Test Results Email....(See Recapping the Last 7 months entry for more details..)
Hey everyone!
Prayers continue to be answered. Our God is a mighty fortress.
We FINALLY have the results of the initial genetic tests done at the beginning of July. We are rejoicing in the LORD, for HE has heard our cries....Lydia's tests were all negative! Thank you, Jesus. (Deep sigh of relief, here.) I will say, as I mentioned in my earlier email, we felt certain that the Lord had already spoken that in our hearts..It is almost as if He has been telling us each step of the way to "HOLD ON and WAIT UPON ME." Not test results. We are 100% certain that HE wants us to focus our hearts on HIM and not on the things our doctors can come up with in our world. That is so much easier said than done, but HE is still willing to work with us on it. We know that HE is Lydia's CREATOR....He knew her before she was inside me...Wonderful and amazing, isn't it?
We have one test left to hear back on, and we figure it will be October before we get the results on it. As crazy as it sounds, we have peace about this test as well. This last test is to see if Lydia has the gene that is commonly associated with the genetic form of polymicrogyria. This disorder, polymicrogyria, is what they have diagnosed Lydia with based on the findings from the MRI we had done just before the fourth of July. This disorder is rare and involves the way the brain is formed during pregnancy. Each child with this disorder has different issues, and there are many varying forms of severity. We have tried not to research to much of it, as we feel that we will take each step as it comes. Our physical therapist mentioned last Friday that many children with this disorder do not talk or walk................BUT, OUR GOD is able. We will keep our eyes on Him. As you can imagine, hearing something like that is enough to sit you down and throw you right into your own little pitty party. I calmly made it to my car when therapy was over, and I began to sob. In that moment, as I cried out to the Lord, I made a commitment to myself and Lydia. I will continue to ask the LORD to help her overcome this.....We know that the word tells us, "We have not because we ask not." IF God chooses not to heal Lydia, it will not be because I haven't asked Him on her behalf. He is the ONE TRUE GOD and it will be in HIS HANDS and in HIS TIME.
We are hoping that you all will continue to storm HIS GATES on our behalf, ASKING HUMBLY that HE will have mercy on her. Again, Jud and I say: THANK YOU for being the hands and feet of Christ. Your love, on HIS behalf, is perfect. In each moment of need, you have been there.
We are celebrating every good thing. The earth is filled with HIS glory. Lydia hasn't had any seizure activity, therapies are going well, her brothers celebrate her everyday, and she is continuing to grow! I hope you are all doing well. WE THANK HIM for each of YOU!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Still Waiting on Test Results...(August 14, 2010)
Dear beloved family & friends,
We know many of you have been waiting to hear the newest information on Lydia, and we are grateful for your love and concern. Thank you all for continuing to pray for her and us. It is hard to believe we have now been on this journey for nearly two months now, it seems longer given all the things that have happened/are happening.....
As many of you know, we went back to Children's Hospital on Friday hoping to get more answers....That wasn't God's plan for us that day. The last test we have been waiting to get back, for a month now, is still not back. In addition to that, they have added two other genetic tests to be done. Jud and I are coming to the slow realization that really these tests mean having more information, not necessarily any kind of solution. Regardless of the results of the tests, there is no medication or surgery that will change Lydia's prognosis...Granted one problem they are testing for is a bit more severe than the others, we ultimately feel that she is (and always has been) in God's hands. We have been told that we might not be able to determine the cause of the problem, and we are at PEACE with that....God has really been showing us that Lydia is HIS child and that she is PERFECTLY made by her CREATOR.
We are praising God for all things, we know that HIS plan is perfect and HE doesn't make mistakes...She is showing progress in physical therapy, and we ask that you continue to pray for her success with it. She isn't able to sit up yet, but we are seeing her use her hands much more and we are hopeful that more success is right around the corner. We also found out that her head circumference has grown a centimeter in the last month, and this is a HUGE praise. We are tremendously thankful that she hasn't had any seizures and HIS grace is carrying us through this difficult time in ways that only HE can!!!!
I am so sorry for the delay in getting this email out to everyone, but I was really hoping to have something more concrete to tell everyone. I guess sitting down and writing all of these things out seems a little overwhelming in some ways, but I must say it is a great relief to know you all are standing here in this uncertain place with us. (Someone told me the other day: "remember, just because you expected the plane to land in Arkansas and instead you got off in Switzerland doesn't mean you're in a bad place! It's just not where you thought you were going to end up...." I can honestly say I completely agree with that statement.) :)We adore each of your friendships and covet your prayers. I am convinced without our King of Kings and each of your friendships we would be utterly hopeless...We know OUR GOD IS A MIGHTY FORTRESS and HE IS ON THE THRONE.
We know many of you have been waiting to hear the newest information on Lydia, and we are grateful for your love and concern. Thank you all for continuing to pray for her and us. It is hard to believe we have now been on this journey for nearly two months now, it seems longer given all the things that have happened/are happening.....
As many of you know, we went back to Children's Hospital on Friday hoping to get more answers....That wasn't God's plan for us that day. The last test we have been waiting to get back, for a month now, is still not back. In addition to that, they have added two other genetic tests to be done. Jud and I are coming to the slow realization that really these tests mean having more information, not necessarily any kind of solution. Regardless of the results of the tests, there is no medication or surgery that will change Lydia's prognosis...Granted one problem they are testing for is a bit more severe than the others, we ultimately feel that she is (and always has been) in God's hands. We have been told that we might not be able to determine the cause of the problem, and we are at PEACE with that....God has really been showing us that Lydia is HIS child and that she is PERFECTLY made by her CREATOR.
We are praising God for all things, we know that HIS plan is perfect and HE doesn't make mistakes...She is showing progress in physical therapy, and we ask that you continue to pray for her success with it. She isn't able to sit up yet, but we are seeing her use her hands much more and we are hopeful that more success is right around the corner. We also found out that her head circumference has grown a centimeter in the last month, and this is a HUGE praise. We are tremendously thankful that she hasn't had any seizures and HIS grace is carrying us through this difficult time in ways that only HE can!!!!
I am so sorry for the delay in getting this email out to everyone, but I was really hoping to have something more concrete to tell everyone. I guess sitting down and writing all of these things out seems a little overwhelming in some ways, but I must say it is a great relief to know you all are standing here in this uncertain place with us. (Someone told me the other day: "remember, just because you expected the plane to land in Arkansas and instead you got off in Switzerland doesn't mean you're in a bad place! It's just not where you thought you were going to end up...." I can honestly say I completely agree with that statement.) :)We adore each of your friendships and covet your prayers. I am convinced without our King of Kings and each of your friendships we would be utterly hopeless...We know OUR GOD IS A MIGHTY FORTRESS and HE IS ON THE THRONE.
The beginning....
This is our original prayer request....(See Recapping the last 7 months.)
Hey guys.
We need your prayers. As most of you have heard, we are concerned that Lydia isn't reaching any of her milestones (like holding her head up, crawling, rolling over or holding toys). We have had several opinions over the last two weeks, and tomorrow we will be heading to Lebonheur at 11 for an MRI. The actual MRI is scheduled at 1:30. (Lydia will not be able to eat anything for 8 hours prior to the test, as they will be putting her to sleep. Pray that this all goes smoothly, as momma is not comfortable with any of this!)
God has been all over us and I appreciate your continued prayers and support. Already we are seeing God's provisions: We were able to see the physician we had been told we would not be able to see this evening, and the MRI appointment even being available to us is unheard of in this quick of a time frame. I know or God will not forsake us, and in James 1:2 it says "consider it a joy when you face trials because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." We are resting in HIM and waiting on HIM to be our OVERCOMER.
Pray with us that the MRI doesn't show anything. There is some concern that her head is small for her age, they are unclear as to what that may (or may not) mean at this point. Pray that her brain is developing normally. It will be the beginning of next week before we are able to see a neurologist to determine the next steps.
Thank you for your prayers.
Hey guys.
We need your prayers. As most of you have heard, we are concerned that Lydia isn't reaching any of her milestones (like holding her head up, crawling, rolling over or holding toys). We have had several opinions over the last two weeks, and tomorrow we will be heading to Lebonheur at 11 for an MRI. The actual MRI is scheduled at 1:30. (Lydia will not be able to eat anything for 8 hours prior to the test, as they will be putting her to sleep. Pray that this all goes smoothly, as momma is not comfortable with any of this!)
God has been all over us and I appreciate your continued prayers and support. Already we are seeing God's provisions: We were able to see the physician we had been told we would not be able to see this evening, and the MRI appointment even being available to us is unheard of in this quick of a time frame. I know or God will not forsake us, and in James 1:2 it says "consider it a joy when you face trials because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." We are resting in HIM and waiting on HIM to be our OVERCOMER.
Pray with us that the MRI doesn't show anything. There is some concern that her head is small for her age, they are unclear as to what that may (or may not) mean at this point. Pray that her brain is developing normally. It will be the beginning of next week before we are able to see a neurologist to determine the next steps.
Thank you for your prayers.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Waiting Is Hard...(Email from July 19, 2010)
A conituation of emails deatailing our last 7 months of ENCOUNTERING GOD with Lydia..
Dear Intercessors,
I know I have updated a good many of you all, but I wanted to touch base and give everyone the same information..We are now one week into this potential 6 week waiting process concerning the tests that Children's has run on Lydia. (I have always thought of myself as a patient person, but I am realizing more and more that I am NOT that patient when it comes to my babies.....) Our doctor has identified two potential disorders that they are looking into now, the second one she identified is actually a step "above" the other but neither are desirable...We also had another test done yesterday, also here in town, to determine if Lydia might have caught a virus as a newborn that went undetected. That test will also take a week to get back.
A PRAISE: We had an eye exam last week, here in town, and they have assured us that everything looks good. (Our neurologist wanted Lydia's eyes to be tested to see if she had any developmental delays in her vision...)
ANOTHER PRAISE: Yesterday Lydia started physical therapy. We feel very fortunate to have a GREAT therapist, she specializes in infants and has been very supportive of us. What a blessing to have such great care available to us in JONESBORO!
As we are putting one foot in front of the other, and living day to day with the unknown, we wanted to let you all know how much you (THE BEAUTIFUL BODY of CHRIST) have been comforting us. We so appreciate every prayer you have prayed and we are thanking God daily for you all. Please continue interceding on our behalf, our GOD is BIGGER and STRONGER..We have been truly humbled to see His LOVE for each of us during all that has been happening and we know it is because you all are lifting us up.
Dear Intercessors,
I know I have updated a good many of you all, but I wanted to touch base and give everyone the same information..We are now one week into this potential 6 week waiting process concerning the tests that Children's has run on Lydia. (I have always thought of myself as a patient person, but I am realizing more and more that I am NOT that patient when it comes to my babies.....) Our doctor has identified two potential disorders that they are looking into now, the second one she identified is actually a step "above" the other but neither are desirable...We also had another test done yesterday, also here in town, to determine if Lydia might have caught a virus as a newborn that went undetected. That test will also take a week to get back.
A PRAISE: We had an eye exam last week, here in town, and they have assured us that everything looks good. (Our neurologist wanted Lydia's eyes to be tested to see if she had any developmental delays in her vision...)
ANOTHER PRAISE: Yesterday Lydia started physical therapy. We feel very fortunate to have a GREAT therapist, she specializes in infants and has been very supportive of us. What a blessing to have such great care available to us in JONESBORO!
As we are putting one foot in front of the other, and living day to day with the unknown, we wanted to let you all know how much you (THE BEAUTIFUL BODY of CHRIST) have been comforting us. We so appreciate every prayer you have prayed and we are thanking God daily for you all. Please continue interceding on our behalf, our GOD is BIGGER and STRONGER..We have been truly humbled to see His LOVE for each of us during all that has been happening and we know it is because you all are lifting us up.
Our first visit to Arkansas Children's Hospital
Prayer Requests and Update #3 (See Recapping the Last 7 months entry..)
We are humbled...We are in AWE of the outpour of your love and support for us. You have been STORMING the gates of HEAVEN on ours and our beloved Lydia's behalf..How can we say thank you and feel that its adequate? It just doesn't even begin to cover it..I'm not sure that there are words big enough..We do believe that we should testify to the GOODNESS OF THE KING. We thought sharing some of GOD'S answers would be one way of showing you how you have been a blessing to us.
We all prayed and GOD ANSWERED:1. Lydia doesn't have anything fatal, progressive, or life threatening as posed as a possibility on Tuesday. (I could just stop right there and that would be enough, right? PRAISE HIM....THANK YOU JESUS.)2. They have narrowed it down to one series of tests to be done. This test was a simple blood test, not A SPINAL TAP as they had said would be likely on TUESDAY. It's only FRIDAY, GOD has moved swiftly for us...3. The EEG didn't show any signs of seizures....4. Lydia didn't make so much as a peep during these appointments and tests. She didn't even CRY when they took blood for the genetic testing...5. NOT one single appointment was behind schedule, we never waited for any serious length of time...with a baby, you know that is a BLESSING.6. Our doctors were awesome...7. HE gave us each of you and you were there at just the right moments...Calling, texting, emailing, sending us verses, you name it...
We love you all so dearly. You've meant the world to us over these last days.I hope this strengthens your faith as it has ours...We still need you to keep praying for us, as we are not clear what our future will hold. We may have up to six weeks before we get these genetic tests back. We are praying that they show no genetic/chromosome problem, we are asking God to prevent Lydia from EVER having a seizure-as that is a risk for her from now on according to the neurologist, and we are praying that Lydia's brain/head will continue growing. We are asking GOD for TOTAL HEALING. He has answered every prayer we have/you have prayed. PLEASE DON'T STOP PRAYING as we still have a long road ahead of us, but THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT.
Grateful & IN CHRIST
We are humbled...We are in AWE of the outpour of your love and support for us. You have been STORMING the gates of HEAVEN on ours and our beloved Lydia's behalf..How can we say thank you and feel that its adequate? It just doesn't even begin to cover it..I'm not sure that there are words big enough..We do believe that we should testify to the GOODNESS OF THE KING. We thought sharing some of GOD'S answers would be one way of showing you how you have been a blessing to us.
We all prayed and GOD ANSWERED:1. Lydia doesn't have anything fatal, progressive, or life threatening as posed as a possibility on Tuesday. (I could just stop right there and that would be enough, right? PRAISE HIM....THANK YOU JESUS.)2. They have narrowed it down to one series of tests to be done. This test was a simple blood test, not A SPINAL TAP as they had said would be likely on TUESDAY. It's only FRIDAY, GOD has moved swiftly for us...3. The EEG didn't show any signs of seizures....4. Lydia didn't make so much as a peep during these appointments and tests. She didn't even CRY when they took blood for the genetic testing...5. NOT one single appointment was behind schedule, we never waited for any serious length of time...with a baby, you know that is a BLESSING.6. Our doctors were awesome...7. HE gave us each of you and you were there at just the right moments...Calling, texting, emailing, sending us verses, you name it...
We love you all so dearly. You've meant the world to us over these last days.I hope this strengthens your faith as it has ours...We still need you to keep praying for us, as we are not clear what our future will hold. We may have up to six weeks before we get these genetic tests back. We are praying that they show no genetic/chromosome problem, we are asking God to prevent Lydia from EVER having a seizure-as that is a risk for her from now on according to the neurologist, and we are praying that Lydia's brain/head will continue growing. We are asking GOD for TOTAL HEALING. He has answered every prayer we have/you have prayed. PLEASE DON'T STOP PRAYING as we still have a long road ahead of us, but THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT.
Grateful & IN CHRIST
An update to original prayer request (July 4, 2010)
An update to prayer partners.... (See Recapping the last 7 months entry..)
I wanted to give a quick update of where we are with Lydia...First of all, we really want to say THANK YOU for praying for us and with us. Your phone calls, emails and texts have been comforting...We have really felt a sincere peace that is supernatural and truly it has been a gift from the LORD. Lydia did not make so much as a PEEP Friday, even though she had missed two of her normal feedings prior to the MRI, and she was JOYFUL after being put to sleep. The medicine did not make her sick, and she was able to eat almost immediately afterward. AND, would you believe the hospital/doctors were right on time? They were. Everything went very smoothly. Those are major praises.
We should hear something tomorrow. The neurologist is supposed to call us and tell us when to come in, he was out of town for the holiday Friday and we have no confirmed appointment at this time. Please continue to stand in the gap for us. We are praying for answers and we are praying for Lydia's brain to be normal.
*As a side note to those of you in our life group, my little day calendar had this for me/us on JULY 4: "Just as God wanted the Israelite's allegiance, He wants yours, too. He also wants your attention, your trust, your mind, your soul, your body, and your obedience. In a word, He wants YOU. Don't deny Him that pleasure. Embrace the wilderness and say, 'I want to be with You, Lord, even if that means staying in the wilderness until You're ready to bring me out.' As Moses said, 'If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.' ~ Exodus 33:15 ..... Good reminder isn't it? We are DESPERATE FOR HIM........
I wanted to give a quick update of where we are with Lydia...First of all, we really want to say THANK YOU for praying for us and with us. Your phone calls, emails and texts have been comforting...We have really felt a sincere peace that is supernatural and truly it has been a gift from the LORD. Lydia did not make so much as a PEEP Friday, even though she had missed two of her normal feedings prior to the MRI, and she was JOYFUL after being put to sleep. The medicine did not make her sick, and she was able to eat almost immediately afterward. AND, would you believe the hospital/doctors were right on time? They were. Everything went very smoothly. Those are major praises.
We should hear something tomorrow. The neurologist is supposed to call us and tell us when to come in, he was out of town for the holiday Friday and we have no confirmed appointment at this time. Please continue to stand in the gap for us. We are praying for answers and we are praying for Lydia's brain to be normal.
*As a side note to those of you in our life group, my little day calendar had this for me/us on JULY 4: "Just as God wanted the Israelite's allegiance, He wants yours, too. He also wants your attention, your trust, your mind, your soul, your body, and your obedience. In a word, He wants YOU. Don't deny Him that pleasure. Embrace the wilderness and say, 'I want to be with You, Lord, even if that means staying in the wilderness until You're ready to bring me out.' As Moses said, 'If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.' ~ Exodus 33:15 ..... Good reminder isn't it? We are DESPERATE FOR HIM........
Inconclusive News...Hard to swallow.
Our second prayer request email (See Recapping the last 7 months...)
Hey gang. As many of you know we didn't get good news from the MRI that was done on Friday.........They have said nothing is conclusive, but they will be trying to determine if we are dealing with a virus, an infection, or a disorder. None of it sounds good.
I really would love if you guys could pray that GOD ALLOWS US TO WITNESS TOTAL HEALING, but if that isn't what HE has planned..Pray that whatever it is we are dealing with that it isn't life threatening, doesn't cause permanent damage, and that it is treatable.
I am very much in shock, but I am still very sure that HE IS ON THE THRONE. I love God, and each one of you. I am officially desperate for HIM.
We are heading to Children's Hospital tomorrow bright and early. Many of the tests that they will do tomorrow will take 2-3 weeks to get results on. Pray for those tests to be accurate and pray that we see GOD in every step forward as we have each step so far.
In CHRIST with love
Hey gang. As many of you know we didn't get good news from the MRI that was done on Friday.........They have said nothing is conclusive, but they will be trying to determine if we are dealing with a virus, an infection, or a disorder. None of it sounds good.
I really would love if you guys could pray that GOD ALLOWS US TO WITNESS TOTAL HEALING, but if that isn't what HE has planned..Pray that whatever it is we are dealing with that it isn't life threatening, doesn't cause permanent damage, and that it is treatable.
I am very much in shock, but I am still very sure that HE IS ON THE THRONE. I love God, and each one of you. I am officially desperate for HIM.
We are heading to Children's Hospital tomorrow bright and early. Many of the tests that they will do tomorrow will take 2-3 weeks to get results on. Pray for those tests to be accurate and pray that we see GOD in every step forward as we have each step so far.
In CHRIST with love
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