Day 4~Perspective

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26:3-4

Today was our last day of testing and meeting with doctors this week before Mary Graham will have her VEPTR surgery on March 13th. We are so relieved and thankful. I have prayed for peace and a greater perspective of what's to come with this major surgery MG is about to experience. This week has been full of so much, it's hard to even put it all in words....but even in the midst of the fear and uncertainty, today seems to have brought the most perspective and peace.

These details may be more than you wanted to know, but it helps me to get it all out and process it, and I appreciate you taking time to read.

First we met with Dr. Oscar Mayer (yes, that's right, his great grandfather is THE Oscar Mayer), our pulmonologist. His most concern is with MG's right lung. On the CT scan it showed to be partially collapsed and one of her brochus tubes appears bent (this is what connects the trachea to the lungs). She has some shallow, labored breathing, which we have already been aware of. He believes this is because her chest wall and spine are being so contorted because of her scoliosis. This was concerning to hear. Dr. Mayer wanted to do a bronchoscopy to get a better look. This would mean staying longer and having this procedure done Friday under anesthesia. However, they performed a pulmonary function test where MG was sedated and tested her lung capacity and breathing in and out and this was normal. He was actually a little surprised to see she did so well with her breathing and that she has not had pnemonia or bronchitis over the last several months with her lungs. God has totally protected MG and kept her healthy, he has heard our prayers. After that he decided to wait until the same day as her veptr surgery to do this procedure. We were so thankful for this and not having to stay longer, since we will be back in a little over a week anyway.

Next, we were able to meet with Dr. Campbell, our amazing orthopedist. It was all I could do to keep myself from running and hugging him and thanking him for doing what he does. He cares so much and is so compassionate. And if it weren't for his development of the veptr MG would not have any options. The veptrs will improve her quality of life-I'm forever thankful to God for sending us to him.

They worked us in today and we were able to ask lots of questions. He went through the steps of veptr surgery and the risks. Although there are great risks with this surgery, he said not doing the surgery would be a bigger risk. He will place two veptrs, one on each side of her spine (called bilateral), with 4 incisions. The veptr rods will open up her ribs and allow for her lungs, especially her right one, to develop and grow as she grows. Also, it should begin to slowly straighten her spine. Every four months we will return for adjustments of the rods. Dr. Campbell felt like she looked healthy and was just big enough to handle the surgery. I asked him his opinion (I ask this to just about every doctor we lay eyes on) about why Mary Graham has these abnormalities. Of course I know only God knows her the best and what her future holds, but it's hard not to seek out the answers myself. Guess it's my way of feeling a little in control. Dr. Campbell said children can have certain conditions or diseases, but they present very differently in each child. He said she was growing and a bright little girl and that is very encouraging to see.

So, after this week, I can begin to grasp what is to come with the veptr surgery and I am able to see this amazing team of doctors come together to find the best treatment plan for MG. The timing is also very important, so to be proactive and not allow her scoliosis and lungs worsen anymore. So many praises and things to be thankful for and the clarity we have been given.

Mary Graham will turn one on Sunday-it's hard to believe this year as I look back. There will be lots of challenges over the next several weeks, to say the least. God is here though, He has made our steps firm and brought us so far and I believe he will continue to, He has promised to. Don't think I've really been climbing that mountain I spoke of before this trip, I have been carried, and that has given me new perspective.

Thank you, thank you for continuing to pray for Mary Graham and our family. I've been so humbled to know so many are praying for her. We are so grateful for your love and support as this journey continues.