The microarray came back normal. What does this mean? Um, well, you see...I'm not really sure! The Dr.'s statement was that as far as our current technology goes (which is pretty great, by the way) Charlotte is a chromosomally normal child. That is good I guess. It does leave us with the question of how could so much have gone wrong? And as her mother I think, what the heck did I eat, drink or do that would cause this. But, in the end there are never answers to the why's and that leads us back to trusting in God.
The next step is to decide where we will deliver. There are 3 hospitals in the DFW area that can do the surgery for Spina Bifida. Our current pediatrician, who we LOVE, is a part of Cook's Children so we are leaning towards that hospital. Several people have mentioned the in utero procedure for SB. It started as a trial at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) and is now out of trial and at several hospitals in other states. There is some conflicting data on the risks and benefits and on top of that several doctors have told us that Charlotte is not a good candidate for this surgery. After some prayer, I agree. I wish I could fix her now but I believe her heart needs more time to develop and possibly correct itself so she will be strong enough to endure the SB surgery.
Next we will see the pediatric cardiologist for our hospital to confirm the heart defect and find out more details. Then we will meet with the neurological team that will perform the SB surgery. We know that the opening is in the lumbar sacral region but they will provide more specifics. FYI The lower on the spine the less neurological damage. Plus, I will need a new OB because mine delivers only at Lewisville and Flower Mound.
Whew! We ask that you pray that we are led to the right doctors and hospital for Charlotte and for continued strength and endurance as new struggles arise. And on a side note pray for one of our doctors and her family as her father passed away last week.
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