Thursday, January 13, 2011

Things Don't Always Go As Planned

Despite all odds caused by a snowstorm hitting Chicago on Tuesday, we managed to make it home with very little delay.  Just before we boarded the plane, mom noticed that I was leaking fluid through my incision, and left a message with the doctor.  By the time we got home, the doctor had responded to that message and a new antibiotic was waiting for me at our local pharmacy.

Everything seemed ok the rest of the evening; the leaking began to slow, and I was able to take my first bath in almost 2 weeks.  The following day (yesterday), mom went to change my dressing as usual.  But she found something very unusual.  There was now a hole clear through to the expander on the "problem" incision.

Photos were taken and sent over to Dr. Bauer's office.  Less than 24 hours after being home, we got the news: the expanders have to come out right away. 

Mom and dad spoke to Dr. Bauer late last night and discussed the problem and the plan.  Dr. B believes that some residual bacteria left from the double ear infection I had a couple of weeks before surgery infected the whole process.  He thinks we can try again in about 4 months with a "very slim" chance of this complication arising again.  Ultimately, he wanted us back right away for the new surgery.  He also said he should be able to get "a surprising amount" of nevus in this surgery.

So, we are flying back to Chicago tonight, less than 48 hours after being home.  Surgery will be tomorrow sometime; we'll get details as the day unfolds.  Please continue praying with us.  We definitely need the support now more than ever.

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