We've had such a full week that it will be difficult to get everything here on the blog. Here's one thing I know; God is in control and Ruthie, Jimmy and I are at the top of his list!
I guess I could start with where I am... I'm at Univeristy hospital in Cincinnati. We are across the street (literally) from Cincinnati Children's Hospital. On Wednesday, we came up here and had several tests; an MRI, in depth ultrasound, and a fetal echo. After a day of testing, we met with a room full of experts. They explained what they saw and presented a couple of options of treatment. The options are endless and none of them are free of risk. So, let me tell you what we've decided.
Ruthie and I will be delivering via an "Exit Procdure." This is surgery for her and for me. Basically, they will put me to sleep and open me up similar to a c-section. They will remove her from me but leave me connected to her through the umbilical chord. She will then have her mass removed while still connected to me. I will be acting as her life support while she has the surgery. After she has the surgery, they will secure her breathing and then, officially deliver her (cut the chord). They'll sew me up and wake me up. This is a bigger risk for me but will give Ruthie the best shot for her surgery. It's about a 6 hour surgery. Obviously, pray for Ruthie and me... but please also keep Jimmy in your prayers. I can't imagine how worried he must be. I would be a blubbery mess if it were him in an operating room for that long.
Well, if that wasn't enough, they also gave us our first information on how Ruthie will do after she is born. There's lots of maybes, could be's, and we'll sees. Basically, imagine the largest spectrum; the very best to the very worst. I'm trying not to think about the possibilities. I'm just staying positive and am excited about this precious thing that is kicking the time out of me RIGHT NOW. I thank God for every minute that she is with me. I have a friend who gave me that advice. Treasure every minute you have with her. That's what i'm doing right now. I know it is going to be a long journey. But I am excited about the next step. I know God is the Giver of Life and I know He's got our backs. No matter what happens. They did give us an estimate on how long she will be in the NICU.... 6 weeks to 12 months. Yeah. You read that right. possibly 12 months of NICU living. oh dear. I guess I'll just have to become a Bengals fan.
Again, this is just a synopsis of what we've heard over the last couple of days. a.) there really is too much to write. b.) I don't even want to repeat some of the negative things they've 'prepared' us for.
When is this big show happening?? With a CCam mass (the type they think it is... that's another story for another time.), they've seen moms deliver on average at 35 and 1/2 weeks. That's Monday for me. Not only does she have a CCam, but it's the largest one they've ever seen. I also have excess fluid that causes preterm labor. I was admitted today for observation and in anticipation this thing would go down near the beginning of next week. But there's no official schedule.
Thank you so very much for the prayers I know you are sending up on our behalf. I can feel it. No lie.... as far as physically, I feel okay aside from the occasional contraction... mentally, I'm focusing on the positive and anticipating the best outcome. I mean really.... at 20 weeks, things were pretty bleak. Look at her now! she's rocking every test! she's looks perfect. They did say... with this size of mass, she should be this or she should look like this. but she's not showing any signs of stress. Go Team! Seriously, thanks for the prayers and keep em' coming!! We love you so much and can't express how much love we feel from you!