But at the same time, the name that it has been given drives fear into our hearts. Somehow it makes all of Samuel's medical problems seem more real. It makes him seem more vulnerable. It makes the road ahead seem so long...
This is the fancy paper that was given to us by the geneticist just a few days ago:
Six simple words quickly scribbled on a piece of scrap paper to tell us that our son has a very complicated diagnosis. Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome (EVC) is a rare form of skeletal dysplasia that is said to be lethal 30-50% of the time. There are only a few hundred known cases in the world. Samuel is one of those. The 2 things that sometimes make EVC lethal are the narrow chest, which can restrict the growth and proper function of the lungs, and the fact that it is usually accompanied by some kind of heart defect.
Despite the daunting statistics and the many other things that accompany EVC, God has already shown Himself faithful even through this diagnosis!
Back in December when we were first told that Samuel had some form of skeletal dysplasia, I naturally started googling. During that time I ran across numerous blogs, but there was only one that I continued following and went back to numerous times. In God's divine providence, that blog just so happened to be written by a lady who has 2 daughters with the exact same rare diagnosis as Samuel. I was able to reach out to her, and she put me in touch with a doctor who has worked a lot with EVC! This is huge since EVC is so rare, because many doctors have never dealt with it before. This doctor is now collaborating with our team of doctors here, and has also pulled in other doctors who have worked with EVC. We know this "random" connection was ordained by God!
Tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday) at 2, our team of doctors here are going to be conferencing with several doctors who have dealt with EVC, and will be working to put together the best plan of care for Samuel. Please be in prayer that God will give these doctors wisdom!
In the meantime, a HUGE step forward was made today, as Samuel was able to be taken off the oscillator! This is a BIG deal because the cardiologists said they couldn't even discuss surgery for Samuel until he was off the oscillator. So far he is doing great on the normal ventilator, and we are praying that his levels will continue to hold steady!
Please pray with us...
- That we will get to hold Samuel again soon! It has been 12 days since we were last able to hold Samuel. I can't describe how hard that has been...but now that he is off the oscillator we should be able to hold him soon, as long as he remains stable!
- That Samuel will be able to maintain his levels while on the regular ventilator, and continue to improve!
- That God will give the doctors wisdom as they meet tomorrow and begin to formulate a plan for Samuel.
- That God will give the doctors wisdom as they discuss whether or not to begin feeding Samuel through his tube.
- That God will continue to bring healing to Samuel's heart and lungs!
Praise God with us for...
- Seeing Samuel's eyes! Immediately after they took Samuel off the oscillator, he opened his eyes for over an hour! This was only about the sixth time we have seen his eyes, but the longest he had ever opened them before was only about 5 minutes!
- Samuel coming off the oscillator!
- Our 2 wonderful primary nurses who have loved on Samuel and put our minds at ease over and over again!
- Connecting us with just the right people at just the right time! Doctors, people here from NWA, other believers...God has been so good to put these people in our path!
This is His story, and it is all for His glory!
SETH, HANNAH AND SAMUEL ---WE ARE PRAYING FOR AND LOVING YOU AND YOURE FAMILIES FROM AFAR!!! THE DEPTH OF YOUR FAITH THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY IS SO UPLIFTING AND INCREDIBLE! THANK YOU FOR SHARING WITH US AND GUIDING THE PRAYERS SO SPECIFICALLY!! I LOVE SEEING GODS POWER BEING DECLARED SO BEAUTIFULLY THROUGH YOUR BLOG AND TEXTS!! YOU TWO ARE AWESOME AND STRONG!, SAMUEL IS SO PRECIOUS AND ADORABLE!! GOD IS AWESOME!!
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for you, Samuel, and your husband! What a precious boy you have! So good to hear how God's providence is working to lead you guys to resources for your son's care!
ReplyDeleteGrandma Sonja told me about your blog Hannah and I just wanted to tell you, Seth & Samuel that we are praying for you and that Samuel is so precious and strong, as well as you guys and your families. You all are amazing and I cannot imagine the heartbreaking journey this has been for you all but I'm so glad that you got a diagnosis now and that Samuel is doing better. I hope today is good day for you with the doctors and you get to hold Samuel again very soon. You all are in our thoughts & prayers and Samuel is a beautiful blessing. Michelle Ray
ReplyDeleteHannah-
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog about Samuel for awhile now and wanted to let you know that my family and I are praying for you three. It has encouraged me to hear about the answers to pray you've received. Continue to persevere in hope and faith!
Psalm 73:26-28
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.
28 But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge.
That I may tell of all Your works.
Stephanie (Cox)
-Lawton, OK
Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI learned of your sweet Samuel through my daughter-in-law, Macie White Boaldin. She has a God-given gift in caring for children and recommended that I look at your Blog. You can count on my prayers. I liked your list of requests and praises so that our prayers can be specific.
Your sister in Christ,
DeLane Boaldin
-Elkhart, KS