Our Grow family has been hit a little bit harder than usual the last weekend. I won't go into detail, but Parker (a cousin to the triplets) was run over by a golf cart (being driven by another cousin). He broke his femur pretty intensely. It was pretty traumatic for all of us that were there.
So much so, it put our other sister Kimberly into preterm labor! She's expecting twins (yes, natural multiples again...) So, I haven't had a whole lot of extra time to update everyone on the Lows!
And, Leslie obviously has her hands full with everything she is handling!
Anywho...the triplets update is as follows:
The traveling group was able to return to Edmonton today. Leslie was very anxious to get back home to Benson and Richard and life at home. (We won't focus on the fact that she has to return to Toronto in 1 week...) Leslie says the traveling is getting easier. Practice makes perfect. :)
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| The group heading back to Edmonton Jen & Thomas - Sara & Mason - Leslie and Luke I just realized how much Sara and Leslie look alike in this picture! Ha! |
Mason is doing well. He continues to be a little cranky, but nobody blames him. :) Cancer isn't pleasant.
Luke was cleared and able to join the other babies back at the condo on Monday evening. Finally, they are all together again! Luke didn't seem to suffer any difficulties from the mishap earlier, so all is well.
Thomas got his new prosthetic eye today. It looks so beautiful! As Sara said, she was feeding Thomas, and wondered if she was actually feeding Luke because the prosthetic looked so natural.
This retinoblastoma thing is all new to our family. So, we've been fascinated with all the details. Leslie doesn't want to gross anybody out, or show anything that's too graphic for people.
**Therefore, if you don't want to see Thomas without an eye, I suggest skipping the below pictures.**
Thomas ready to fly to his appointment!
I will show this diagram again, because for me, it is the most simple and explains the next few pictures.
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| image via www.rbsociety.ca |
This is Thomas' new prosthetic eye.
This is with the orbital implant in, and the temporary prosthetic:
This is Thomas without the prosthetic in place. The orbital implant is in, it's just covered by his natural 'membrane' so we don't see it. (see diagram above for clarification)
This is Thomas with his new, beautiful prosthetic!
Modern medicine and skill never cease to amaze me.
You can't even tell which is the real and which is the prosthetic eye.
Thomas is being seen by Matt Milne, a Board Certified Ocularist at Archibald Maxillofacial Clinic in Toronto. Milne is an ocularist. A profession I (Emily) did not even know existed before all this retinoblastoma business! An ocularist is someone that specializes in making and fitting prosthesic eyes.
Interesting Facts learned today:
- What will his depth perception be like? Thomas' depth perception is only affected for things near him, within about 3 feet or less. If an object is further away, it's not so much about having 2 eyes. Rather, your brain is the major factor in determining how far away something is because of how big / small it looks in relation to other objects.
- Will he have peripheral vision? Thomas' peripheral vision is only reduced by about 15% - even with one eye. That's incredible.
- Can he see 3d? Thomas won't be able to see 3d movies because that requires 2 eyes to trick your brain into seeing 3d on a 2d surface. But, his real life 3d experience is still 3d. I say, who cares. 3d movies are way over rated anyway. :)
- Do you have to clean the prosthetic eye? Yes, you clean it about once a month. As he grows and gets older, he will figure out how to take it out. And, there is always the chance it will fall out, or be popped out accidentally, it happens.
- How long will it last? The prosthetic is made from plastic that will last about 2 years. They will adjust the fitting and size of the orbital implant as he grows in the next 2 years.
Modern technology and inventions are amazing!!!!! You are right...you can't even tell he has a prosthetic eye. I am sure, as a boy, he might have fun revealing the truth now and again when older....to some close friends. ; ) P.S. I will add all of your family to our prayers given the latest added sad news at beginning of post. WOw. When it rains it pours. So sorry to hear. Hope that everyone is doing okay and resting comfortably now. Hope it all settles down soon.
ReplyDeleteI am still so amazed about the new prosthetic eye. looks amazing! I'm so glad they're home! want to go say hi soon. I'm sure leslie is happy to be home! oh you grows you never amaze me with how much you can handle and how you all come together! like I said to Emily, I once drove a golf cart down a deep dish fill with trees and bushes with BOTH my parents in it while I was younger. Accidents happen :)
ReplyDeleteGracious, your family is having more than it's share! Prayers that all are well. I am a total stranger but have been following your beautiful boys for a while now. They are God's gift to you and, in a way, to all of us who follow and pray.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your other family members, hope they recover soon, wow!
ReplyDeleteYay for modern medicine! That prosthetic looks fantastic! While I don't enjoy the fact that those little ones have to endure cancer, I am appreciative to learn about retinoblastoma and the eye itself.
ReplyDeleteHope this week is easier than the last. <3
The prosthetic looks amazing!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you get to go home for a bit, and Thomas' prosthetic is unbelievable! I must add that even Thomas' near depth perception will probably be fine - the brain is amazing at compensating. I only rarely get tricked/confused by something not being quite where I thought! Still praying for your sweet baby boys, and Kim too! --Erin
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting fact: prosthetics don't float! I didn't find that out for a while.
ReplyDeleteI think of your family frequently and all the trials you are going through. We experienced pinkeye right around the time of Foster's enucleation and it was difficult.
At nineteen months, he already helps me with his eye. Heads up, his twin brother is very disappointed that he can't take his eye out. It is actually quite funny to watch him take the plunger and try to get it on his eye. You have to find the humor and the smiles in difficult times.
Emily, thanks for taking the time for the update, thanks for the education as well, it will be interesting as Thomas grows, how his eye will compensate.
ReplyDeleteWe will add your family to our list for prayers. We think of the boys often including Benson.
Hey Emily,
ReplyDeleteOne of my very good friends lives in Edmonton and I would love for her to be able to get in touch with you or Leslie to offer assistance. What is the best contact email/number to give her? You can email me at lew1019atgmaildotcom
Thanks,
Leslie
I just wanted to let Richard and Leslie know that their beautiful family has been in our prayers here in England.
ReplyDeleteRandy & Jenn
Amazing. He is just the cutest thing, with or without the prosthesis!
ReplyDeleteI just want to add in here- my dad is blind in one eye and he doesnt have much of an issue with depth perception! He said the only time he gets nervous is driving on rainy nights because everything looks distorted, but otherwise he lives a totally normal life!
ReplyDelete