Tot back home after surgery
Ellaray Lewis is back home after her 10th surgery.
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Updated: July 02, 2009 4:14 PM
It was her 10th and longest operation yet, but after a tough go, young Ellaray Lewis is holding her own on the road to recovery.
The toddler, who is battling an aggressive skin cancer, underwent surgery last week at BC Children's Hospital. Doctors implanted bags under her skin, where new skin will be grown to replace diseased tissue that is being removed approximately every three months.
Until now, doctors have been able to stretch Ellaray's own skin over the exposed areas. But after so many procedures, there's no stretch left.
Ellaray's dad, Craig, said by e-mail the three-hour surgery went well, but by Saturday morning, the 2½-year-old had taken a turn for the worse, with a fever and high blood pressure.
A blood transfusion was necessary to get her on track, and by Sunday morning, the colour was back in her face.
"Things are going very well... lots of 'it hurts, Daddy,'" writes Lewis.
"She sure is happy to be home... and everyday gets a little more of her old self back, that little smile again."
As of Wednesday, Ellaray had still "not moved at all" from her position at home in bed.
Lewis again expressed appreciation for the support he and Ellaray have received from the community.
Most recently, a dance June 27 at the Crescent Beach Legion raised more than $3,000 to help the father and daughter through. The money was generated through ticket sales, a 50/50 draw and a small silent auction organized by the Friends of Ellaray. There was even a firefighter collecting donations in exchange for dances.
The Ladies' Auxiliary chipped in another $1,000 for the cause; the Delta firefighters' charity fund added $500.
"What a world of kindness and care we live in," Lewis writes.
Pam Hovan, who helped organize the dance with her husband John, said the night went "really well." Funds collected will be donated to a trust account in Ellaray's name set up at the Ocean Park branch of Coast Capital Savings.
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