Thursday, November 29, 2007

Normal!

For the first time in what seems like forever, I have something good to say... this will not be all doom and gloom. Shocking! I hope it's the start of a trend.

We drove to Philly yesterday to see Jack. I missed him so much - it's amazing how long two days can seem!! Anyway, he looked really great, not swollen, awake and alert:



We had a meeting with his doctor. We have been waiting on results of his genetic and chromosome tests. It's been torture. I have been absolutely positive that something was going to show up.... some horrible incurable disease. Even though we had the CVS test done while I was pregnant, I found out that doesn't test for every chromosome problem - it makes sure all the chromosomes are there, but it doesn't make sure they're complete, little pieces can actually be missing.

My eggs were old, and old eggs tend to equal chromosome problems. On top of that, I really don't know my biological father so who knows what genetic horrors are lurking over on that side of the family. The doctors also seemed to think this might be the answer to Jack's breathing problems. So we were obviously very worried. But...

Genetic test results: Totally normal.
Chromosome test results: Totally normal.

We had to keep asking the doctor to be sure we were understanding.... so ALL the test results came back? And there's nothing? Not one thing?

All those prayers, they're working.

I felt like I'd won the lottery. This means Jack maybe does have a chance at a normal life, if they can get him better. I can't even tell you some of the things I was worrying he had, and it still hasn't 100 percent sunk in that I can stop worrying about them.

The doctor said, all the 'little' things that may have pointed to a genetic problem are just that now, little things. Things that in a baby NOT on a vent, breathing on his own, would mean nothing. They're just Jack.

So now we're back to it just being about getting him to breathe... which obviously is still a huge problem but one that hopefully is fixable. The doctor told us they're going to keep trying to get him stronger, bigger, get his lungs healthier, his airway less swollen, and try and extubate him in the OR so they can get the tube back in easily if he doesn't breathe. An ENT specialist is working with them on it, and another neurologist is going to check his brain AGAIN just to make sure they didn't miss something.

It's going to take awhile, and they want to keep him at CHoP, which as hard, tiring, draining and expensive as it is going back and forth, I feel like it's worth it. They're the best. They can help him. We will do anything to get him better. I don't care how long it takes, just so long as in the end, he's home with us.

We still can't know for sure there was no damage to his brain from what happened Saturday, but so far all the signs are good that he's okay. It's like it's a miracle. I feel like Saturday was so hopeless, and Jack was never going to get better, was never going to be home. Now we have some hope. It's like we had to hit a real low before things could start to get better.

(I also got a new camera as an early Christmas gift. It's so great.... I hope my pictures are better now, but I have a feeling it's more user error aka I'm a terrible photographer than the camera :)

Gratuitous new camera cute baby girl pictures:

Charlotte:



Katie:



My chubby girls!!! Look at those chins!! You'd never know they weighed under 4lbs only a couple weeks ago.

I'm so happy to be able to share some good news here, I know how much everyone is hoping for the best for Jack and our whole little family. Thank you all so much for everything.

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to read about the great news!! Now I'm in tears of happiness for you!

All three of your babies are gorgeous!!

Sending continuous thoughts and prayers

Michelle (aka Finally!506)

Anonymous said...

Oh Megan, that's wonderful news!!!! We will continue sending Jack healthy lung vibes!!!! You must feel so much better!!! Laura (penguingrrl)

Anonymous said...

Megan, your blog sent chills and goose bumps through my body. I can't believe I feel so strongly about someone I have not met. I think about you and your family every day. I hope hope hope hope Jack will be okay. Am glad his tests are normal. C'mon Jack - we are rooting for you! All the best!
Balle - hobokenbride06

Jan said...

Such wonderful news Megan.
I will continue to send my thoughts and prayers for Jack so that he can get home to his sisters as soon as possible! I'm also sending you my big ((HUGS))
Jan

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news.

Unknown said...

YAY!!

that is the best news!

Anonymous said...

WOOHOO!!! What great news!!

See you later...we now have reason to celebrate :)

Elbee said...

That is amazing news! I'm glad to hear things are finally looking up.

:-)

p.s. The crown is too much! It made my day :-)

Anonymous said...

Oh Megan this is such a wonderful post! All the prayers are working and it is looking great for Jack! More prayers coming to you for healthy and strong lungs and brain! MK

Anonymous said...

I am in tears now-- this is so wonderful Megan! Kevin and I are praying for Jack and your whole beautiful family!

Marissa (rissainthesky)

Anonymous said...

Megan, I am so happy for you all! what wonderful news. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers. The new pictures are adorable! I hope Jack is home soon. Elizabeth (mrs.hj)

Anonymous said...

Megan I am SOOO happy to hear this news! Keep it coming!!!

Your children are adorable!

Anonymous said...

Yeah for Jack! I'm so happy to read this!!!

Kelly

Anonymous said...

megan, i am so happy to hear the great news!!! i'll keep praying for you.

lauren(petro)

Anonymous said...

Wow Megan, so happy to hear the good news. The prayers are working and you can count on it that so many people will continue to keep praying for your family. Your faith and strength are amazing.

God Bless,

Amy (ladygil)

Alicia said...

I kept for checking for exactly this... GOOD NEWS. You can just feel it in your writing... the relief, the love. I've been asking my dad Megan... to please do something up there because there is this little boy down here named Jack who needs help. I hope it works. And I got a new camera too for an early xmas present. You want good ameatuer ones, give me a call! And I told jess i would walk Leroy even though i don't like cats =) Hopefully our gift will come through soon and you can see just how many people are thinking of you and jack and of course those lil chubby girls!

Anonymous said...

I AM THRILLED! Thank you for sharing this, Megan.

Anonymous said...

YAY JACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's awesome!

Anonymous said...

oh yeah Megan... that's great! I am so extremely happy for you and PJ! I will continue to think about your beautiful little family and pray that Jack will get stronger and healthier and will be able to go home to you, PJ and the girls SOON :)

Irma (MamboMama)

Anonymous said...

OK, so now I'm crying happy tears for you! YAY for Jack!!! YAY for normal!!! Happy dance, happy dance, I'm doing the happy dance for you, PJ, of course Jack!!

Tara (tpquinn72)

Anonymous said...

Megan!!!!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how happy I am to read your latest blog. I have a lump in my throat!!!
All three of your babies look beautiful- stay strong!
I can't believe how much emotion I can feel right now, and we barely ever spoke on the nest and have never even met.
Sending extra prayers and vibes, I hope Jack comes home soon! Jackie (bbzangel70j)

Anonymous said...

That's such great news! Keep it coming!

Anonymous said...

I am so, so, so happy to read good news from you!! I'm still sending tons of thoughts and healthy vibes to Jack. I hope you've got some more good news soon.

Sarah
oct11bride03

Anonymous said...

YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sooooo HAPPY I am crying for you Megan, I knew that he was okay and he is going to get better and better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vibes and prayers your way always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kathleen aka Mrs.Scher

Anonymous said...

Megan, such great news! Continued vibes and prayers your way!
Ginny (Ginnydpe)

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear the great news! Jack is in our prayers and can't wait when he's out of the hospital. The girls are getting big and adorable.
Sandy

Anonymous said...

Normal?! I don't think so... Jack is extraordinary, just like his parents! :::big hugs:::

Kelly said...

What wonderful news! I'm so glad. Keeping everyone in my prayers.

Jennifer said...

Great news Megan!! So happy to hear things are looking up. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. Jennifer (boobaloo)

Anonymous said...

Go Jack, Go Jack, get better. Slow steps are ok. Just keep moving forward. Congrats on some good news :)

TheGuardianOfEden said...

THANK THE LORD!!! Megan, I have you and your family all in my prayers. I pray long and hard for all of you, especially for your little Jack and I am breathing a sigh of relief for you...and I will continue serious, hardcore praying for Jack until he is 100% in the clear, breathing on his own, and back at home with you, PJ and his sisters Katie & Charlotte...and his big brother Leroy. (((HUGS)))

~Sharon (GuardianOfEden)

Anonymous said...

Megan I am in tears I am so so happy for you, PJ the girls and little Jack!! I will keep saying prayers that your little boy comes home soon!!

Natalie
(Natalie042205)

Anonymous said...

YAY JACK! Way to pull through little man....we are rooting for you guys every day....XOXO! Jessica (FrancO)

Anonymous said...

THANK GOD!!!! I'm so happy to be hearing your good news. You are a pillar of strength - it's really unreal! I hope Jack continues to get better & stronger each day & is off that vent sooner than later! Angela(&Frank)

Jessica said...

YAY!!!!!!!!
I am SO happy to hear such wonderfully encouraging news!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Megan-
I'm so very, very happy that Jack's test results came back negative. Looks like things are looking up. So now he just has to get stronger and get home. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Amy (zorahangels)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news!!! Continous thoughts and prayers..

guinnf said...

I am so happy for the great news. I will be praying for a speedy recovery for little Jack. Love the new pictures!

Kimberly and the GA Guinn Trips
www.guinnfamilyhome.com

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news!!! Continous thoughts and prayers..

Unknown said...

I'm so happy to hear such great news. My prayers continue to go out to Jack. May he continue to make such great progress, and may your family be reunited soon!
All my love,
Jackie (notwifezilla)

Anonymous said...

Oh, that's such good news. I've been reading for a while, got here from the Nest Multiples Board. I've been thinking of you and Jack every day, I'm so glad that there's good news.
Gwen (ilovea2)

Gillian said...

THE BEST news!! Yay!! I continue to offer up a pitstop on the way, if you ever need it!

The whole lot of you are in my thoughts.. more vibes that Jack continues his upward trend.. way to go little guy!! Keep making those waves!

Jody said...

I have no words for how happy and relieved I am to hear this news. We'll keep right on praying up a storm for that little boy of yours!

Adrienne said...

I am so happy to read this!! I think of you guys all the time and you are constantly in my prayers. I will continue to hope and pray for the best for little Jack.

pam said...

so happy things are looking up with jack! he's such a fighter, little man!