Waiting Sucks.

What a looooong week! I'll try to give you the shortest version possible, so here goes nothin'. As I noted in a previous post, Ike was scheduled for an ultrasound on Monday. Well, we went...and the doctor called me back 3 hours later to discuss the results. When you get results that quickly, you know things can't be good. Turns out, Ike has excess fluid on his brain (hence the giant head). We were referred to the Phoenix Children's Hospital Neurology Center for further analysis, but of course, we couldn't get in until Friday (today). I can honestly say, those four days were the longest I have ever experienced. Note to self: DO NOT do internet research when you have no idea what you're dealing with...that didn't help my anxiety in the least! Anyway, Jordan and I took Ike to his appointment this morning. In addition to Ike's Plagiocephaly and Torticollis (flat-head and tight neck muscles for the layperson), he has approximately 8 mm of fluid on his brain. Normal levels are around 2-3 mm. The doctor explained that anywhere from 5-10 mm is considered a mild prominence of fluid. However, these fluid levels can change rapidly, so now we have to bring him in every month to be examined. There's a strong possibility that he has what is called "benign subdural of infancy", meaning it will go away on its own by the time he turns 1 (without treatment). If his fluid levels go above 15 mm, he will need brain surgery. They will insert a shunt into his brain and the fluid will drain through a tube that will go from his brain into his abdomen. The shunt will be taken out around age 3. Needless to say, we are praying that he has the benign form. For now, we are doing "physical therapy" and 4 hours of tummy time each day with him at home (to correct the flat-head and neck muscle issues).

So now we find ourselves with a daughter who may need heart surgery (she has a Ventricular Septal Defect...aka tiny hole in her heart that we've known about since she was born) and a son who may need brain surgery. Both kids require monthly/yearly visits to a specialist, and we really don't know when we'll find out what's going to happen with either of them. All we can do is wait. Ugh. Isn't waiting the worst? I remember being a little kid and getting so impatient for the new school year to start...ah the good ol' days.

Well, that's where we're at right now. Just waiting and praying. And if you'd like to help us out in the prayer department, we sure would appreciate it.