Some News, Good and Bad....

Madison is going to need a shunt. I was dreading the news, even though I wasn't surprised. We went to the Spina Bifida Clinic last week, and her head growth has gone up from the 75th to the 95th percentile rank. Her weight has as well, so the pediatrician didn't know for sure what would happen. So, we drove to Portland yesterday for her MRI and follow-up with the neurosurgeon. Her ventricles are getting bigger. Not causing any problems for her, but it is what seems to be causing her head growth.

I will call today to schedule the surgery, and will probably have it done at the end of the month. They do the surgery at Doernbecher's Hospital in Portland, so I will have to be away from the rest of the family for a few days. In the long run, this is nothing, I know, but for now, it's not what we wanted. I was hoping she would be in the 10-15% of spina bifida kids that don't need shunts. The neuro said that he places enough tubing to allow full growth, and if the shunt functions normally, and she doesn't have any problems with infection, etc., then she won't need a revision ever. Statistically, revisions are common, and most people have 7 in a lifetime. Prayers needed that this is the only surgery she will ever need for this.

Some GOOD news!! Kirsten is graduating from Western Oregon University on the 13th! Yay!!! We will be having a celebration here at our home after her grad ceremony. I'm so proud of her. :) She has worked hard the last four years, and I pray the Lord uses her in her work environment. She's going to be a teacher, and I know she will be a wonderful one. She has worked at Camp Harlow every year between her school sessions, and thoroughly enjoys those little people. She has a heart for it.

Other good news about Madison.... Her physical therapist and her SB pediatrician have upgraded her leg strength. She is pointing her foot a bit on the right side, and I think I've noted some on the left as well. Her hamstrings are working also, which wasn't for sure on her last exam. She is weak in the gluteal area, but does have some function there. They have no doubts she'll walk, though she will need some braces for positioning. We are still working on stretching her feet, hips and neck. She's a litte tight on one side and prefers to look to the right. But she is meeting all her developmental milestones on target, or a bit ahead. I thought she was lagging a bit a month ago, so it's very encouraging.

Thank again for all the prayers. Sorry I don't update here more often, but we are a BUSY household, and it has been a very busy Spring. Love to you all! Lord be with you.....