Dear family and friends,
At Tuesday's doctor appointment, Eliza's head
circumference was greater than what the curve dictated
it should be. Dr. Baker decided it was worth doing an
ultrasound to check the fluid level in the ventricles
of her brain. So, this morning (Thursday), Eliza
returned to Duke for a head ultrasound. The doctors
discovered a serious case of hydrocephaly (aka
hydrocephalus): The ventricles of Eliza's brain
contained an excess of cerebrospinal fluid. Our
wonderful pediatrician (Dr. Baker, again) re-visited
all the imaging of Eliza's brain and discussed the
situation with any doctor who would answer a page.
By day's end, he recommended that we admit Eliza to
the hospital immediately for surgery tomorrow (Friday)
morning or early afternoon. So, Eliza and mom are
spending the night at the hospital, anticipating the
surgery. During surgery, the surgeon will insert a
small tube extending from Eliza's brain down to a
draining spot within her body (the abdominal cavity).
The tube will not be visible to the naked eye.
Apparently, this surgery is not uncommon.
Interestingly, the excess of fluid may account for the
appearance of extreme brain matter loss in Eliza's
last MRI. It is possible for fluid to smush the brain
matter into a smaller space, thereby creating the
illusion of brain disappearance. We will wait on the
Lord and trust, as we have, but it is hard not to
guess at whether this drainage may help Eliza regain
some function. We just do not know at this point, and
we are reminded of Jesus' loving admonition to address
today's needs today and fret not over tomorrow. So,
we pray for wisdom and skill for the doctors and a
smooth operation and recovery. Eliza will probably
remain in the hospital at least until early next week.
In Jesus Christ, we know God as our Father. And so,
as a small child might wonder at the adroit movements
of his daddy putting together some fabulous new
invention, we also marvel at our heavenly Father as he
works to perform wonderful things. We do not fully
understand the rhyme or reason in each step, but we
are confident that He is much better and knows much
better.
"As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great
is his love for those who fear him." (Psalm 103)
love,
dixie jax
