A pink cast for Thao

Thao continues to thrive in Sacramento. Her new skin is starting to heal and she says sometimes she can feel it tingle. She loves how smooth it is and how soft it feels. In order to keep her new skin from slipping she has to wear a velcro mask. But, each night she gets to remove the mask to apply lotion to her new skin.

Recently Thao had her first surgery on her left hand. This operation was delayed a few weeks, since she had a slight fever the day the surgery was originally planned for. This photo was taken a day after her surgery. She has had some pain but not overwhelming and it's becoming less each day. She will have some new challenges for several weeks, especially at school but the kids and school staff are anxious to have her back and willing to help her adjust.

Notice the matching cast on the doll. This picture also shows a good view of her new soft and smooth facial skin.

The cast will remain on her hand for the next few weeks. This is only the first of a few planned surgeries for her hand. It hoped that through surgery and rehabilitation Thao will gain movement of her fingers. The original goal for Thao to be able to touch her fingers to her thumb. However, Thao showed everyone her determination by reaching this goal months before this surgery took place.

As usual, she continues to amaze us all.