As I shared, this all happened so fast. We found ourselved in a hospital in Tampa on Thursday morning, given a choice to make on what gives the best chance for survival of our boys. It seemed that on our way to Tampa, it was clear that we would do the surgery if we were allowed. But, as we faced the decision, we realized the impact of either decision we made. The main issues we faced as they were being examined, Siska was experiencing contractions every four minutes. They were worried that she could go into labor at any time. The donor (little Matthew) had absent blood flow, with potential of reverse blood flow. The recipient (Noah) was getting was getting too much and his heart was enlarged. Neurological damage and heart failure were concerns for both. The amniotic fluid level at normal at 3 to 8 centimeters. Noah was measuring at 20 entimetes(was the largest our nurses has ever seen). Matthew was 2.4 centimeters. Because of the amniotic fluid in Noah's sac, Siska was measuring at 44 weeks. This issue had pushed Matthew deep into Siska's lower belly and they could not get any good ultrasound pictures. After discussing the issues we faced with the doctor, he would not and could not tell us what we should do. We just prayed, and we knew you were praying too. We told ourselves whatever decision we made, we would not second guess.
I felt like the Psalmist when he penned, “Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for, Thou are with me.” Although, my heart felt, "Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I am so afraid, but I know you are with me."
To be continued...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Matt-
we are friends of Gunnar and Missy JOhnson. I just wanted you to know we are joining the chorus of prayers being lifted on your behalf. May the Lord give you wisdom...May He strengthen and sustain your boys...May He bless your wife. May you feel HIs presence in the midst of it all!
The Brooks family
Matt - we were so glad to hear that the surgery went well. I know you know I am a twin and back 40 odd years ago, there was no ultrasound, so I do not know for sure if my sister and I are identical or not. We look very much alike and my mother always told us we were growing up. I tell you this to let you know - we were born 6 weeks premature, I weighed 2 pounds 3 1/2 ounces and my sister weighed just over 3 pounds. I do not know what caused us to be born premature, I do know the only medical problems we had were low birth weight (under 5 pounds) and we were a little jaundice. But other than that - there were no medical problems. I pray that Siska, Noah and Matthew come through this stronger than before. Please know we are keeping you all in our prayers. Love, The Lamb family
Post a Comment