And we're so glad! About 3 weeks ago, when we had our initial meeting with the maternal fetal medicine specialist, we opted to have a procedure done called amniocentesis - they drew an amount of amniotic fluid out of my belly with a very long needle that I did not see because my eyes were closed the entire time. It really wasn't that bad, though. Easier than having blood drawn.
It takes a few weeks for the fluid to culture after which they stain it, put it under a magnifying glass and examine the chromosomes. This past week we received the final results of the test - our baby girl's chromosomes are normal! In other words, she doesn't have Trisomy 13 like the doctor originally said! We were cautiously ecstatic. Of course, she still had something wrong but the elimination of this diagnosis left so much more room for hope!
On Friday we had a follow-up ultrasound to look at her again. She's still small - in the 25th percentile - but she's growing and looks fatter and cuter now than last time. They examined her hands and her right eye (the two other "symptoms" they were concerned about before) and both now appear to be perfectly normal and functioning as they should. The biggest concern, her brain, is still a big concern. It simply didn't form the way it should have. But on closer examination it appears that the center of her brain, which is responsible for life-sustenance (breathing, heart beat, etc.) is fully formed - just like a healthy baby's would be. This means that our baby's chances of survival beyond birth are very good. We just might get to keep her. Our fingers are crossed.
We have a Fetal MRI scheduled for the beginning of April where they will be able to get pictures of her brain. This will give us a better idea of what has and hasn't formed and what she will likely be able to do and have trouble with. Thank you so much for everyone's prayers thus far. We've really felt blessed and know that the Lord is watching over us and has our baby in his hands. Please continue to pray for her as the road ahead of her will likely be a little rocky.
9 years ago
13 comments:
That's such great news, you guys!
That is so great to hear. You will continue to be in our prayers! Keep us posted.
Great news!! You have been and will continue to be in our prayers!!
Oh that is so good to hear. It's amazing what prayers can do. If you need me to watch Brady again please let me know, I would love to help.
Wow! We are rooting for the best! Keep updating so we know what to pray for!
Thanks for the good news. We'll continue to keep you in our prayers. We hope you are able to find out more information at the Fetal MRI. Good Luck. We love you guys.
That is fantastic news! She (and you) is still in our prayers and we are all rooting for things to continue to improve!
I've been checking your blog everyday for updates, and I'm so glad to hear things are looking a bit brighter! It sounds like everyone's going to keep up the praying, and we will too.
WOW!!! How overwhelmingly exciting this is!!! We are so excited and know that all our prayers were answered! You guys are amazing!
I'm so happy to hear the update you guys. We hope and pray that the Lord will continue to bless your sweet little girl and your family. You guys are amazing!
Yeah! Miracles DO happen. I am a firm believer in that! Well we will be cautiously extatic too. Please keep us posted. We check your blog often. I put your names in the temple yesterday and pray for your little family. If you're doing any sort of family fast or something, please let us know. We love you and miss you.
Wow this is great news! We are so happy for you guys.
Wow, that is so great to hear. Keep us posted on what you find out from the MRI.
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