More progress

Today Jake had surgery to remove the appliance from his jaw that was placed there during the jaw distraction surgery in December.  He went from having a major overbite to a complete underbite!  What a change!  If it’s possible, he’s even cuter!!!  The jaw was distracted (or moved out) over the course of three weeks and then was left to set for the next couple months.  We still have to let the bone settle and harden before any next steps but we’re headed in the right direction.  The docs gave us really good news today.  The ENT did a scope of his airway and everything looks really good.  There are no other problems that would prevent us from getting the trach removed in the future.  The plastic surgeon did confirm that Jake does indeed have a cleft palate (there was a bit of debate earlier on).  The palate will need to be repaired in the future but he’d like Jake to have more flex in the jaw before that happens.  So, after the jaw bone completely heals, Jake will begin some intense physical therapy on the jaw.  His mouth opens about half as much as it should, but that’s double what it opened prior to the jaw distraction!

Hopefully this summer we’ll be looking at getting the trach out!  Very exciting times, 2009 is looking to be a GREAT year for the Gates-Ehlers!!!

Thanks once again to all for all the good thoughts, prayers, well wishes and love.  We’d be lost without all the support we get from family and friends!  And, as always, we’ve posted some new pics!

15 Comments

kim & traci

That's great news!

Friday, February 13, 2009 - 07:12 PM

Anonymous

I see my prayers are being answered! Yipee! Hang in there girly. Andrea's girlfriend called me last week. Haven't called back yet. Yuck!
Love,
Mina xoxo

Friday, February 13, 2009 - 08:34 PM

Tiff

Oh my! I couldn't be happier for the three of you! He is SO SO adorable.

Friday, February 13, 2009 - 10:22 PM

Leslie

So glad to hear the good news, thanks for sharing!
Love the new pics too!


Hugs,
Leslie

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 07:35 AM

cha

I always think about you guys and pray for your well beong.  Give jake a big hug for me!  Happy Valentine's Day girls!!!

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 07:53 AM

Grandpa & Grandma Gates

Sorry we aren't there to celebrate the good news!  Looking forward to the day when I can Take Jake out in the boat fishing and when the three of you can come visit us in the Winter!

It is amazing how he tolerates all this surgery and therapy.

We love you;

Grandpa & Grandma

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 07:56 AM

Sharon C.

Wonderful News!

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 08:28 AM

Melissa

Yippee!

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 09:34 AM

Anonymous

Thanks so much for sharing Jakes good news. I love getting the updates.  Happy valentines day!  Mama Barlo

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 11:49 AM

Pam

What fantastic news!  Glad to hear 2009 is looking to be an A1 year for you guys!  Love the pics!

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 12:03 PM

Anonymous

What great news!

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 01:50 PM

Heather Hughes

Jake could not be more adorable! I'm so happy that things are going well. You all continue to be in my prayers. I look forward to seeing you again, Betsy, and to meeting Drea and Jake.

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 09:31 PM

Aunt Jo-Ann

Hi Betz and Andrea
Wow what good news.....Just think about this little guys quality of life will be so much better.......
Love
Auntie
Jo-Ann

Monday, February 16, 2009 - 12:27 PM

Aunt Lorry

Hi there,
sorry for the delayed response. Great, wonderful news! He looks great and as usual just keeps  moving forward.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 06:30 AM

Traci

Andrea must be the father because Jake looks just like her!

Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 01:40 PM