Last Wednesday was a big day for Cole. Originally the doctors were only going to graft skin from Cole's right leg to his back. Half way into the surgery the doctors felt comfortable with the progress and decided to do the grafting needed to Cole's chest as well. ...BIG DAY!!!... It was interesting to learn that the doctors attached a thin mesh material called "Scarlet Red" over the donor site to protect it from moving. This mesh dissolves as the skin heals. After the surgery Cole was sedated heavily as not to move and let the grafting take.
....On Thursday night Kirsten moved from a room in the Children's hospital to the Ronald McDonald House which is just across the street. ...On Friday Megan and I went to Calgary for a visit and we were able to stay with Kirsten. When arriving at the R.M. House it was like arriving at a 5 star mountain resort for families. It is so! amazing. .......
On Friday night and Saturday morning Cole was still quite sedated. It was necessary to have Cole move as little as possible. He was on full oxygen, and 3 pain medications keeping the nurses busy. On Saturday afternoon that all changed. The oxygen tube came out as well as the catheter. They reduced his pain medications to only Methadone, and what was moments ago a quiet hospital room, became filled with kids music and lyrics, time to wake up and get Cole breathing on his own. ...It was so nice to see his big blue eyes. though still unable to focus long and sedated they were there.... SO... the next big day is on Wednesday when the dressing will be changed and they find out if the grafting took. If all looks good then the next step is grafting of the neck, chin and forehead.
Pete arrived just as we left late Saturday afternoon. Kirsten's cousin, Scott, gave Pete and Kirsten great seats for the Flames vs Oilers game to get their mind off things for a few hours.
On a number of occasions Kirsten mentioned how overwhelmed the family has been feeling about all the support and love from family and friends. From flowers and cards, gifts and emails, visits and phone calls , thoughts and prayers, a big thank you to all.
And to all the staff at the Invermere hospital that attended to Cole ...and to all the amazing nurses and doctors in ICU.....THANK YOU.....THANK YOU.....THANK YOU!!!
June Thomsen
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June --you are doing a wonderful job at keeping everyone up to date on Cole's progress. All the prayers and best wishes are really helping. I was so happy to hear that the parents have been given tickets to a game--- very important for them to have a wee break. Their stress levels must be so high. Cole, Kristen and Pete- our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope to meet you soon.
ReplyDeleteLeota VanVlack Kingston, Ontario.