Sunday, March 13, 2011

Where We're At

Dr. Atkinson came by a little bit ago. We discussed Harper's lungs and he didn't seem surprised at all at her levels. He explained that while the numbers came back low, those results aren't necessarily an exact indicator of how a baby's lungs will perform once delivered. But since we know she's not ready, we will wait on delivering for another two weeks.

I asked him if he felt like she was in any danger where she is now. He said that if he wasn't concerned, he wouldn't have me here, but that he feels very comfortable waiting another two weeks. Her growth hasn't completely plateaued, which is a good thing.

Since we were already having the amnio done for the lung maturity tests, we went ahead and sent some amniotic fluid off for chromosome testing. It is a real possibility that Harper's growth issues are being caused by a chromosomal abnormality. We have known that because of her heart defect, she is at an increased risk for this and growth problems are just one more indicator that something bigger could be wrong.

I can't decide which is scarier: knowing or not knowing.

Those results take several days to process, so we won't have them back until Tuesday at the earliest. Dr. Atkinson is monitoring Harper three times a day and wants to continue doing that for a couple of days until we find out about the chromosome results.

So I'll be a resident here for at least a couple more days. The good news is that he gave me a pass to come and go from the hospital so I can at least have a little break from this room. I have to have someone who is "responsible" for me while I'm out, but I have a good feeling Dustin will do that for me. So I have big plans for dinner and a little shopping tonight.

It'll be a long two days as we sit here with not much to do and wait for results that could be life-changing. Dustin has been releasing a little nervous energy with some retail therapy today. He went to church this morning and since then, he's been to Home Depot twice, been to Harbor Freight Tools, and he's currently at Lowe's. The only consolation I have is that I have the car so loaded down with everything I own that he can't possibly buy too much. For some reason shopping for tools is more appealing to him than the Sister Wives marathon on TLC today.



If you would, please just keep us in your prayers while we wait to find out more information on this sweet girl and for peace and understanding with whatever information we receive.  You can't imagine the peace and comfort it brings us to know that we have so many praying for us and surrounding us with love and support during this time of uncertainty. We are so blessed.

8 comments:

Cheree Tate said...

It sounds good to know that you have another 2 weeks to let her grow. Thanks for giving updates. Hope you are doing ok there. It is nice of them to let you come and go as you please. "Hospital room" is rarely a calming, soothing decor of choice. :) And sunshine will boost your spirits hopefully! Praying for you and Harper (and of course all the men in your life). Love you & hang in there....

Jami said...

I have been thinking about you SO much lately. I'm thankful that you and Harper are there being monitored and know that it must be hard not knowing what the future holds. Thanks so much for keeping us updated through this blog. Praying for you and love you all; and please let us know if you need anything at all!

Crystal said...

****hugs and prayers****. Thanks for the update. I'm thinking of you all and praying fervently.

Kathi said...

love you all....sleep tight....

D'Ann said...

Your updates are great. Hope you get some answers and peace with those answers. We love all of ya!! If you have to stay very long, I'll come treat you to lunch somewhere!!

Jana said...

We are praying for you here in Alabama! Thinking about you and your sweet Harper!

Jessica said...

So thankful sweet Harper is getting this extra time to grow and mature with you. Praying fervently for you and her, Amy, and for Dustin, too. Love you so much!!

Elizabeth said...

Keeping you guys in my prayers Amy and Dustin. Hang in there. The comfort and peace that only God can provide is so great...praying He continues to bless you! Love, Elizabeth Smith

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