So Caleb got his ear removed and life goes on. We took him back to the Dr's Feb. 2002 and they did another arteriogram (we did go back to several appointments between July and February LOL) and we were very pleased to hear that they had in fact gotten all of the AVM and that it was not coming back! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now it has been 1 1/2 years since his surgery at this time that I am writing this, and we are fixing to start the process for rebuilding his ear. I will try to keep these pages updated during this process. What we do know about what is going on is that we are going to have to get some more tissue expanders (at least 2) and that when they do the surgery to rebuild this time, it will take 12 to 13 hours to rebuild his ear instead of the 2 hours that it took to take it off.
Caleb has been just wonderful about all of this, and we have been super proud of him!!! He is a true blessing in our lives (as are Rhane, Rachel and Joseph). Thank you for taking the time to read our story. If you have any questions about his surgery (or before or after), we would be happy to answer any that you might have. :) All you have to do is email us about it! :) We have always had the philosophy,
'If you are curious, ask. Don't stare and wonder, just ask!'
To date (Feb. 2003), Caleb has had 1 MRI, 4 arteriograms, and 2 surgeries (having the *balloons* put in & the surgery taking the ear off). We know we have a long road ahead of us, but when it is all over, we will be stronger for it and Caleb won't ever have to worry about this again! And to me, that is all worth it!!!!! To not have to worry about Caleb scratching his ear, that will be wonderful!
