Plastic Surgery follow up

So, today we went to Norfolk to see Harlie's plastic surgeon, Dr. Magee.  He said she was very "spry."  She was all over that office, checking every little thing out.  An ENT also came in to see her and he said she was very "busy."

Anyway, Dr. Magee said that she is going to need another advancement (jaw reconstruction).  That was not really news to me.  I figured as much.  He is going to have to put more bone on the right side to even up her mouth again.  Since the infected bone graft was removed from the right side only, her whole jaw shifted to the right.  He said he wouldn't even think about doing it any earlier than six months from now.  But, I told him that Tom and I would rather take our time getting this next one done.  There are other priorities right now.  And she's happy and functioning as she is, so we'll just leave it until we're ready for that again.

One thing that might force us to think about it (whether we are ready or not) is her chewing abilities. Not that she's chewing right now.  But, certainly that is a skill we would like to start working on at some point.  And he said that depends on if she can manipulate her jaw to make her teeth have contact.  They do not line up as it is right now.  So, we'll just have to see what she can do, when we get there.

The good news is that I had him take a look at her front tooth.  He said that it looks like it will be okay.  WHEW!  You can still see a bit of bruising on the inside of the tooth, but on the outside, it looks totally normal.  I will be so grateful if she keeps her tooth!

Well, that's it for tonight.  Thanks for reading!
~Christy