This poor girl has had a tough life so far (and she is only 10 weeks old!)- many of you know that she is currently in the hospital being treated for Infant Botulism. Botulism is a rare disease in which a particular bacteria attacks the intestines and muscles of a baby; it comes from spores found in dirt in specific places in California and Bucks County, Pennsylvania (click here to find out more). A very expensive antibiotic was flown out from Berkley California (the only place in the country where you can get it) and it is now in Abigail. We are waiting for the antibiotic to do its thing, which we hope to see signs of improvement over the next 24 hours. There is always the chance that it is not Botulism, in which case there will need to be a series of tests done to determine why she seems to be getting weaker. Please pray that it is Botulism as the symptoms of Botulism are completely reversible (it seems weird to ask prayer for our daughter to have a rare disease!).
In addition to the above situation, Abigail has been diagnosed with Metopic Craniosynostosis (click here to find out more). Basically, two of Abigail's bones in her head have "fused together prematurely" so that they cannot grow outward as the brain grows, causing her head to come to a point at the forehead. Abigail will need to have surgery in which they remove those bones and re-shape them to a normal shape; the surgery is scheduled for June 8th.
As you see, Abigail has been through a lot and has a lot more hard times ahead; we also have been through a lot of scares, disappointments and stress. However, through it all, we have felt the nearness of our Lord as He guides us and grants us peace during this difficult time. Also people are coming out of the woodwork to help us out with Jaron, providing food, going shopping, etc., which has been greatly encouraging.
Jaron also has spent his share of time in the hospital; last weekend he jumped off of a step and landed wrong and was not able to walk on his right foot. So, off we went to the emergency room for x-rays, but thankfully there were no fractures. They wrapped him up in a splint and after two days he was up and walking like nothing had happened.
See an update of our Holidays below.
8 comments:
Oh, wow. We'll be praying for little Abigail and for all of you. May the Lord give you His peace and strength during this time of trial.
Praying for your family during this tough time! How great that you are able to share of God's provision through this, even in the midst of it. Thankyou for sharing!
Psalm 91:11
"He shall send his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways."
I see Susan beat me to commenting- we will definitely keep you and your little ones in our prayers.
"When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul."
Ps 94:19
We have been and will be praying for you all! Even Kathryn is praying for "Baby Abbey" as she calls her! Please keep us updated as to how she's doing, as well as how you all are doing.
Our prayers and support are with you. My heart just breaks for you guys and of course little Abigail.
Mary,
Greg's best HS friend had a baby the same year we had Nicholas, and he had the same disorder with his had that your daughter has. They went to John's Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, and saw a world reknown pediatric neurosurgeon who did the surgery, I can't think of his name now, but he was a thin, black man. I have seen articles about him one in praticular in the readers digest. Our freinds son is just fine now and smart as he can be. We will be praying for you and for this infection to be cleared up quickly. May the Lord be your strenght.
Mary and Jeremy,
My heart goes out to you ... Bethany and Pete asked for prayer for you last week in our Sunday School class. We will be praying as a class for you until Abigail is home and well. Thank you for this update ~ I would love to do a meal for you and will be in touch.
Rachel
Lasagna to the rescue!!!!!
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