After a much anticipated visit with Lash's plastic surgeon, we walked away a bit disappointed, yet faithful. The point of this meeting was to plan his upcoming plastic surgery to construct the first of both ears. We were ready to hear anything. After considering his size, age, & growth development, surgeon Dr. Mark Chariker decided for best results & quick recovery we should wait until Lash is 5 years of age to embark on the intensive plastic surgery. This surgery will involve a small incision on his ribs to collect cartilage needed to supplement what his microtia denied him & then the attachment/construction under the first layer of skin of where his "new ears" will be located. This will be done on separate occasions for both ears over the span of 1 &1/2 years.
We are faithful that his surgeon knows best & that the Lord's will is being done. One more year of waiting for a lifetime of benefit is a small sacrifice.
There was a ray of optimistic news though. The titanium implant needed for his hearing aid IS something that we can pursue this summer. After leaving the surgeon's office I called the ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor who will be conducting this procedure. We expect to hear back from him soon for a CT scan.
Lash is just now understanding that he will be getting "new ears", though no different than any other little, wild, "spirited" boy.
