We met with Drew’s hand surgeon two weeks ago to see if we can start the reconstruction of nerves and tendons in his right hand, now that his broken arm is healing. He felt like before we could do that Drew‘s palm needs the skin expanded since the scar tissue has contracted while he was in the cast for so long. That skin needs to come with its own blood supply, rather than just being a graft. 

So we have two options. The first option is to use the skin from the middle finger that is the most damaged. The other option is to lift a flap of skin on his hip and stitch his hand to that flap for several weeks and then disconnect it. The second option would make daily living very challenging for three weeks but would allow Drew to keep his finger in the long run. 

That’s a tough decision to make and we all keep weighing the options but will ultimately follow whatever Drew wants to do. This surgery is scheduled for May 28 and we will meet for a preop appointment in two weeks to discuss what we’ve decided and plan that recovery. 

That’s pretty heavy stuff but on a more positive note, Andrew‘s fabulous prosthetics team is working on two new options for him. An upgraded body-powered arm and attempting to fit his first myoelectric prosthesis. They’ve even offered for him to come to the lab and help them make it. They really go above and beyond for us.

Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We will keep you updated.