Updates

Updates from the Finkbonners

Posted 04/18/08

First of all, we'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to look at his website. He has been blessed by each one of you.

On Friday, April 11, 2008, Jake underwent his 25th surgery. The photo posted above is of Jake the day after his surgery. The original plan was to revise scars on his cheeks & chin, graft skin from behind his ears to his lower eye lids, and then to take a tendon from his wrist to use as a sling for his lower eye lids that were constantly pulling down.
As you can see from the photo, they did in fact revise the scars to the left and right of Jake's nose, around his mouth, and on the left side of his jaw. Those scars will be significantly thinner once they heal.
The yellow-looking bandages under his eyes are where the skin grafts were placed. They ended up taking the skin from his right collar bone due to the amount of skin that was needed, there just wasn't enough available from behind the ears. Those bandages are actually sewn on to Jake's face to ensure the full thickness skin grafts are totally protected and are kept moist.
And finally, the bandage around Jake's left wrist is where the tendon was taken from and used as a sling to support his lower eye lids. A common question from people is if Jake will lose the ability to grip, throw or catch with his left hand once the tendon is taken out. The answer is no. The tendon that was taken is called the Palmaris Tendon. It is considered an "extra" or "accessory" tendon, which means it doesn't play a significant role on any hand or wrist functions. It's kind of like your appendix, it's there, but you can do without it.
While in the hospital, we were able to stay on top of the pain and keep him occupied with books on iPod, music, Playdoh and Magnetix toys.
The surgery was considered a success. They did NOT have to sew his eyes shut as planned because the procedure with the tendon under Jake's eyes turned out so well. He is not yet back at school, but will be very soon.
Again, thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and well wishes. We are very blessed to come from such a great community!

The Finkbonners
Donny, Elsa
Jake, Miranda, Malia

Photos of Jake
From April 11, 2008 Surgery

Here's Jake entertaining himself with Magnetix the day after his surgery as his eyes are swollen shut.

Jake poses in his baseball uniform.
He is continuing to heal very well, his scars are flat and soft and his eyes are closing almost all the way when he shuts his eyes. We no longer have to maintain his eyes with Refresh Eye Drops during the day and a lubricant at night.

And here's Jake getting ready to hit the ball like his favorite player, Raul Ibanez.