Surgery #2 and Post-Op Recovery

As many of you know, Henry had his second surgery a little over two weeks ago to repair his palate. We are so grateful to say that the surgery was a success and he is recovering fully!  We went back to Stanford on Monday for multiple post-op appointments. 

We first met with the Dr. Khosla who performed the palate surgery. He was very happy with how the stitches have dissolved and the way the roof Henry's mouth has come together. He gave us the go ahead to allow Henry to eat whatever he wants, use spoons, straws, etc. and best of all, he doesn't have to wear the arm bands anymore! We thought he would be thrilled to have his thumb back but it looks like 2 weeks without it may have broke him of the habit - he hasn't tried to suck his thumb once yet. We actually even tried to remind him of it on the car ride home and he wouldn't take it!

We then met with specialists from the ENT and Audiology departments.  During the surgery, an ENT surgeon also inserted ear tubes so they just wanted to check and make sure they were still in place.  Luckily, everything looked great. They were right where they need to be and "clean and clear."

Last we met the audiology doctor to conduct a few hearing tests. First they had him listen to music through ear plugs while a monitor gauged his response. Then we went into a sound proof hearing test room where sounds would come from different speakers spread around and the doctor would monitor his reactions through a looking glass. All tests came back positive, so again we are so very happy and thankful for everything going smoothly!  

Below are some pictures of the surgery, recovery and the post op visits!

The night before his surgery, receiving another special blessing from Father Jones in our hotel.

Up bright and early to check in on surgery morning.

Waiting for surgery to begin.

Henry being Henry before surgery.

Right after Post Op.

                                         

                                                     Starting to wake up.

Morning after a long night in our hospital room.

Trying to sleep and get comfortable with so many cords and monitors!

Welcome home sign and balloons from Noni!

Henry's hospital "crib."

Post op hearing tests - in the sound proof room.

Post op hearing tests - listening to music.

All in all the second surgery has been a HUGE success. His palate is repaired and strong, his hearing is good, and his eating is completely back to normal. Due to the skill and love of the people down at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Henry is just your normal 1 year old trying to do everything his big brother William is doing. Henry should now have several years between this and his next surgery to repair his gum line. A very blessed break just to be a happy, happy boy.

Life is beautiful.

Thank you all so so so much for your prayers, thoughts, well-wishes and LOVE. We have felt it! 

Henry's 1st year and prepping for surgery #2!

It's hard to believe that an entire year has gone by since Henry was born. It's amazing to think about the past 12 months and everything we have learned. Looking back at the few days before Henry was born and waiting with anticipation, excitement and some nervousness of not knowing what to expect with a cleft lip and palate.

This little guy has taught us more in 1 year than we could ever imagine. And not just the medical stuff. Sure, we know a lot more about the inside of a mouth than most, but he has showed us so much love and the good in people everywhere. To start, the generosity in family and friends is unfathomable.  Our support system is rock solid and we could not be any more blessed nor thankful. Then, there are the little things, like a random lady stopping us in the grocery store to talk because she has a son who is grown now but was born with a cleft lip and she just wants to smile at Henry and remember her baby. Or the friend of a friend who has never met us but adds Henry to her prayer group. Or the amazing teachers and staff at William's preschool who give extra help with William when they know we are traveling to Stanford with Henry. The list could go on and on. The point is, there is so much good out there in the world that we have witnessed because of having Henry in our lives. We thank God everyday for giving us such an amazing gift!

Next Friday, April 4th will be his surgery to repair the cleft palate. The surgery will take a couple hours and then we will stay overnight in the hospital 1-2 nights, depending on his recovery. Basically, all of the tissue is already there (on the roof of his mouth), just pushed to the sides. So the doctor will make multiple incisions to release the tissue and then close the opening by bringing it all together with many stitches. The 2-3 weeks after surgery will be the difficult part as he will not be able to have anything touch the inside of his mouth. He will eat liquefied food out of a syringe and wear arm bands to keep him from touching his mouth or sucking his thumb (which he loves so that is going to be sad!).

Here are a few pictures of the last few months!

1st Birthday!

Brother time!

Enjoying his birthday cake!

Waking up from a nap

Always happy!

We will update again after the palate surgery!
 Love Scott & Kristin