It's been about six months since Ethan's facial reanimation surgery. We consider it a great success. He has a lot more movement on the right side. Actually, it's fairly symmetrical with the left side now. We may not even need to go back and do the left side. We will see the plastic surgeons again in the summer to re-evaluate, but at last evaluation, they were fairly pleased with the outcome thus far. It would be nice to not have to go through yet another surgery!
With regard to our daily life and moving on from cancer… it's been great! Life is really starting to feel more normal and relaxed. As normal as life can feel, that is. Ethan still sees a physical and occupational therapist weekly, even pool therapy once a week. However, within the next six months, those visits will be cut back just to monitor growth changes and orthotic adaptations. Ethan walks quite well on his own now. He still staggers a bit and has balance and coordination deficits. There is the occasional fall, but other than his orthotics, he does not require assistive devices under normal circumstances. I did, however, recently purchase him some trekking poles to use when we are hiking. I'd like to get him to the point where he is completely independent (no hand-holding) while hiking. At first, he wasn't too keen on them, but after one hike he really started to like them.
Ethan has overcome so much and we are incredibly proud of him. He continues to be an amazing inspiration to our whole family. His positive attitude and desire to to be challenged has really helped us all triumph over this chapter in our lives. I am so thankful to have his wonderful little spirit a part of my life. Ethan and Brynn have endured a terrible tragedy at such young ages and together have become more beautiful, sweet and loving souls. I'm so thankful to have them, and their dad, in my life. As life carries on, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, but, really, we all have so much to be thankful for and it has nothing to do with our material life.
About Me
- Ethan Black
- Hi, I am an adorable, blonde, blue-eyed young man. I had Medulloblastoma - cancer. I had a successful resection of my brain tumor, completed six weeks of radiation, 15 months of chemo, and countless surgeries and therapies as the result of treatment effects. These entries journal much of my treatment and progress. I have come a long, long way and I am doing awesome today! Feel free to read and share my story.
Monday, January 6, 2014
All Is Well
It's been about six months since Ethan's facial reanimation surgery. We consider it a great success. He has a lot more movement on the right side. Actually, it's fairly symmetrical with the left side now. We may not even need to go back and do the left side. We will see the plastic surgeons again in the summer to re-evaluate, but at last evaluation, they were fairly pleased with the outcome thus far. It would be nice to not have to go through yet another surgery!
With regard to our daily life and moving on from cancer… it's been great! Life is really starting to feel more normal and relaxed. As normal as life can feel, that is. Ethan still sees a physical and occupational therapist weekly, even pool therapy once a week. However, within the next six months, those visits will be cut back just to monitor growth changes and orthotic adaptations. Ethan walks quite well on his own now. He still staggers a bit and has balance and coordination deficits. There is the occasional fall, but other than his orthotics, he does not require assistive devices under normal circumstances. I did, however, recently purchase him some trekking poles to use when we are hiking. I'd like to get him to the point where he is completely independent (no hand-holding) while hiking. At first, he wasn't too keen on them, but after one hike he really started to like them.
Ethan has overcome so much and we are incredibly proud of him. He continues to be an amazing inspiration to our whole family. His positive attitude and desire to to be challenged has really helped us all triumph over this chapter in our lives. I am so thankful to have his wonderful little spirit a part of my life. Ethan and Brynn have endured a terrible tragedy at such young ages and together have become more beautiful, sweet and loving souls. I'm so thankful to have them, and their dad, in my life. As life carries on, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, but, really, we all have so much to be thankful for and it has nothing to do with our material life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)