I know you are all dying to hear so I want to get something off today about Salifu.
Salifu's surgery began around 7AM Thursday and finished about 2PM. After 2 hours in recovery we went to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit floor at KU Medical Center. The whole experience has been successful and the staff here did everything within their power to keep me informed and comfortable on that long day. Sal received the best attention you could imagine. Two top surgeons did the work to repair his skull. There were no complications it was just a lengthy procedure. It took over an hour just to cut the bone the correct shape to fit perfectly into the damaged area. He now has a brain completely covered with bone. He did very well but has grown terribly frightened of needles. The bone should completely heal over in about 12 weeks. They were also able to revise the Frankenstein scar on his forehead. It will take more than brain surgery to get this little guy down. Have been told that the Kansas City Star has a nice article on this event in today's paper, but I haven't read it yet.
I have stayed with him the entire time. I don't ask anyone how I look or smell!!! He is now out of the ICU and on a regular floor. He is a bit swollen and looks like he came out of a boxing match. All of that is to be expected, I have been told. He should be home by Monday. In about 12 months it may be possible to do some more revisions of his scarred scalp, but not right now.
I am so thankful to the Lord for keeping this little one safe. A miracle happened here. Thank you for your prayers.
Blessings,
Ann
PS: Francis is also progressing well after his surgery. He is so happy with the Brantleys. Yeah.