Tuesday, August 26, 2008

I've been hesitant to write until Gracie actually had the skin graft--it went fairly well yesterday. I guess the plastic surgeon said that her wound improved and looked good--he cut away some tissue and skin so that there would be viable skin to graft the cadaver skin. The surgeon then cut the skin to match the size of Grace's wound and then sutured around the area and replaced the wound vac. The plan is too let it be until Friday, then they will look at the graft and if it took, early next week its back to the OR to remove the cadaver skin and replace it from skin from Grace's upper thigh.

In the mean time Gracie is being weaned off the vent--her rate has been dropped significantly and she is handling it well. Today the doctors did a spontaneous trial off the vent, though Grace's blood gas didn't look that good, she tolerated it well. The purpose of the trials are mostly to condition her and we are still moving slow; but if she does well the goal is to extubate on Friday.

Grace is resting well and seems to be doing well. Despite all that she has been through she really is a sweetheart, she only seems to cry and get mad when she has dirty pants, needs to be suctioned, or is being bugged by the assessment the nurses have to do. Usually though she calms right down and falls back asleep or just intently stares at her mobile or the lights on her heater or even our eyes if we are there.

We love her so much and are so proud of her and all she has come through. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts in her behalf, I know that they have strengthened her and helped her endure her long and rocky journey.

3 comments:

emily and kevin griffin said...

it's good to hear that it went well. grace is lucky to have such a loving family.

Em said...

We like that Gracie is finally on the up and up! Way to go Gracie! Lets have a lot more days, weeks, and dare we say many more months and years of good days and get you home! We are rooting for you Gracie!
Love,
Aunt Em and Uncle Mike

Erica said...

I am glad to hear things are going well for Gracie. Slow progress is better than no progress. Keep it up!