Post-Op

The post op appointment was hard for Graci. It took over a hour to get the stitches and packing out. Daddy was so helpful and held Graci's hand all along the way. The nurse was so sweet and was doing all she could to encourage Graci and to assure her that she would never hurt her. Graci was just so scared and it was so sad watching her like that. But we managed and we got through it and Graci was pleased. She looked in the mirror several times and said, "it looks good". We had to explain to her that the ear was quite swollen and seems to project almost too far from the head. However, as the skin graft heals it shrinks and pulls the ear close to the head again. The effect was somewhat dramatic but yet still amazing. The gauze patch was also removed from the groin leaving a nice scar. Afterwards, the nurse handed Graci the mirror and said, "Look at Graci with 2 ears". I almost started crying because our dream had come true. Our daughter now had 2 ears like her brother.

Well, Dr. Brent came and took a look at the ear and was pleased. He actually said it wasn't as swollen as most and it really looked close to size. The nurse then began to re-apply the head dressing and Graci said she was glad because she is so afraid of her ear. She is afraid that something or someone is going to mess it up. We take the head dressing off in 3-4 days and apply ointment to keep the skin graft on the back of the ear lubricated. The bad news is that there is a finale. We will be returning in June for 4th stage where he will touch up the rough spots with skin and this allows the ear to look smooth. Who would have every thought this process would take over a year but what a remarkable and exciting journey it has been.

We will post a picture once the head dresisng is off.............thank you all for your prayers, calls, text and emails!! Graci loves her Fans!!