A few days before we left Philadelphia, I (Adam) came down with a GI viral flu (that lasted nine days). The night before we left, Addison and Becky came down with the same viral flu (and endured it for the first week home, as well.) We mustered up our strength and were able to fly home on Tuesday, October 26th. (Luckily, due to the illness Becky allowed us to take a taxi to the train station…whew!) The weather was really windy on the day of our return flight, and we were concerned that our flight would be cancelled, but luckily, we made it out of Philly.
Tristan slept the entire flight home, which was a relief. After a little rerouting in air, we landed safe in Detroit. The Edward (Becky’s Dad) was waiting for us and the kids were ecstatic to see him. We loaded the van and headed home to Berkley. The mammals (Riot-dog, Stick-cat and Titan-cat) were happy to see us and Becky and the kids were happy to see them, too. I (Adam) was just happy to be able to sleep in my own bed again.
The next few days were very good for Tristan. Seeing all of his toys at home seemed to energize him and he pushed himself and played hard. He would crash (emotionally and physically) at night and he did require heavy narcotics to sleep (I use this word loosely) at night. Each day he continues to get a little better and requires less medicine. This past Monday we were able to get him back to the in-home daycare he attends, Addison returned to school and Becky and I returned to work. We have been home for two weeks now and Tristan doesn’t act like he had major surgery three weeks ago. He has shown tremendous improvement during his recovery. He is walking, climbing, and quickly regaining his Jr. Dare Devil status.
The post-op appointment with the local orthopedic doctor was Monday of this week. We were able to see his back, finally. (It’s been covered in dressings since the surgery.) The incisions looked perfect and there was no evidence of any infection or skin breakdown. The VEPTR is visible beneath his skin, which upset Becky a bit, but we knew with him being such a skinny kid that we would most likely see it. The local orthopedic doctor said he doesn’t need to see us until January, so we are looking forward to being healthy and well as we enter the holiday season.
We expect to have Tristan back to his old routine by Thanksgiving and Becky is counting the days for him to have an actual bath, again. We thank everyone for the continued prayers for Tristan as he fully recovers. This journey is far from over, as it is expected that Tristan will have 23 more surgeries over the next 12 years, but we know that our Lord is leading us and directing our paths. We felt the Holy Spirit with us at every step, comforting us and giving us a hedge of protection. We are so thankful that we serve a God who hears our every cry. Please let us know if we may be in prayer for you and your family for any need.
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| Tristan came home tonight to a get well soon cookie basket from his wonderful family at Zion Christian Church. Thanks everyone! As you can see, it made him really happy. |
May God Bless you all,
The West Family
