Finally, it's done

We are glad to report that Mom had her skin graft done yesterday. It was a little more extensive then we thought with her going down for surgery at 7:30 am, going in at 9:00 and not coming out of recovery until 4:00 pm. They used some skin and some blood vessels from her underarm and replaced her underarm with some skin and blood vessels from her right hip. As you can imagine, when blood flow is involved, it takes some time.


She is now connected to an "erector set" as my dad would say keeping her arm elevated as the skin on top and below tries to heal. The doctor expects the contraption for 2-3 weeks. Very uncomfortable for mom and really limiting her movement. Last night was the first night she really seemed to be in pain and experiencing some discomfort. The nurse came in and was able to give her some additional pain reliever, but I am not sure how well it is working considering she has been on continuous drugs for over a month now. Getting some sleep last night helped and each day will help continue the healing of her arm.

As for the right arm, it has improved and has been fitted for a smaller cast brace that is providing her more mobility. Though she is left-handed, she has now signed her name a couple times with her right and Dad teases possibly neater then with her left.

Thanks to Amy and Allen Mast for coming on short notice yesterday so Dad could run an errand. Dad is thoughtful to make sure Mom had someone with her after surgery while he was gone. He tries to stay with her each night until after she is asleep so that she has everything she needs and knows he is there. I know so many of you would do the same thing for a loved one, but it is something touching to witness it first hand.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.