Facial Reconstruction-surgery #5

This sweet face will change tomorrow.
 Hudson is having his 5th surgery related to his cleft (6th surgery in all).  We have been trying for a year to change from his former surgeon to a cleft team.  We were finally accepted by the team last month and we were shocked when his craniofacial surgeon wanted him scheduled for surgery right away.  We were not expecting another surgery until he was at least 7 and since he just had surgery in Oct this took us by surprise BUT....we are thrilled with the team and how hard they have worked on Hudson's behalf in just a month (another story for another day).  This surgery is the beginning of his facial reconstruction.  After closing a fistula in his palate they will begin on his nose and lip.  He has lots of scar tissue in his nose and it is visible at the base of his nose.  One of his nostrils is almost blocked inside with scar tissue.  This will be cleaned out and open up his nasal passages.  Dr G will then do a "lift" on the tip of his nose and bring in his nostrils.  Right now he has a very adult/wide looking nose and Dr G wants to give him a more "true to his age" nose.  He will also create the dimple above his lip that most of us have and bring in the sides around that dimple.   He will also get a 2nd set of tubes which will bring his loss of hearing back up.  The surgery will last about 3 hours and starts bright and early at 7:30 am.  Hudson is now fully aware of surgery and the after effects so this week has been a bit tough for him.  It is so hard as parents to know they will face pain with our permission......but we know it is for his benefit and part of what we signed up for.   His friend Ben is having surgery at the exact time so we will be sharing the waiting room with Ben's parents.   A "small world" story.  

Tonight Kailee, Hudson and I went out to take pictures in the Blue Bonnets.  Hudson has been learning about them at school and although it is a TX tradition to take pictures in the Blue Bonnets I haven't done it in years...and the first time with Hudson.  I figured I better get some pictures of the face that we adore.  It is always sad to know his face will change.  Last night as we were praying I thanked God for doctors.  Hudson asked "why?" and I said "doctors make us feel better and fix things"...he said "but I don't need fixing"....oh sweet boy.....you are right....so perfect in our eyes!!!!!

I appreciate your prayers....it is always a long day and longer night.  PICU is on standby as Hudson struggles so much coming out of anesthesia...we are praying we avoid that!!!