Don't Reach into the Alligator Cage

Today, Jim saw his dermatologist to remove his wrapping and splint.  The skin graft came off, which is ok.  (I was shocked, too!) The doctor said it was like when a scab comes off a skinned knee, but the skin underneath still heals - something called "granulation."  According to the professionals, it looks like it is healing well.  The stitches also look good and his incisions are healing.  All good news.  I'm including some pictures.... again, they aren't so pretty.  Take care while scrolling.  The skin graft site and the stitches are visible.  Also, the swelling is going down, but his left hand and fingers are still a little bigger than the right.

Jim's hands 6/30/14

Left hand 6/30/14

We were brainstorming stories to answer the inevitable questions Jim will face regarding the appearance of his hand.  We thought games of mumbley peg or a wicked bar fight (...should have seen the "other guy") were decent, but Erin's suggestion of, "This is what happens when you drop a penny in the alligator cage," was our favorite.  Meanwhile, Jim thinks his resemblance to Sally from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is uncanny!  

The stitches will come out next week, with surgery for Jim's right hand still scheduled for the end of July.  The doctor is keeping a close eye on the confirmed cancerous spot at the base of his right thumb.  That particular spot has grown some and actually split the skin.  At this point, it can wait a while longer while Jim's left hand heals, but it is definitely on the doctor's radar.  

Things in our neck of the woods are going well.  We have been careful with Jim in the sun - much to his chagrin at times, but as careful as we can be.  It is kind of amazing how often our hands are in the sun without even thinking about it.  Poor Jim got an earful when he rested his hand on the door of the car when the window was down.  He's lucky he got it out of the way as I rolled it up. 

Aside from being the sunscreen and shade police, I'm also earning my keep as the lawn boy, although the "K" I mowed in the backyard isn't as obvious as I had hoped.  I guess I need more practice!  

The boys are doing well.  Neither one of them objects to sunscreen anymore and both are helping out with more chores around the house.  Our sensitive Quentin has had his fair share of emotions lately.  After the last surgery, he started crying and asked me, "When are they going to stop cutting pieces out of my daddy?"  Seriously, that just breaks my heart.  We talked through it as best we could.  It was good to remind all of us that Jim has an amazing doctor, whom we trust completely.  We are completely confident that Jim is receiving the best care possible and that the doctor is doing what is absolutely necessary.

Thank you to the friends and family supporting us along the way.  This isn't an impossible journey, but the kindness and caring of others definitely makes it easier.  We greatly appreciate all the love that has come our way, in all its many forms - meals, cards, messages, phone calls, thoughts and prayers.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much.