"A New Kind of Normal"
It has been a long time since we posted. I guess it's because things don't seem out of the ordinary for us anymore. Shea doesn't wear her teeth around home more than she does, and we don't really notice anymore. She keeps her Super Glue and Fixodent close by in case there's a mishap, but there isn't a big reaction from any of us anymore when the teeth are dropped, broken or falling out! Shea has a number of doctors' appointments, but it's just what she's gotten used to, so to us it's like the title of a book by Carol Kent -- "A New Kind of Normal."
The appliance that was surgically implanted in Shea's hard palate was intended to grow bone vertically and horizontally so that there would be bone in which to implant her three front teeth. As some of you may remember, she had a surgery where they grafted bone from her hip, and it was unsuccessful. At another surgery they grafted bone from her skull, and it was also unsuccessful. This was Dr. Nunn's and Dr. Mill's last resort and was a surgery neither of them had ever performed before. After looking at the x-rays, it looks like Shea has grown some good hard bone! We are thrilled and grateful that it appears this surgery was successful.
This Saturday, June 7th at 9 am Shea will have another surgery where this appliance will be removed. We're praying that it will be a quick and uneventful procedure, but there is the chance that her bone has grown around the appliance which could make it difficult for them to remove. Thankfully, Shea will have anesthesia for this operation. Please pray for a quick removal of this appliance and for a great recovery. Shea has had a number of long and major surgeries, and so it's exciting for us to see the end of the road that slants somewhat downhill -- easier and much closer to the finish line! If all goes as planned, Shea's final surgery should be in November sometime!
Thank you for your love and faithful prayers.
The Hickoks
The appliance that was surgically implanted in Shea's hard palate was intended to grow bone vertically and horizontally so that there would be bone in which to implant her three front teeth. As some of you may remember, she had a surgery where they grafted bone from her hip, and it was unsuccessful. At another surgery they grafted bone from her skull, and it was also unsuccessful. This was Dr. Nunn's and Dr. Mill's last resort and was a surgery neither of them had ever performed before. After looking at the x-rays, it looks like Shea has grown some good hard bone! We are thrilled and grateful that it appears this surgery was successful.
This Saturday, June 7th at 9 am Shea will have another surgery where this appliance will be removed. We're praying that it will be a quick and uneventful procedure, but there is the chance that her bone has grown around the appliance which could make it difficult for them to remove. Thankfully, Shea will have anesthesia for this operation. Please pray for a quick removal of this appliance and for a great recovery. Shea has had a number of long and major surgeries, and so it's exciting for us to see the end of the road that slants somewhat downhill -- easier and much closer to the finish line! If all goes as planned, Shea's final surgery should be in November sometime!
Thank you for your love and faithful prayers.
The Hickoks
posted by admin | 9:24 PM
9 Comments:
AHHHHH.... Getting closer!
I hope and pray that you are truly as close to done as possible! What an emotional and physical roller coaster you have been on all this time.
It is interesting to me that your final surgery is planned for November since that is about the same time of year that this all began.
You have faithfully trusted in God. I am sure you have had moments of doubt and much discouragement, maybe even panic--but you have run this part of your race well, Shea. The finish line of this race is getting nearer!
Of course, all of your life is a "race" to finish well for the Lord. This is just a part of it. Try not to become weary but to let this part be training to make you stronger for the future!
We love you and look forward to seeing you very soon! And Jason too!
I'm praying for the best for you Shea! i love you, and truely believe everything will turn out wonderfully!
love,
MD :)
"A New Kind of Normal" brought to mind a story that a friend of mine was encouraged by and shared with me when she had a baby with trisomy 18.......I hope it encourages you all as well.
http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html
So good to hear from you. God is so faithful!
Jacki Walsh
We love you, Shea!!!!! Hugs and prayers from AZ!!!
~love, Ada, Nica, Evelyn & Mommy & Papa
I often check this page and wonder how things are going. I'm so glad to hear that things are taking a turn and that the downhill road is nearing! Continuing to think of you all and praying hard for Shea and her family! With love, Dawn
Love you guys and missed you this weekend. We were with the Whitakers. We're on Facebook now if you find us---I don't know how to look for people yet but 31 have found me so far :)
Karine
I am stll praying for you Shea and that you will feel the strength of God literally in your body as you are approach the final stretch of this. . . . Sending love and prayers, Always!
Gina (Giordano) Weeks
(one of your father's former students at H2H)
Sorry I've been out of the loop (my fault). Thanks for posting your progress. I read several today and was in tears reading of Jason and his tenderness and love for Shea. What a neat story of God's provision. I will be in renewed prayer on your behalf.
We think about you a lot. We are glad you are recovering. We will pray.
Always,
Galilee and Jemima Gregg
(the whole family too)
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