Well, here it is straight forward. More details and info later but this is the gist of it...
Yesterday Emma had her heart cath and the end result is that the cardiologist does not recommend surgery for her. Her lungs have severe damage from the prolonged pulmonary hypertension and although the PH lowered some with oxygen, she believes something called PVOD has occurred. That would mean that fixing the anatomy of the heart and bringing down her PH would likely not 'fix the problem' and in turn would cause her lungs to not oxygenate the blood properly due to the veins' thickening. This is ONE cardiologist's opinion and we have not yet heart from our surgeon or our regular cardiologist, but at the moment the recommendation for Emma is that we continue to medicate her and hope for the best as far as life span and quality of life.
We're not done yet and still have many unanswered questions. We will seek other opinions and do what we find is best for her but we know that her time here with us may be short. Please continue to pray for Emma. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a HOPE and a future." That's our girl... Emma HOPE.
Even though this isn't the news we wanted to hear there's not one minute of this journey that I would change nor one second I regret. God brought our girl home to us and HE has plans for her. That I'm sure of.
Please remember the other little angels around the world- children with Down syndrome that, like Emma, will receive little or no medical treatment and would absolutely benefit from being adopted as early as possible.
We are praying for you and Emma. God was a plan, amen. He has already touched so many lives through you and Emma, lives that are forever changed. Your family has so perfectly demonstrated God's unconditional love. It is great to watch the children grow and change in the few short weeks they have been with you. We are praying for a miracle and are watching as God unfolds his miracle to your family.
ReplyDeleteRobyn (downsyn)
Meredith, That is so not the news I was hoping to hear.I am so glad however to hear that you are so positive about it all. Above all the most important thing is that Emma now knows the love of a family.I will continue to pray for her.
ReplyDeleteOur Emma is a fighter and she has the best anyone could ever have on her side, JESUS!!!
ReplyDeleteShe has come so far in just the month since coming home. She is definitely covered in prayer all over the world!! God has a plan for her.
Love,
Mom and Dad C
Meredith, We are praying for Emma and for your whole family! Darah's PH isn't nearly as severe, but it's the scariest thing for me. If you ever need an ear, I'm here! BIG OLE' HUGS!!!
ReplyDeletePraying for you.
ReplyDeleteIf she has made it this far, I bet she makes it much much longer, she is a fighter and under great care she will go far. Would they consider a heart transplant or would that be too risky?
ReplyDeleteIn any case, if she made it this long her body must be doing its best and she will have a great life.
Amy O.
I will tell you that we had many heart specialist tell us our son would not live but a few weeks. Even when our cardiologist recommended surgery, many in the group said 'NO". (It is a university setting where they teach as well as 'doctor') He had PAH (but not as long as Emma). They did the surgery and all is well, 2 years after surgery. I say all this to say, 'follow your heart'. only God knows what is in store for you and Emma. I wish you the best and will pray for you.
ReplyDeleteJan
I'm sorry that it wasn't exactly what we hoped for, but we'll keep praying, and she'll keep fighting, and you guys will keep lovin' her bunches! Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing I will tell you, DH was unsure of bringing our child home from the hospital when we were told it was a matter of weeks for our son to live. I said, "If my son only has a few days/weeks, they will not be spent in a hospital. They will be spent in a loving place where he will be at peace" Emma has that. She has a home (as opposed to an orphanage) and a loving family. I truly believe that is one of the things that kept our son going. I think that is what has made Emma so strong. Keep looking for other options and keep giving her love and prayers. She is a fighter and that says a lot. She has blessed your family tremendously. So keep the faith and keep fighting for her. Her journey is just beginning.
ReplyDeleteJan
You know what, Meredith? God is good and He is watching over you and your family. I know His will will be done and it is a perfect will! Keep loving your babies and blessing their lives. I am in awe of what you do! I am the adoptive mother of two Ukrainian children too. What a blessing our children are! I will keep you all in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteChristina
Man...I am sorry you got that news. Was wondering why there was no update. Do you remember Lukie? No doctor would operate on him either. And now look at him. God will make it possible if that is his plan for her life. If you would like to contact Darla let me know.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are breaking, we saw her sitting and getting stronger and we had such great hopes and still are not willing to give up. praying that a second opinion tells you otherwise. A third opinion as well, her sitting was a miracle, we think more are coming.
ReplyDeleteOur love to all of you, hug sweet Emma for us.
Kris and Tom
Well, I am sorry this was the news you received, but I am so amazed and proud of how you are handling it. You and your husband have been given such a gift in Emma, and she has received quite a gift as well. She may not live to be 90, but the life she does live will be wonderful & miraculous. Kudos to you both, and we will keep on praying!!!
ReplyDeleteI know thats not the news any of us want to hear but you are right.. God does have a plan for her. She has touched so many lives already, mine included, even though I have never personally met her. She has already come this far! She is a fighter and look what she has been able to achieve in the short time she has been with you!
ReplyDeletePraying that something can be done for her or that a miracle happens and makes her well!
Meredith-
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are in my thoughts! You have brought home some wonderful little children who have never fully been LOVED -and you are giving that to them. It is a gift unlike any other. Emma is a gift to your family that only HE can determine how long you will have to hold her in your arms - but forever in your heart - whether it be two years or thirty two years!
Keep your faith - and enjoy every minute with your kiddos... keep staying positive and let those who perform miracles see that one be done for your little angel!
Best wishes!
Amy