Another Ultrasound

Today (October 14), we had another ultrasound at the perinatologist’s office to see how things looked with Caden now. The ultrasound tech called us back and did a half-hour scan first of all. And, during the ultrasound, she switched over to 4D briefly and we got to really “see” Caden. She printed a couple pictures of his face; he had his left arm across his mouth and resting on his right cheek. So sweet!

After she was done with her part, the perinatologist came in to discuss the ultrasound. He informed us that the thickening of the skin that had been on the back of Caden’s neck was completely gone and it was “normal” now. When we asked him about the shape of the skull, he said it looked “normal” to him as well. Both of these were things they told us in the beginning indicated neurological problems. Of course, as we know, the amnio results showed no chromosomal problems but left us wondering if there were still neurological problems involved. With both of these indicators disappearing and now looking normal, we are so encouraged by the news!

He didn’t spend any time discussing the status of the heart with us because we see the cardiologist for that. Although during the ultrasound we could clearly see all four chambers of the heart, which again was something they said had been defective in the beginning. We know there are still problems with the heart, but not to the extent that was originally thought.

The last thing we talked about was the status of the diaphragmatic hernia. He told us he could see part of the diaphragm, but not all of it and it did appear that the hernia was still a problem. Caden didn’t seem to be in the best position today for them to get some of the views they would have liked. So, unfortunately we don’t have as much information about the hernia as we would have liked. But we will continue to monitor it with another ultrasound in six weeks.

As we were getting ready to leave, the perinatologist said he would set up a consultation with a pediatric surgeon. This way we can get some of our questions answered regarding what will happen at birth if we decide to intervene medically for Caden. We will be able to get a better idea of what to expect, where we should deliver, surgery timelines (in conjunction with heart surgeries as well), etc. I was so relieved to have him set this up for us because it will just help us get more information and at this point, that is all we can do.

When Greg and I left the appointment, we felt so encouraged by the positive news we had received. It seems like in the beginning we were told the worst of the worst and it didn’t seem like there was much hope at all. But, at every appointment we have had, regardless of which specialist it is with, the news keeps getting slightly better. Every week we are given more and more reason to have hope. There is more proof every day that God is with us, helping us through this situation. We are so blessed, regardless of the outcome!