"We were unable to gain access into the portal vein." Those were the words the doctor spoke to Sarah and me on Tuesday evening after another long day of attempting the surgical procedure. It is a reminder that in a world of advancements in technology and medicine there are things which man, in all his wisdom and skill, still cannot do.
I applaud the work of Dr. Suhocki. Over two days he spent nearly 10 hours attempting to gain access into the portal vein to the site of the clot in order to deliver the potent medicine to break it up. I am certain he was frustrated. So were we.
After two days of attempts and failure, the transplant surgeon who performed the liver transplant on Micah was consulted. His recommendation was to stop. Stop attempting. Stop any further procedures. Stop the Heparin. And do not proceed with surgery to try to remove the clot.
Apparently the clot is located in the portal vein inside the liver. Therefore, to surgically seek to get to the clot the surgeons would have to go inside the liver. That's just not the best idea or plan considering the delicacy of Micah's situation. Furthermore, so long as Micah's liver continues to function well, as it is, he can do all right with the portal vein being occluded. His body will likely create what doctors call "collateral vessels" which will form to allow flow to bypass the clotted area.
Regardless of whether Micah can live with the clotted off portal vein or not, it has just been a frustrating kind of week. Certainly it is difficult for us to consider that this is thrown on top of his already disadvantaged physical situation. Yet we also know that Lord can still work and choose to remove the clot to the shock and amazement of everyone...including me who seems to be of little faith this week.
Currently Micah is still in the PICU. Last night they tried to take him off the ventilator but he was having too difficult a time breathing on his own. So they intubated him again and are going to try to take him off again this morning at a slower pace.
Hopefully before the weekend is over, Micah will return home again. Please continue to pray for his strength and health.
On an update note from the previous entry, as of yesterday Hayleigh was doing fair. She was still fighting and holding her own. Please continue to lift her and her family to the Lord.
8 comments:
GOD IS ABLE! Thanks for the update titled "Unable". It is a good reminder that although the doctor is "unable" God is always ABLE. God is able even when your faith is weak. May God be glorified. Praying for you, Sarah and Micah.
We love you all and will continue to pray for His intervention with this blood clot.
God is good and can do anything!
Stephani and Dick
Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Praying for rest for you, Sarah and Micah under this unspeakably heavy burden. Also, praying for baby girl Hayleigh and her Mother and Father.
Becky Gupton
I'm praying for your family. I've been under the expert hands of Dr. Suhocki. The only place better is in the Perfect hands of our Creator. Micah is in "good hands". May He bless you and keep you.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding;6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct[a] your paths.
When my son-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, the "whys" were common. But this always came back to me. We don't understand why, but we do understand who. I know you acknowledge him and he will take care of the rest. You are in our prayers daily from Poquoson.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding;6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct[a] your paths.
When my son-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, the "whys" were common. But this always came back to me. We don't understand why, but we do understand who. I know you acknowledge him and he will take care of the rest. You are in our prayers daily from Poquoson.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding;6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct[a] your paths.
When my son-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, the "whys" were common. But this always came back to me. We don't understand why, but we do understand who. I know you acknowledge him and he will take care of the rest. You are in our prayers daily from Poquoson.
Justin and Sarah - I just want you both to know what a living testimony to the Word you are... "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls"... which can also be translated the "victorious endurance" or "personal sanctification" of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)
Thank you both for being such an incredible testimony to the Lord. We will continue to pray fervently for Micah's healing and complete recovery... that he will grow strong, healthy, and with an unshakable faith - like his parents!
With Love, Lori
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