Gentlemen & Ladies,
                           Had text this morning from Lisa, after two days of Tests, Tommy went down for his Op. at 008.00 hrs, he was well and excited.
  They will remove the cartilage from his rib, implant this on to the cranium under the skin. The cartilage will then grow forming the base for the new ear.
  Tommy will then return in six months to have the ear formed and work to the actual hearing. A very complicated procedure and a pioneering operation.
   Lisa sends her most sincere gratitude for all you help, your love and your caring.
    We shall keep you posted as his recovery progresses.
                            Best Regards, Mac

Gentlemen & Ladies,

                                  SitRep. From Lisa re. Tommy.

For 48 hrs after the Op. Tommy was very poorly, it appears that the morphine pain killer made him very sick. So for two nights he was in a lot of pain from where they had removed the Rib cartilage.

 Today he was much improved, having had the drain removed from the rib area and able to have a requested ‘jam sandwich’ and a short walk with the doctor.

    They did a lot of work on this first Op; not only did they form a basis of new ear, under the skin of the cranium. They also formed a new ear attached to his rib-cage, with an ear canal, once again under the skin, where it will develop.

    This means that when Tommy returns for his next visit he will not have to go through the trauma of removing a rib section, but the lesser operation of removing the grown ear and transplanting in its correct place.

   Tommy has had a huge highly technical operation and has come through it, although with a lot of pain and discomfort, being very brave through the ordeal.

    They hope to be able to return home later next week, depending on progress.

        Lisa asked to send their profound gratitude and all their love and they will visit the ‘Boards’ as soon as able.

                                                Best Regards, Mac

Gentlemen & Ladies,

                               Latest Info. On Mon. 13^th April, Tommy and his Mum Lisa, travel to Germany for the second stage of Tommy’s treatment.

    This is a big operation, during the procedure; he will have further constructive work carried on his new ear, plus exploratory work on his existing and future hearing capability. This will involve entrance to the skull and hearing canal.

   He will also have the initial work done to his right ear; the cartilage for this is now growing on his rib cage.

    It is a very long and invasive operation, resulting in Tommy and Mum being in Germany 10-14 days.

    We were informed on Tuesday that due to various agencies administration problems, the funding for the trip was not in place. Fortunately the Charity was able to rectify that within 24 hrs and cover the cost of flights and accommodation.

   We were able to do that thanks to the generosity and support the Coldstream family and friends who taken this young man to heart.

   We thank you and give Tommy & Lisa all our support during the next few weeks.

                                        Best Regards Mac