Friday, June 26, 2009

Day 392 - Jun 25, 2009

Today ended up being a really good day. Kevin did get his bolsters removed this morning and although it still looks rough - it does look much better than I thought it would. I actually cried when Kevin first smiled at me because I forgot. I totally forgot about that goofy little smile where his lips are actually closed and he kinda has this shitty little grin. How could I have forgotten, I wonder?

His eye is still very swollen, but all in all he really does look great and within a month he will probably really look wonderful. I am just so excited to see he has a real chin and a whole separate neck. I am just so pleased with the doctors that did this surgery.

Here is a photo of what he looks like today:



And here is a photo of the three of us that someone took here at the Fisher House.



Notice we are outside! Kevin was also discharged today - YAY!!

And he ate so much food from Long John Silvers that I was getting sick just watching him, lol.

We have an appt Monday at the Burn Clinic and hopefully they will tell us we can go home. I really want to be there by the 4th - in time for Kevin's birthday on the 6th. We are estimating leaving here on Breezy's birthday - which is the 2nd.

And to answer a question - we will have to come back in either Aug or Sept for one more surgery (maybe 2 in the same week again? not sure) At that time they plan to fix his head, his trach spot and a large indentation below his abdomen. They tell me all of these things are simple and won't require this kind of intrusion. At that time they will also fix any skin discoloration from this surgery.

It's kinda exciting to think we may be almost done with all of this stuff. That would only leave us with therapy and a normal type of schedule will be so welcome!

17 comments:

Alison said...

Oh, he looks great! Even with the swelling, you can really see a difference - I can't wait to see how it looks once the swelling has gone down and the edges have healed a bit more.

And yay for being discharged! Getting out of the hospital after all that probably felt great, such a spirit lift for Kevin. Love that smile!

I hope you get to head home soon!

Long-time RN said...

The grafting looks wonderful, Kevin. Good to read of the discharge and woofing down calories!

Anonymous said...

Kevin, you look awesome!!!!! Hope you get to go home soon and enjoy that pool. Keep eating the cheesecake and keep letting the hair grow!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLIE..ENJOY..
As always, we continue to pray for all of you. Take care..looking forward to seeing you in July.
Melissa Ion

Anonymous said...

Wow-Isn't it amazing what they can do! I'm so glad that he was discharged and everything is working out so well.:)
Happy Birthday Leslie!!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day! I'm so glad you don't have to spend it in the hospital.
Take care,
Kathy in IA

Shawnsgirl315 said...

Wow! He looks amazing! Glad to hear you are out of the hospital. Hope you can at least enjoy a few things before you quickly get to head home!

Jan said...

I hate to sound like everyone else but - WOW. :) The picture of Kevin standing up is where you can see the amazing difference.

Kris said...

What a transformation. Yet another "WOW"!!! Killer smile Kevin!! Sooo glad you're discharged - more steps closer to home.

God bless you Kevin, Leslie & Breezy and congratulations on another tough battle won. Not only did you win it, you kicked some serious butt. Thoughts, prayers, support and loads of Angel Hugs come your way every single day. Hope today is even better than yesterday.

- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI

Judy Beeksma said...

He looks fabulous!!!!!!! You all look so happy outside the hospital. Great times ahead for you all I am sure. Lovin' his smile!!!

Jodi said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a great birthday present!
Kevin looks FANTASTIC! And I absolutely LOVE his smile! Another WOW here! :-) I am so glad things are better. I will keep my fingers crossed that you get to go home soon too!
Here is to another great day today!
I love all you so much! You're always in my thoughts....
BIG HUGS AND ALL MY LOVE!!!!!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

Anonymous said...

Wow, I can't believe how good he looks. The smile is wonderful. Looks like the old Kevin. Happy Birthday Leslie, I hope you have a good day.

Love
Barbie Lucas

Anonymous said...

I wanted to say that he came a long ways for recovery. I want toy happy birthday to you Leslie your not 50 im 3 1/2 months older than you we wont say how old we are lol. It will be are secret, your doing a great job as a mother hang in there better day are coming Albie

Anonymous said...

Kevin looks so good! What a smile. Wow, I am so happy for you guys. Yipee!

Question: I know that incisions take quite awhile to soften and fade. Do you have an estimate from the doctor on how long until the scars might fade?

It makes me smile (grin) to hear the joy and relief in your words.

Hugs,

Cathy M

Anonymous said...

So why break tradition? WOW!! He looks great. Happy Birthday Leslie!! Michelle Long

Anonymous said...

another thing...besides the drive-on rag thing...what don't kill ya makes you stronger...someone said that but i don't know who. Airborne!

joyce said...

He looks great! Love that smile! I hope there is a lot of cheesecake in his future. Has he tried Chick-fil-A's cheesecake? They sell it by the slice or whole cake.

Jessica said...

Kevin looks great! The chin looks really good and he looks so different now that he can close his mouth.

Glad you were all able to be out of the hospital today and enjoy some fresh air. I'll be thinking of you all and pray you can go home as soon as possible.

LAURA HOGAN said...

KEVIN YOU LOOK GREAT! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLIE, I'M HOPING TO GET TO SAY HI TO ALL OF YOU IN PERSON IN JULY. TAKE CARE. LAURA HOGAN