Right now, Abram is recovering from his sixth surgery (his fourth on his mouth, the other two were his eye surgeries). On Monday he had his first of two bone graft surgeries to repair the holes in his gums. Cleft palate kids can either be unilateral (one hole) or bilateral (two holes), Abram has a bilateral cleft palate. Overall, Abram will have about 10 surgeries before he graduates high school until his palate, mouth and nose are totally repaired. They don't repair both holes at the same time, so we will be repeating this surgery (but on the other hole) in January. This time they took bone marrow from his hip and put it in his gum line. The surgery itself is routine (2.5-3 hours) and one night in the hospital, but its the recovery that can be challenging. Abram cannot participate in P.E. or recess for about 4 weeks and he is on a strict liquid diet... no chewing, no sucking, no spoons, no straws for six weeks. We have one week down and five to go and I would say over all his attitude is great! We have been blessed by sweet friends who have been bringing us meals so we don't have to cook or prepare food in front of Abram and that has been simply amazing!
I saw these next two graphics on Facebook and I thought they were super helpful to explain what a cleft palate is and what Abram's mouth looks like.
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| Abram has a bilateral cleft lip with full palate. The holes in his mouth run from under his nose, gums and palate. |
We were also blessed by my parents coming to help us out. They arrived Sunday afternoon. Abram was so excited about them coming that he wasn't thinking about his surgery. They helped out with Jack and Luke while were at the hospital on Monday and Tuesday and then they took care of Abram while the twins were at school during the week. It was wonderful!
Abram doesn't really worry about surgeries at all. He asks lots of questions but I think in the end, he just knows its something he has to do. I also praise the Lord for giving Abram peace that passes all understanding. It is so very evident. Not only does he not worry, but he doesn't complain. His favorite part of every surgery is the hospital pajamas and socks. He loves to collect them!
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| In his new pajamas! |
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| Feeling cozy under the warm blanket they brought him! |
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| Waiting in his pre-op room... |
The surgery lasted about 3 hours, when the surgeon came out he said that was one of the most challenging surgeries he has done in awhile. He said there wasn't a lot of bone from his hip to work with and Abram's mouth was just difficult to work in. But he did say it went great.
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| Our sweet boy after they brought him into the room. His lip was huge! |
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| Walking around that evening. He is the bravest boy I know. I love his sweet crooked smile in this picture. |
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| Waiting to be discharged and doing great! |
So, we will do all this again in January. But first we will enjoy his birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas to the fullest and let him eat everything he wants!!
Chris and I (and Abram) can't thank you enough for your prayers, sweet text messages, delicious meals, and gifts for Abram. God has definitely blessed us with sweet friends and family who take care of us!
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| Abram and his brothers enjoying an ice cream... Uncle Moose and Aunt Barbara sent him a gift card! |
