Final Results and Check-Up

This week we finally got the final results from the amniocentesis...Turner's Syndrome is definitely confirmed. We were not surprised by the results, though we are definitely heartbroken at the prognosis. Tim and I have been through and endless week of appointments, but the most significant was our visit to the specialist in Topeka. We knew the day was off to a bad start when we were sorely disappointed by the quality of our beloved pancakes in the Dining Facility. It appears that we got the cakes at the bottom of the pile that had been under a heating lamp too long...unsatisfactory. At any rate, we got absolutely no positive news at all during our appointment. The ultrasound was heartbreaking....the hygroma has gotten very large and is now running down the baby's back and has entered the chest cavity. The size of the hygroma has limited the space available for the baby and has pushed her into a fairly unnatural-looking position. The doctor explains that the position was the most comfortable for the baby, but it still broke my heart to see her. The most significant finding is that there is significant pleural effusion, which is fluid build-up in the lungs. This is the precursor to the heart failure that the doctor has been predicting for a while now. Looking at the ultrasound made it really difficult to choke back tears. We have decided not to see Dr. Evans again for another four weeks. We do not have any more diagnostic needs and there are no treatment options, so we do not really need to assistance of a specialist.

Thank you all very much for your words of love and support. The one positive that I can draw from this experience is an overwhelming sense of support from friends and loved ones. Thank you very much.

In other news, Timmy continues to grow and keep us on our toes every day. He's so cute and fun as he grows and learns. Sometimes we look over at him and realize that he is very obviously imitating something that he has seen one of us do. We can't stifle our giggles...he's a funny baby. Unfortunately, this week we have been plagued with the tummy-bug. Timmy was "kicked out" of daycare on Thursday and was sick through Friday. Tim and I took turns staying with him. As much as I wish I could take way the illness, I will have to admit that it was really nice to be able to stay home and rest with him a little bit. I have felt physically better in the last few days than I have felt the entire time I have been pregnant. Unfortunately, Tim got the "bug" today and has spent the entire day on the couch. What a weekend!