Surgery Update (from Kelsey)
21 October 2020
Hello friends 👋🏼
As promised - here I am, updating you, after my post-op check up at Waikato Hospital yesterday.
All good news! The surgeon was super stoked with how everything is looking and has healed. She even thanked ME, because the surgery was “so rewarding” 😂 turns out, some areas under my grafts had grown some tissue to heal themselves, so the graft could actually be taken right back - this was most notable on my left thumb. I had some other areas like this, and now there are no “pockets” or overhanging graft 🎉 I also had a bunch of small skin tags “burred” back, so now my hands are super smooth, and I don’t have to worry about catching catchy bits on anything. Yaass.
The best news of all, though, was that she’s going to leave me alone for 6-months now. Which means no surgery or check ups over the anniversary/Christmas/New Years period. We can have the normal holiday period we missed out on last year.
I will head back and see her in the new year, and we will discuss whether or not she will be releasing the web space between my thumb and index finger - which at the moment doesn’t bother me, but she is confident she can get full range back in that hand, not just the half-range that I have. And why not strive for the best possible outcome, right?
It’s hard to believe that in 7-weeks it will be 1-year since Whakaari erupted and nearly claimed all of the lives that were on her at the time. To be honest, there are still days that this doesn’t seem real. How can it be?
I’ll try to update you all on how I’m doing a couple times before this page is shut down around December 15th.
Until next time, stay safe and be kind to one another x
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Hey, hey!
Your hands look amazing and very young! I have old wrinkled prune hands. You sound really good and upbeat. It will be great to have a holiday and not have to think about operations.
It will be a hard time for you in seven weeks, I'll be thinking of you.
Today is gorgeous in Taupo. I made the best decision ever to move here three months ago. It's so friendly here and everyone is kind of in holiday mode.
I know everyone says it, but if you're ever passing through, you and the dog and man are welcome to come up and have a coffe, or a vodka, or anything else. I've got a still so make my own!
Will miss your updated when this page closes.
You have made me appreciate every little thing, I have learnt from you.
Janet
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Looks amazing Kelsey. So moved by each of your updates. We think about the past year such an unexpected year yet so much more so for you.
It was such a shocking, unbelievably sad day as we watched what had happened. Thought of your battle, journey going forward.
Your bravery incredibly surreal. You certainly are an amazing, amazing young lady. Your doctors heroes. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas. And know Happy New Year will mean so much to you. :-) So much to look forward to.
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That really is looking really great! Take it very easy and stay close to those that love you on the anniversary. Do post a final update before the page closes, please. Have a great Christmas break, not sure how much we will be able to see of our family, Covid-19 is running away here, at least you are in a country that has it under control. Best wishes from the UK. Rod & Jane
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Hi Kelsey, your hand looks wonderful, you are so brave and the past year you have had to endure so much. Keep calm and your family around you over 9th Dec 2020. We will all be thinking of you, if it wasn't for covid we would be there to help you celebrate this Christmas and your recovery. It is hard to believe almost one year has passed since that day. You have inspired so many with your story and it has been good to hear how you have been healing and getting through it all. All our Love Auntie D & Uncle D xxxx
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Just watched The Volcano on Netflix. Just wanted to let you know you are an inspiration. Much like many others on that day. God bless you.