Monday, March 1, 2010

Monday, March 1st

Hello to everyone. Clay had a surgery on Friday, February 26th. They worked on his nose, mouth, and chin. We were scheduled for the O.R. at 11:15 but the surgery did not start until 1:15. We had several areas of concern that we showed the surgeon before they went in and he decided to spend the extra time while he had Clay under anesthesia and address one of them. Initially they were just going to work on the webbing around the bridge of his nose and release the scars around his mouth . The goal is to have him open his mouth wide enough for intubation on future surgeries. With this in mind they were able to add about 1 cm to the opening on each side of his mouth. The area we were concerned about was below his bottom lip. The surgeon was able to take a full thickness layer of skin from below his waistline and graft it in under lower lip. He sewed a bolster in over this graft to protect and support as the new skin has a chance to adhere. To give you an idea of what Clay looks like it appears he went several rounds with a professional boxer. He has stitches all around his nose and mouth and Saturday he was swollen to the point where he said it hurt to swallow. Some of the swelling has started to go away and he is now able to enjoy a , "soft diet." I stayed home with him yesterday (Sunday morning) and his appetite has returned with a vengeance. He is one tough little boy. He looks pretty rough but he is scheduled back to Dallas Friday to have the stitches removed. I know this is short but I wanted to let everyone know how he is doing. Thank you to all who have expressed their care and concern.

22 comments:

  1. Glad another surgery is over. I had asked your mom how Clay did. Hope you are able to come down for spring break. Our love Us 2

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  2. We are always glad to read about your news. Clay is an amazing little fellow--such an inspiration and upbeat attitude. We loved your letter and thrilled with the progress he has made. There are some real lessons for all of us to learn from this--I hope I am paying attention. Thank you for all you say and do that is such an encouragement to all. Best wishes as Clay heals from this latest surgery!
    With love and Care, John & Donna

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  3. Thank you for the update & we really appreciated your letter last month. It was so special to read. Hope Clay continues to improve! love,
    Russell, Andrea (klepzig), Benjamin & Trevin Harris

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  4. Thanks again for updating...he IS one tough little boy...and brave too!

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  5. So glad the surgery went well. Thanks for letting us know....we had been checking the blog since we hadn't heard as yet. Yes, Clay is one tough fighter! The Marcus Smith family

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  6. Good morning
    We are glad another surgery is over and glad he is tough. We thought about him different times during the day Friday, and was thinking of the great physician guiding the hands of the Dr's who were doing the surgery. It is wonderful what they can do anymore. In the pictures I thought they did such a wonderful job on his eyes. Hang in there Clay, and know you have a large crowd still thinking and loving you and all your family.
    B&EB

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  7. Good morning! We, too have been checking the blog daily hoping to hear how the surgery went. We know it's hard for you all to keep up with the blog and your daily lives, but we so appreciate the updates on our little friend! Clay is tough, resiliant and spunky. That's good, right!? Your circle of friends are thinking of you and glad for the Hand of God once again guiding the hands of the surgeon. Love you all, Dawn & Pam

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  8. Our thoughts have been with you, and we're glad to read that surgery is over and healing is happening once again! Youth is wonderful in the way they bounce back from these experiences. Thank you for posting once again! We will continue to visit you in thought until the next time!

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  9. Keep on truckin Clay! You are doing great!

    Royce and Sue Kesselring

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  10. Every post reminds me what is important in life. Thank you for sharing your ordeal. It means more than you know. Clay's strength is such an inspiration!!

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  11. So happy to get your letter and the picture story of the past year. Felt so touched by your kindness and effort to produce such a documentary for us to receive and enjoy. Thank you.

    Happy another of these surgeries is over. We love being able to check in as we continue to keep you all in our thoughts. Just think...when Clay heals from this surgery his smile will be even wider... however, it's like his biggest smile is his exuberance and zest for life!!

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  12. Hello again! Since I rcvd your "happy new year letter" and photos of Clay, I can understand the progress of each surgery he goes through. Thank you for your courage to send it to so many. I value your faith in God's keeping since day one. Clay is a remarkable lil boy. Your a lucky family. Take care to all of you!!! Sincerely Irmigard and Jerry Valdez. Dallas,Tx.

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  13. Thank you for the update! Had wondered how the surgery had gone. Glad to hear Clay is bouncing back like normal!
    Thinking of you daily.
    The Stark family in NC

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  14. If Clay ever goes up against a professional boxer, I will bet on Clay. I'm praying that he can eat real food asap. God Bless.

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  15. Good Job Clay!! I hope you're getting lots of ice cream. Hang in there buddy, we are sending lots of thoughts and prayers and hugs your way.

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  16. Thanks for sharing. A winner can take a lot & Clay has showed us what a true champion he is this year...in & out of the boxing ring!
    Thanks for the mail. It meant a lot that you would take such effort.
    Have a good week...we will be thinking of you all!
    Burgess Family

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  17. Thank you so much for the post and for all you share with us! I am always happy to hear when more scar releases have been accomplished.

    And.......your letter and pictures were amazing. I appreciate all the hard work it took and I don't know how you had the time to put that together just for us. I truly treasure it!! Your whole family is amazing. We send a big thank you with love and hugs!!

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  18. GREAT JOB again liitle Clay!!! Keep up the GREAT "Fite"!!!!And MANY THANKS for your letter and pictures---hard to comprehend ALL you have gone thru---With Love & Care Marvin & Bonnie

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  19. So glad to hear again. Thanks for the letter and pictures. We continue to read the blog. We love you all. Martha

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  20. Good Morninggggggggggggggg
    Clay, we are thinking about ya'llll
    Have a wonderful weekend.

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  21. Tell Clay that I'm proud of him. He is my Hero.

    Phil Smith

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  22. Just stopping by to say that we are thinking of you all today, and hoping that all is going well in the Healing Department! With Love and Care!

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