Cherish

Week of June 1st update:
Ryan had an eye exam on 06/01/2010 that showed early signs of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). ROP is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants weighing about 2¾ pounds (1250 grams) or less that are born before 31 weeks of gestation. The smaller a baby is at birth, the more likely that baby is to develop ROP. This disorder—which usually develops in both eyes—is one of the most common causes of visual loss in childhood and can lead to lifelong vision impairment and blindness. (National Institute of Health) It was later confirmed that he was at Stage I. Stage I — Mildly abnormal blood vessel growth. Many children who develop stage I improve with no treatment and eventually develop normal vision. The disease resolves on its own without further progression. (National Institute of Health) Following that visit a second opinion was requested just to confirm. The second opinion was scheduled on 06/03/2010. I talked to the second opinion doctor and he said it sounded like Ryan was at Stage I and that if this was correct on 06/03/2010 he wanted to proceed with laser surgery for early intervention. Both Martin and I understood the severity of letting this continue any longer or doing nothing. We agreed to laser surgery, if needed. On 06/02/2010 a day before the surgery we met with a neurosurgeon who was concerned over the recent dilatation of Ryan’s ventricles. He said they were swelling causing pressure. While Ryan was too small to get the shunt they felt it would be best for him to have a reservoir for now. He said this would help him for the 2-3 weeks until he got bigger. He explained that the reservoir will allow cerebrospinal fluid to be removed with a syringe to check the pressure. Fluid from the reservoir can also be examined for bacteria. The neurosurgeon also, wanted to act fast and said that he would add Ryan for surgery on 06/03/2010. This meant that Ryan would have two surgeries in one day, wow, did we have a big day ahead.
I prayed that night and also, in the morning asking God to be with him during this time, to heal him and work through the hands of these doctors. I was scared and frustrated that my son had to endure another thing. I couldn’t help him, save him or protect him. I must say that I’ve never in my life felt so helpless or weak. That Thursday I spent the day at the hospital first telling Ryan I would be there waiting for him once he was done with his eye surgery and then second kissing him before he went into neurosurgery.
After, each surgery I met with the doctor and was told he tolerated the surgery well and was recovering. It was quite a week, but as usual our lil’ fighter pushed through it. He continues to amaze us and continues to reflect the miracle that God offers us. We are so blessed!