reno, Alyssa and Morgan
Joli and I were so thankful to get to see Clay and get to spend time with the rest of the family. You as parents are an example to us all. We love you and are still praying! Keep smiling.
ReplyDeleteLori
Just want you to know we are always thinking of you. Thank you for all the updates, sometimes they are hard for me to read (i can never hold back my emotions)but I'm always uplifted by all of your courage and faith. Thank you for continuing the blog. Please know how important it is to all of us who wish we could be with you. Someday this will just be a memory and you'll be home again. Remember each day gets you closer. May God bless you and give you His peace. Lots of Love, Becky
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon Fite Family,
ReplyDeleteWe pray for God's healing hands to work through the doctors and hospital staff to mend Clay.
Although we do not know you, our family follows Clay's blog daily and you are an inspiration to many people. Your faith in the Lord shines through in your writings.
Stay strong and hold your family close. We are all praying for Clay.
God Speed!
God bless you in a mighty way, Clay. South Texas is rooting for you and praying for you.
ReplyDeleteLove to all,
Carolyn
I have been anxiously waiting to hear how little Clay's surgery went. I have been praying non stop that his surgery goes well and swift. I would love to take his place so he wouldn't have to feel an ounce of pain. Know God is by his side every second. The Fite family is continually in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteContinually praying...
Love,
Chris, Stephanie, Kirstyn, and Emma Kirby