Hello to all! Once again, it has taken me a month to post. Clay has really healed well from his last surgery on Sept. 27th & is a very active little boy. His next surgery is scheduled for Dec. 13th. The scheduling coordinator had to block out a full day (8 hrs) in the O.R. for this next surgery. It will be his most-extensive surgery so far & I am worried about him being under anesthesia that long. Our Plastic Surgeon will release his neck. The tissue expanders, on his shoulders, will be taken out and the expanded skin will be brought across his chest (below his trach). The Dr. will then take a large, full-thickness, skin graft from Clay's right thigh and place it under his neck.
The contracting scars have pulled Clay's chin down to his chest. He did have a neck-release surgery last year, but his scars were still in the maturation stage. As long his scars were maturing (18months-2years), they continued to contract. Clay's scars are almost fully mature (with the exception of a few). Since they are now mature, we will begin to see big differences with his surgeries. Some have wondered why Clay had so many surgeries during the "scar maturation stage" and he had to have those surgeries to keep functional. We will meet with our Plastic Surgeon on Nov. 30th and discuss surgery details further. Many have also asked if Clay's trach will be removed during this surgery. Clay's trach will NOT be removed at this time. It will stay in place until he gains enough extension in his neck for safe intubations during surgeries.
Clay and I (mom) attended the World Burn Congress in Galveston, TX a few weeks ago. He met some new buddies there. We also enjoyed our recent Fall church conventions. Clay also showed his miniature steer at our county "prospect" show last weekend. Cody showed his steer, too. It was good practice for both boys.
A nice thought passed on from our recent church conventions was this: "Our thanks is the only thing God doesn't have, until we give it to Him." I want to give my thanks to God everyday. We feel like we can't give much in return for all that has been done for Clay; but, we can give our thanks. We thank you for all!
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Thank you for the update, DeeDee...thoughts go your way so often! We will be with you again on the 13th, and will be anxious to know that all went well! It is wonderful what surgeons can do, even though we would like for it to all happen quicker! Thank you for sharing the thought from convention! We all have much to be thankful for...and often, Thank You seems so weak for what has been done! Glad that our Father sees and understands the feelings in our hearts that go beyond words! Hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteDeeDee, I don't know if you have time to read these comments or not, but I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are constantly in our thoughts and in our prayers. I cannot believe how many surgeries it takes because of the scarring. What a brave little boy you have there. He is looking so good in the last batch of pictures you posted. Good luck with these next surgeries. We hope to make it to Fort Worth one of these years and we'll make sure to hook up with you guys. Love, Kellie Platt
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that you guys are doing so well and still relying on God. He uses you to bless others, I'm sure! I count it a blessing to be able to pray for you all! Love Lynn Holder-friend of Shannon Stamper White-Houston
ReplyDeleteGood morning to the Fite family,
ReplyDeleteWas so glad for your update and we too will be thinking of your family on the 13th. That 8 hours will be such a long worrisome and weary day, but just hope everything is successful for sweet little Clay. Does he dread it like we older ones dread a surgery?
I am glad the boys got to show their steers, that is always an encouragement to them.
Enjoyed the thought you shared, we are so fortunate in so many ways, but easily fail to show and say THANK YOU enough.
Our love to ya'll
B&E
Thanks for sharing bits of your busy life. Glad that Clay's able to make the progress he has. Will be thinking and praying for all of you at this season of Thanksgiving.
ReplyDelete"Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.’ Mark 10:27
The Snyders
Gary and Jeanne'
Shame on me for not posting sooner. We, too, will be praying for Clay on Dec 13. As with all the other surgeries, the Great Physician will be controlling. His hand will be on your little family in the waiting room, too. He will hold you in His arms close to His breast. He will give you comfort and peace.
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for everything to go good during his next surgery
ReplyDeleteTo the Fites family,
ReplyDeleteWe hope you all have a very wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for.