In Surgery

Steve just went into surgery.  Right before he went, we met with the doctors, whom I feel very confident in, and they discussed in detail the approach they are taking with Steve.  They will go in, possibly under the jaw and position the bones where they want them to give them the best possible chance to calcify and regrow.  Then, they will wire the jaw shut and put external pins in place to hold the external fixator.  Steve's jaw will be wired for 8 weeks or so and eventually down the road Steve will receive dental implants to replace the teeth he has lost.  Right now, they know that there are for sure six teeth missing but they also know there are more that are loose.

Here are pictures of the two main surgeons:

                                   Dr. Mark Urata

Dr. Jeffrey Hammoudeh

Although Steve has been heavily sedated since last night, I had the opportunity to be with him alone for a little bit about an hour before the surgery.  It was emotional but very peaceful and reassuring.  I woke him up to tell him how much I love him and I told him I did my best to find him the best surgeons.  I didn't want to upset him but I couldn't help but cry softly as I held his hand.  He opened his eyes and a tear rolled down his cheek.  I know he understood.

I will continue to update as I receive news of the surgery.