Thursday, September 9, 2010

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Hello again to all. School is in full swing and Clay loves school! He just attends for half a day but wants to go full days. He loves to get on the bus with his brothers in the mornings and I pick him up at 11:00am. First grade has lunch at this time, so I arrive each day just before lunch period. Clay has eaten in the cafeteria a couple of times with one of his therapists. This therapist wants to go to the cafeteria with Clay a few more times before he eats there on his own. She (therapist) says it's tricky for him to grasp his lunch tray. She is not comfortable yet with letting Clay go on his own (I'm not either). He would love to go each day to the cafeteria, but doesn't want me (mom) by his side everyday. He wants to have the freedom to go on his own. Clay does get to go to the cafeteria in the mornings and sit with his friends until it's time to go to the classroom. Cody has been a big help with Clay at school. Carson is now in the Jr. High school; so, Cody is Clay's "big" brother when they are at the Elementary school.
Parkland hospital may come and present a "school-reentry" program for Clay again. He seems to be very comfortable in his classroom and with his teacher. His teacher this year is the same one who came to the house last year for his "homebound" studies. Several of Clay's little friends are in his class, so that helps. Clay has also started piano lessons this year. Although he will not be able to play much with his left hand, he is excited about learning. His piano teacher has taught for many years and has been very helpful. Carson took piano lessons from her for 5 years. Her husband is Cody's piano teacher.
Clay's next surgery is still scheduled for the 27th. Although, we have discussed a few changes with his Plastic Surgeon. Initially, the plan was to place a tissue expander under the scalp, excise a scar on his back, excise a scar band on back of knee, take tissue expander out of leg, and wrap the expanded skin around the back of knee. This surgery plan has changed some. One of Clay's therapist has monitored him in the classroom. It was noted that Clay could be more functional if the scar bands under his arms could be released. Also, Clay has been favoring his right side as he walks. He says that it hurts to stand up straight because of a contracting scar on the right side of his stomach. Therefore, his doctor will release scar bands under his arms and on his stomach and work on the knee (as originally planned).
Although life is busy, we don't want to forget that our strength comes from God. We are thankful again for your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Chance, Deidra, Carson, Cody, & Clay

12 comments:

  1. Good afternoon to you all,
    Clay we are so glad you are in school part of the time, as that is soooo much progress. You are a very fortunate little boy. Nice you have Cody to help you in school, and aren't you glad for big brothers? We are glad you are taking piano lessons, it will help so much in getting the right note in your singing ability too.
    We will be thinking of you on the 27th, and hoping for the very best Dr. in Dallas.
    Love to ya'll B&E

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  2. Howdy Fites! It sure is good to read of the incredible progress made by Clay and all of you, in support of him! We love to hear of his spirited spunk ~ wanting to be in "on his own" ~ even though it must be difficult for y'all to "let him go". We love y'all and think of you often ~ look forward to seeing you at Mt. Peak!
    Our love, Russ and Judy

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  3. So neat to read your posts and am really, really glad you still share with the rest of us Clay's progress and your "doings". Love hearing about Clay in school and how much he loves it. I work in one and oh, how I wish I could be the "lady in the office" that gets to smile at him each day he comes to school!! Lucky lady. We'll be thinking of you all on the 27th. It sounds like you have a super repor (sp?) with Clay's doctors and surgeons. Let us know how it goes.
    ~Still checking in from WA state and love glancing at the picture of your adorable family on our bulletin board.
    Take good care,
    Kim & Evan Schmitt & family

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  4. So glad to hear how things are going! Have checked on you often! Please know you are not forgotten. It is beyond my imagination as to what you are experiencing, but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you face each new experience!
    The Stark Family
    in NC

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  5. WoW! It sounds like lots is happening and it is! Clay and his whole family are AMAZING! Will keep you on our prayer list and am so glad that you have a whole team working together to truely address Clay's needs. Your previous post regarding the 2 extremely different reactions to the scalp expander made me smile. That's how I believe it is with God. He sees so much more than we and we feel at times that things are terrible, yet the plan comes to light and once again, God proves to us how good it is. Keep the good work up. Extra prayers for comfort and healing touch on the 27th!
    The Snyder's
    Gary & Jeanne'

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  6. I feel bad because I got busy at work and didn't check the blog daily as I had in the past. Forgive me! Anyway, I am so glad to read the update on Clay and he is such a trooper, I knew he would have no problem at school. I can almost see him now - learning to carry that tray and then next year at Happy, he'll want to go through the cafeteria to carry his tray! We do love that little guy and we'll keep him in our thoughts for the 27th! Look forward to hearing. Love you all,Pam & Dawn

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  7. So nice to read about your time with Janae and Dana and families. It is wonderful seeing all the love and care your family gives one another and others. Thank you so much for the updates; your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers.

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  8. Good morning,
    Clay, I am going to be thinking about you Monday and we hope for the very very best for you and your family. Love ya'll B&E

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  9. "Great Physician, please hold Clay gently in your hand and guide his surgeon and entire medical team during tomorrow's surgery. Show them exactly what Clay needs. Please comfort Clay and keep on healing him. --In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."

    Love in Christ,

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  10. Prayers for protection of Clay and Family. Thinking of you!
    "Fear not, for I am with You; Be not dismayed, for I am Your God. I will strengthen You, Yes, I will help You, I will uphold You with My righteous right hand."
    Isaiah 41:10

    Mt.21:21 "And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,believing, ye shall receive"

    The Snyders
    Gary and Jeanne'

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  11. We are thinking of you all today as Clay goes through surgery again, and more progress is made! Sending Hugs and Good Wishes!!

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  12. You are amazing Clay. It is nice to see how well you have done. Just keep going and good luck in the days ahead.
    Don Carlson

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