Denver Trips May Finally Be Numbered

Kerry Don took Pake to Denver this time. They flew out last night, and he had surgery this morning. They fly back this afternoon. First of all, I'm so proud of KD for taking him. It helped me out because I didn't need to miss another day of school. Second, I think we MAY almost be done in Denver.

As most of you know Pake was born with a venous malformation on his right hand and arm (its like a birthmark). Anyway, Pake's surgery this morning was an embolization which is the treatment he's been receiving there. Dr. Yakes injects ethonol alcohol in Pake's extra veins, and this sclerosis or makes scar tissue so those veins don't fill back up with blood. This time they injected 22 ccs of ethonol alcohol. This is the most he's ever had. When we started taking him to Denver, they could only inject 4 ccs. Of course, that was 9 1/2 years ago when he was only 18 months old. We've come a long way with more than 60 surgeries over the years. After an embolization, Pake's hand and arm will be super swollen. Thankfully, he rarely has any major pain. Usually the IV is a bigger deal than his swollen hand and arm. Anyway, the good news is that KD said Dr. Yakes wants to do one more embolization and he thinks Pake will be ready for the reconstructive surgery in Dallas at Scottish Rites.

This is a major thing for us! Major! I can't imagine how nice it will be to not worry about when our next trip to Denver is. It's possible that he may require more than one reconstructive surgery. However, we've come a long way and we're hopefully maybe getting there. We just hope Pake's hand and arm will be as normal as it's going to be and he can just live with it. Of course it's not like it's stopped him from doing anything. I will say though that my Pake is a BRAVE boy and he always has a positive attitude! So anyway, thanks to all our family and friends and all the support and prayers over the years of this long journey.

On a lighter note, Tate and I had a nice evening last night. We picked up a new/used motorcyle for him to replace his that was stolen last fall. This is a Honda 80 which is alittle bigger than what he had, and it has a clutch. But, let me tell yall, he's the happiest kid around. I hope he payed attention in school today, because I know he will be raring to go as soon as schools out! I may have to go and watch him ride instead of golfing today.

Thanks yall for listening! And caring! We're so blessed. Thank YALL!