Thursday, February 9, 2012

Some tears today, his and mine

Disclaimer:  I am super tired and don't feel like writing, but I want people to know how Caleb is doing... so this will be short.  We took Caleb to see his cardiologist for a checkup today.  It wasn't a very good appointment, and not just because Caleb is now scared to death of doctors and nurses and cries when they come near him.  Today, as soon as Dr. Kumar walked in the door, his face was full of concern when he looked at Caleb.  He said, "Wow, he's really blue."  Turns out, Dr. Kumar says something is going on, because his oxygen levels have dropped inexplicably.  We have to go back next week for some tests to determine what needs to be done.  This was discouraging, because I desperately wanted good news today and we started right out of the gate with a concerned doctor.  Then Caleb had an echocardiogram to get some pictures of his heart and they found that his heart function continues to be weak.  Dr. Kumar said if it hasn't gotten stronger at this point, almost 6 months after his last surgery, it's probably not going to improve.  Which means his baseline heart function is below normal and he is at a greater risk for more problems as he gets older.  We might not notice any changes in him for now, but the doctor explained that when Caleb is, say, 10 years old, we can expect some additional issues after that many years of having a weakened heart.  They can't do anything for his weak heart function, but hopefully the additional tests next week will shed some light on why his oxygen level is so low.  I'm not even going to speculate beyond our next step.  I was discouraged, to say the least, but we had made the excellent decision beforehand to go straight to the children's museum after the appointment and spend the day having fun as a family.  And we had fun instead of being bummed.  Jonah and Caleb have the amazing ability to take our minds off our fears.  Please pray for us this week.  We go back on Thursday and I am determined not to be consumed with worry but just go a day at a time.  Your encouragement and prayers would mean the world.    

7 comments:

  1. Prayers your way! God is in control (I am reminding myself of that also.) He knows and will take care of our future!
    Ginger

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  2. Katie and Daniel, I believe prayer is powerful. Know that I am praying for comfort, peace, hope for you both and most of all heart strength/healing for Caleb. If you need anything please call. I love you all. God loves you. ~ Faith P.

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  3. Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children. Lamentations 2:19. Praying for Caleb and your family. ~ Molli Wallace

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  4. Katie and Daniel, Your family has been in our prayers since we first found out about Caleb before he was born. I know this has been discouraging news but Caleb is in the hands of the Great Physician and He is with him every day of his life. We will continue to lift you all up in prayer that God will give you His peace and that He will heal Caleb for His glory!! Thank you for the update -- God bless you dear one!!

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  5. KATIE AND DANIEL... I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY AND WILL CONTINUE TO. WE WILL PRAY A WONDERFUL HEALING IN CALEB'S HEART. GOD IS GOOD AND HE WILL SUPPLY YOU THE STRENGTH YOU NEED. LOVE AND PRAYERS.. SHIRLEY DOBBS

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  6. Daniel, Katie, Jonah, & Caleb,

    You are all being prayed for, and I hope you experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding this week.

    Courage is a hard thing to muster when you are concerned for your child's well-being. I read a quote that helped me a few weeks ago when I was asking God to help me be courageous in a situation that scared me, and I was giving into those old foes named worry and fear.

    Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again, tomorrow."

    May God bless each of you this week with His courage, may you know His sufficiency in your life, and may you be empowered by the prayers of the Body of Christ.

    In His Love and mine,

    Tanya Bennett

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  7. You are in my prayers. God is amazing. Let's trust His grace. Love, Aunt Marge

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