New Ear Pic

Here is what his new ear looks like today. His ear will improve as it heals. As you might be able to see, it is still a little swollen and bruised, but it is healing well. If you would like to see how his ear looked in the beginning, go to older posts link at the bottom of this page and keep clicking older posts until you get to September 2008.

Big Bandage is gone

Here is a picture of Isaac and Dr. Grant A. Fairbanks (the Famous Plastic Surgeon/sculptor) who has been building Isaac's ear since July 2010. Isaac is very pleased with Dr. Fairbanks and his work. Isaac absoluely loves his new ear and couldn't be happier. The previous surgeon was an Ear Nose and Throat doctor, who messed it up during the first reconstructive surgery. Isaac had his big bandage removed this morning, and I was able to see his new ear for the first time. The ear looks a liitle swollen, but it looks pink and healthy. Isaac is feeling great and is excited that his ear is progressing well. Now Isaac will wear the "Glasscock Ear Protector" for a few weeks until the doctor says for him to take it off.

Recovering Well

Isaac had his 3rd Stage ear reconstruction last Wednesday, and is doing well. The surgery took 4 hours. He had skin grafts taken from the pelvic area in two places, much like hernia surgery. The skin grafts were cut into almond shapes and placed on the back of his ear. Isaac complained about pain from his ear first and then the pelvic area 2nd, the numbing cream probably lasted on the pelvic area longer than any pain medicine he recieved during surgery. The first few hours after surgery were the worst as they usually are; he was vomitting constantly for several hours. After the Narcotics wore off he was much better and went home on just Tylenol and ice packs. For several days Isaac had to have Tylenol every 4-5 hours, however today he has said that he doesn't have enough pain to need Tylenol. He has missed having baths, but enjoyed a sponge bath the other night. Isaac especially enjoyed the part where I forgot I had a bucket of water on my bed and sat in it by mistake and soaked my pj's, the bed and the floor. He was laughing for a while, and so was I. Isaac has been out of the house a few times, and really gets the looks at his bandage. He is thankful nobody has laughed at him, and is confident enough to go in public now. On Thursday he will have the large bandage removed and have a plastic cup to wear on his ear called a "Glasscock Ear Protector". We are anxious to see how well his ear surgery turned out. Thanks for all of the prayers in Isaac's behalf, they truly have helped.

New Ear Surgery Date & Time

On June 21st Isaac was supposed to have his Stage 3 Ear reconstruction at Primary Children's Medical Center, however, an emergency surgery came in an bumped Isaac's reconstructive ear surgery since it was elective. Tomorrow, Wednesday July 6th at 9:45 AM Isaac will be having his surgery at PCMC, by Dr. Fairbanks. Anyone is welcome to visit me in the waiting room, I'll be there for at least a few hours.

Re-Constructive Ear Surgery Postponed

Isaac was scheduled to have stage III Microtia ear surgery tommorrow. We have had some delays getting it approved by his insurance. For now we will tenatively schedule it for June 21st and hope for the best. Isaac is a bit disappointed that it was re-scheduled, but happy that he will get to enjoy a few summer activities before surgery. Isaac loves how his ear is looking and is anxious to seeing it match his right ear. Dr. Fairbanks is Isaac's favorite doctor right now because he does such a wonderful job and is so nice. I am sure if he truly understood and remembered what Dr. Hawkins did for him, he would feel the same way about him.

Isaac's Baptism Day

 

Isaac had a very special and beautilful Baptism. He was a bit scared, but was brave and went through it well. Everything about the baptism was beautiful, the building was newly remodeled, the meeting was peaceful, had loved ones around ( in body and spirit) and it was very spiritual. It was interesting that Paul Cardall's nephew was also getting baptized at the same church a few minutes before Isaac. It was nice to have a brief visit with the Cardall Family. After the baptism we had a nice lunch with family and friends. What a beautiful sun-shiney day it has been, we hope the weather stays beautiful for a while. We have missed the sun.

Happy Update

Monday Isaac had an Echocardiogram and a visit with Dr. Puchalski, his Cardiologist. Isaacs heart function is doing well, it hasn't got any worse. He still has only half a heart and a leaky tricuspid valve along with some other smaller heart issues, but he is doing well. He is still getting between 85-91% oxygen saturation which is normal for him and really great. Dr. Puchalski says he shouldn't need another visit for a year. I couldn't be happier with this report, Isaac is a living miracle. Isaacs recent virus scared us, and gave us lots of stress, however it is normal to see in heart kids. We are thankful we have had the last eight years with him. Isaac has helped us realize how blessed we truly are. We look forward to many more years with Isaac and are excited to see him grow and develop. We have learned to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, and don't regret this journey in the least.