Miscellaneous Thoughts & Update

We're still waiting to see about the shunt. The neurosurgeons are monitoring the back closely, which continues to grow larger and more filled with fluid. But the head looks really good so far. So we're waiting. One doctor said, "We should probably know one way or the other in a couple of days or so."

The doctors said the spina bifida was near the L4-L5 level (4th or 5th vertebrae in the lumbar region). That's fairly low, which is good. However, they've seen some limited movement in his upper legs, but almost no movement yet in his lower legs. So his function is basically consistent with an L3 lesion. Day by day, and with each passing moment, God gives grace. This is only the beginning of a long, long journey. But, we pray it will be a journey measured out by God's grace.

Our hearts go out to some dear friends who buried their newborn baby today. Karla was our ministry secretary, and their baby was due 2 days after Paton's C-section. The baby died Monday, and they buried her today. We cried when we first heard the news. We pray for them to come to know something more of Amazing Grace. We love you, Karla & Ernesto.

One last thing -- we have a friend named Scott who's been such a blessing. He was born with spina bifida some 40 (?) years ago. He's emailed a couple of times -- such encouragement, such an upbeat, positive testimony of God's goodness and grace. "The comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." Thanks, Scott.

Jen's staying here in the Ronald McDonald House tonight. I plan on going home to see the kids (& maybe help give Grandma a break). We'll update again when we know anything new. Good night.

Surgery???

Well, when we came to see Paton this morning, the nurses were beginning to prepare him for another surgery -- to put in a shunt to drain the fluid from his head. They had taken him off feedings (poor hungry fella!) and were starting to prep him to head to the OR later this afternoon. The reason for the concern was the build-up of fluid at the site of his spinal lesion (see picture). But after a while the neurosurgeon came in to evaluate, and decided to hold off on the surgery for the time being. A shunt is a lifelong thing (generally), with its own set of complications. So they are going to watch him a little longer. They're going to reevaluate him this afternoon with a head ultrasound. If the area on his back continues to swell, or if fluid builds up in the ventricles in his brain, they'll go ahead and shunt. Jen's thrilled to be doing a few breastfeeds with the guy. And daddy ... well ... gives him a great bottle! : )