Helps the medicine go down.
It certainly did today. Thank you so much for all of your prayers. Our appointment with the neonatologist went very well. Dr. Hall is a very kind, calm, trustworthy man. While the outlook hasn't changed, I feel as though he is very supportive of the choices we have made...and will take an honest and thorough look at our baby at delivery and then help guide us in the direction that we need to go. He emphasized several times throughout our meeting that although our son's life will be shorter than we'd ever want it to be, that doesn't mean that it isn't meaningful. He said that he and his staff will do everything they can to help make this as meaningful an experience as it can be for us...which we are truly grateful for.
He reassured us that our baby will look relatively normal...he said that babies that are in utero without fluid often appear to have been "shrink wrapped"...and while our little dude will probably stay curled up in the fetal position, as he has been in the womb, his face and limbs will not be scary to look at. His facial features will probably be a bit flattened, but this we can handle. This is a huge relief as some folks have told us that our baby will look very malformed.
He anticipates that, if things are as they appear to be on the sonograms, our son will live for no longer than a few hours. He did say that he will most likely be born alive. He also said that our baby will not experience any kind of pain while he is alive, and will just gradually stop breathing and go to heaven peacefully. Dr. Hall said that they will evaluate him when he is born, and if they determine that he, in fact, has no lung tissue, they will wrap him in a warm blanket and let us hold him and try to make the most of the short time he'll be with us on this earth. If they determine that there's enough lung tissue to make a "go" of it, he'll most likely be transported to Children's Mercy immediately. We haven't given up hope that maybe, God will grant us this miracle...but if not, we will make the most of the time we are given.
We are looking at late June for our delivery. This will put us around 32 weeks...long enough to be well past the point of viability, but early enough that hopefully some of our sanity will be left. Keep praying.
I hope this Doctor trains many medical students. His bedside manner (or chair-side manner in our case) is legendary. What a gift.
Tomorrow I may try to write and share a bit more of our story with you...I know that several of you are reading this and may not know how this all got started...and we want to invite you in to stay for awhile if you'd like. :)
Until then...
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Hello:
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, I am Ashley(Batliner) Lewis' mother-in-law. I just wanted to let you know that you are in our prayers, and I have ask several of my friends who are wonderful prayer warriors to add you to their prayers as well. I do believe in miracles! I am amazed by YOUR strength, and blessed by your testimony and faith. Please know that many from all over are praying for you and your family.
Teresa Lewis
Dear Lindsey and Brandon,
ReplyDeleteWanted to let you know I have been praying and hoping for the best for you and your family. I too believe in miracles, but know as a nurse, that it is good to be prepared for whatever comes. I am reminded of a story written by Dale Evans and Roy Rogers about the birth or their little one born with difficulties. The title is "Angel Unaware" and is about the wonders of God's gift of this tiny angel and how it affected their lives. Don't know if it is still in print, but might be a comforting read for you. I know God's Grace will be sufficient to get you through whatever comes so just keep leaning on Him and trusting his mercy. I will pray the days go swiftly and that you are supported by God's love and comfort. My love goes out to all of you!
Kathy Rishel
Hello, Lindsey and Brandon,
ReplyDeleteYou have been given much support and Godly advice here. It is wonderful to see it happening because the truth is that you have chosen the right path. Romans 12:3 says God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Our prayer for you and your family is that He will take the faith He has planted in you and multiply it. May the truth of His Word be so firmly established in your hearts that faith will grow daily and navigate your life as you continue to look to Him for truth, guidance and transformation. May you never be without hope, and continue to have the faith strong enough to lift you above even these frightening circumstances. I pray also that the seeds of your faith as parents, planted in prayer, will bring forth life and grow your children into big people who follow after God's heart.
We continue to pray boldly for a miracle and we are convinced this remarkable infant son you carry already is experiencing your love for him and God's love as well.
Love,
Gary and Jeni