We spent from 8:15 to 4:30 at CHOP today. They ran several tests...most of which we have done before. It made for a very long and tiring day.
We sat down with Dr.Kaylic, Dr. Flake and 3 other people on their team at the end of the day. Good news: our baby is currently healthy. There was no growth in the teratoma and Frogger's heart beat was good. There was no swelling. Also, our baby is big for its age which helps its chances. So nothing has changed and the baby is doing good.
The Bad News: they want us to stay here for at least a month. They explained that while the tumor is not growing, teratomas are very unpredictable and can change very quickly. Our thought was to keep going to OSU and if things show signs of going bad we would then go to Philly. From what hey said if things started to go bad, we probably wouldn't have time to make the 8 hour drive without losing the baby or harming Kate. They also explained that they deal with about 15-20 Fetal teratomas a year. OSU probably has 2 or so a year. They know what to look for.
As for prenatal surgery...they said that it is not needed currently. That's only something they do if there's no other option. They could deliver the baby early in a few weeks as another option. The longer the baby stays in though, the better the chance of survival. So our goal is still for the baby to make it to week 34 or so. They will continue to meet with us twice a week. We have to go back on Thursday for an ultrasound.
So tomorrow I (Travis) am riding back to Ohio with Kate's parents and then driving to Belpre to pack our stuff, take care of some chores, and then I will head back to New Jersey. Kate and I will be staying with her aunt and her family during this time.
We are thankful that our baby is healthy and we know that we are where we need to be. We are not pumped about having to stay and wish we could be home and continue life as normal. But sometimes God changes your plans. We look to Him for guidance and comfort. And we are thankful for our family and friends that will no doubt help us during this time.
Do the Indians play the Phillys anytime in the next month? :)
Travis and Kate, so good to hear you had a good visit today. I pray that you are blessed with comfort and peace throughout this process and that you may feel God's hand caring for you each day.
ReplyDeleteYour words of faith are beautiful.....We are praying for you guys and believe without a shadow of a doubt that God is in full control of this situation and will strengthen you as you walk through the valley of the unknown.....we know that you guys believe that too. On a lighter note. I think that it is funny that you have a doctor named "flake" xo Give Kate our love, Lee Richards and family.
ReplyDeleteI wish things could be different for you. There is a reason why God chose you & Kate to be Little Frogger's parents. I admire your strength and faith...<3 I think and pray for Little Frogger and his/her parents and grandparent's everyday.
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