I saw my regular OB the morning of the 17th, and everything looked good as far as the belly check and heartbeat check went. She told us that she has/had a patient that had Dandy-Walker, and that she is fine and had a healthy pregnancy. Interesting.
We had to wait about a half an hour for our ultrasound with genetics. I was okay waiting this time.
We had another amazing tech. She was super sweet. I told her that at our last visit it was mentioned that we may be able have a 3D ultrasound performed. She promised she would try if he was cooperating.
The ventricles in his brain continued to measure as "normal" other than the one in the fourth ventricle, but it is only a couple of mm larger than it should be. No huge cause for concern at this point. He looked amazing. I have to admit with each ultrasound, I stare hopefully at the screen wishing the malformation would disappear. A mother can dream. Baby boy cooperated. Our tech switched over to 3D and 4D. I watched him open his mouth, lift one side of his lip, and smile! He is so sweet.
A new doctor of genetics came in to meet with us. He was very nice and wanted to sit with us and learn all about what we know and add what he could, etc. Nothing new was discovered. He did float up above the cyst to show us what they think might be some vermis. WHO KNOWS. He was surprised that we hadn't been sent for an echocardiogram, so he had our genetic counselor arrange a scan for us. Thankfully we were able to get in the same day. We have had to miss quite a bit of work because of all our appointments, but that's just how it is. The scan of his heart was normal. Thank you God.
Before the echo, we did meet with a neonatologist to discuss what would happen right after birth. I can't say that we enjoyed that meeting. She was the black cloud of the day. For some reason she felt the need to remind us that what he has isn't normal and that we have no idea how he will do mentally or physically. She said, "I can't tell you what kind of Kindergartener he will be." Well, I didn't ask her any of those questions. I know we are facing the unknown and that's the most terrifying part of it all, so thanks lady. One thing that she did say that was kind of like an, "Oh," moment was that just because the rest of the brain, body, etc. is developed and present, it doesn't mean that it will function correctly. I hadn't really thought about that. I was always encouraged that everything else appeared to be "normal" so I just thought it would "work" too. Add more worries to my list. Anyway, she said that directly after birth, he'll be taken to the NICU for a full evaluation. Worst case scenario, he'll be transported to the children's hospital for surgical intervention. Best case scenario, he'll be able to return to me and wait for his MRI or head ultrasound. She said it all depends on whether he knows he has this. Interesting. Please God, let my baby stay with me.
So four appointments later, we were able to head home to pick up Ally. She was so excited to see the awesome pics of her baby brother.
Next ultrasound/genetics appointment is April 14th. Prayers and hope until then.
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