Scott and I went to my 20 week doctors appointment yesterday, where we were scheduled to have our routine ultrasound. As we went through the ultrasound we didn't see anything unusual, and got a lot of great profile and face shots. We didn't notice the US tech's attitude change, or that she got a little quiet. I did notice that the ultrasound was the longest I had recieved and that she kept going over the same spot a few times. Needless to say, I was shocked to hear from my ob that our little baby has a heart defect. The left side of the baby's heart is significantly smaller than the right side, and so is the aorta. This is not an issue for the baby while it is still inside me, but as soon as he/she is delivered and takes that first breath, it will be.
What was supposed to be a short appointment in the morning, turned out to be a marathon day of ultrasounds and specialists. It is one of the hardest days I have ever had to go through since becoming a wife and mother, if not the very hardest. By 5:00pm we had finally left the office of the last specialist, a pediactric cardiologist, who said the condition is not fatal, but will require us to deliver our baby in either Salt Lake City or Oregon, and it will need immediate heart surgery. He also gave us the heart breaking news that this condition almost always means that the baby also has Downs Syndrome. We were offered an amniosyntesis (which takes amniotic fluid and tests it for the 21st chromosome) to see if the baby does in fact have downs syndrome, but we declined. We decided that whatever the circumstances, Heavenly Father gave us this baby, and no disease will change the fact that it is ours and meant to be with our family. We will mentally prepare ourselves for having a child with this condition so that if it does have it, we will be ready.
Scott and his brother Russell, were able to give me a blessing yesterday afternoon, and it really helped to comfort me, but of course it is still difficult news. We would appreciate your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time, and you are welcome to leave your comments, but please do not call to comfort us. We are still coming to terms with all of this overwhelming news, and need time to figure things out together as a family.
We know that this baby is special, no matter what, and we feel honored that our Heavenly Father finds us worthy to have such a special spirit in our family.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Some Bad News
Posted by Rochelle Brunson at 8:08 AM
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8 comments:
You will be in our hearts and prayers. I know this won't be easy but the Lord will bless you.
You guys are such good parents. That baby is lucky to be a part of your family. I am sorry to hear that you are having so much to deal with. You are definitely in our prayers and our thoughts.
I don't know if you remember me or my husband from High School (Adam Barrow and Jaci Vance) and I hope you don't mind me commenting. I came across your blog from Rachel Ward's. You seem to have a great attitude about what is going on. Our daughter, Grace, who is due on August 5th, will have Down syndrome. It is hard news to get and it is even harder to know how to deal with it when you aren't sure about the outcome. We were also offered an amniocentesis and turned it down. Then when they found fluid in her lungs and said it might be a virus that they could treat if they knew what it was, we decided to go ahead with the amnio because it seemed to be in her best interest. Two weeks later, we received the news that she did indeed have Down syndrome. We too feel that it is a blessing to have such an amazing little spirit join our family. We know she will bless us and many others. I would love to talk to you more if you are interested. I am sure you are feeling a range of emotions. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
By the way, if you want to get in contact with me (other than blogging back and forth) you can email me at: barrofam@yahoo.com
I am so sorry for this heart wrenching news. You will be in our prayers. We love you.
Scott and Rochelle, you guys are in my prayers!! I don't know the right words to say but please know that we appreciate the difficult update and that we all love you guys. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
(I don't know if your families are still down here but if you need a place to stay in SLC let me know!)
After seeing how wonderful your little boys are and how you and Scott so preciously interact with them, I KNOW that this baby could not have gone to a better home. No matter the outcome, Heavenly Father knows what he's doing and He will be there for you and your baby. What a huge blessing.
i was just about to attach adam & jaci's blog when i saw she left you a message. Also, my friend from high school, kym bronson, had a new born with heart problems (no down syndrome) she's a nurse too. Her daughter is around 8 now & i think just recently had a surgery & is quite healthy. i'm sure she'd also be happy to talk to you. http://kymandmarco.blogspot.com/
van & i were really heart broken about the heart condition. you're in our prayers & thoughts everyday. we love you guys so much! rochelle, you're one of the greatest moms i know. I have such respect for you. you & scott will be all the more stronger & even more amazing parents. we love you!
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