The Consult

As I noted earlier, we had our first consultation with the folks at Shriner's yesterday. This is a hospital which specializes in treating children who've suffered burns or physical trauma. The trick is that they do not charge for services rendered so they are not able to take on all cases.

We sent in our application and photos a couple of weeks ago, and the initial screening appointment was set for yesterday. The surgeon took a look at Galyna's scalp, and they took some pictures. We didn't talk much about her other scars, but the surgeon (and this is the good part) said he thinks they have a reasonable chance to help with her scalp. So, we're in - at least for another step. July 2nd we'll go back and Galyna will have a more thorough exam and physical before scheduling surgery.

It looks like the approach on Galyna's scalp will be to use a process known as tissue expansion. In a nutshell, small "balloons" are inserted under her skin, and over time are filled with salinated water to expand the skin. This "extra" skin is then used to replace what is now the grafted area.

Downsides: discomfort, length and number of treatments, shaved head required, appearance is altered as the balloon inflates.

Upside: long-term best way to get hair coverage as it uses scalp skin (with hair follicles) for the coverage.

So, while it doesn't appear to be easy or simple, it seems the most effective.

That said, it's easier for us to contemplate than for her, I'm sure. We haven't yet (but we will when surgery is scheduled) talk with her about the procedure. She was obviously very nervous to the point of giggling through everything just having a doctor there. It helped that there were no needles, but I'm sure she remembers some of her past surgeries. In Ukraine she had surgery on her scalp last spring, so hospitals in general can't be exciting for her.

So, as far as our concerns go, dealing with her post-surgery healing and with filling her expaners from time to time (yes, they will trust us to do this!) and her overall antipathy toward all things medical would top the list. The one we had been worrying about - whether Shriner's would take on her case - seems to be behind us now.

God is good:)

God bless,
Ron