Surgery Update

6:00 PM

Forrest is currently recovering from the anesthesia and surgery he had today for the skin breakdown on his scalp and temple.  The reason this breakdown was happening is the repeated surgeries that he had in those areas and the thinning and stretching of the scar tissue.  The concern we had going in was whether this could be a repeat of the cranioplasty infection he struggled with October of 2011 that set him back so badly.  It had some similarities that had us very worried.
We just had the Neurosurgeon come out and tell us that it looks like there is no involvement of the brain or the titanium cranial implant, so we are very relieved with that news!  The plastic surgeon, whose job was to fix the compromised skin, was able to use a combination of a skin flap and a skin graft (from his thigh) to mobilize enough healthy skin to replace the removed tissue areas adequately. There will be more surgeries on the scalp later to get Forrest the cosmetic effect he will be happy with, but for now we just need healthy skin on the area. We will be here at Washington Hospital Center until the cultures come back, indicating whether or not there is an infection we need to treat and also to make sure all the skin is looking good - then we will go home.  Hopefully we will be home on the weekend.
So, we are still on track and this does look more like a speed bump than a derailment.  We are much relieved and appreciate all your prayers and encouragement.  Forrest is right, he does have a lot to accomplish and thanks for all your help to keep him going.
Dad

Mum and a sleepy post-op Forrest showing us that all is "ok".  Check out the rockin' turban!