Micah completed the echocardiogram yesterday. PRAISE THE LORD! We hope the doctors were able to get enough pictures so we don't have to repeat that test for a third time. We also saw the GI doctor yesterday. Dr. Berman wanted to do some more lab work. With the fluid collecting in Micah's abdominal cavity, he also wanted to put Micah on a medicine to allow his body to help excrete this fluid through the urine.
Now that the tests have been completed, we wait once again. The tests--echocardiogram, lab work, ultrasound, etc.--will be reviewed in order for Micah to receive a PELD score. This score determines the urgency of a transplant and where the candidate is placed on the list. Several doctors, nurses and other medical staff related to transplants will gather for a roundtable discussion about Micah's medical history and situation. From there, the PELD score will be determined, his case will be presented to insurance for approval and then we hope to begin moving forward with the screening process for a living donor.
Unfortunately, Micah is beginning to take on more of a "sick baby" look. While still content and often happy and laid back, as you observe his body and swollen belly, as well as his less than radiant eyes, you realize he's going the opposite direction of where you always want, hope and pray for your children to be heading. Nevertheless, he's still far more healthy than other children with this condition. Furthermore, he is far more healthy than even many of the children we encounter during our regular visits at Duke.
The blood in Micah's spit up and stool have not returned. Again, we thank the Lord. We now simply wait again. Patience is the continual theme. Patiently waiting for answers...for results...to make the next step...to see what the LORD will do. This next week should help us to know better when and where and what the next step is going to be for us.
