Alrighty y’all, I’m here for a little update from the appointment we had today. We went to a doctor who came HIGHLY recommended by a family at church. He is actually the Chief of Neurosurgery at Baylor in Dallas and is Matt Chandler’s neurosurgeon. This was a total God thing because we have a lady from church who works for Dr. Barnett, and she got us into see him which can be impossible if left on your own! One other way we know that God is in total control and always faithful!
I wish I could tell you that we went in today and the blood was gone! BUT, we didn’t actually have any new scans or tests done. He took a look at the scans we had last week and actually set down with us to go through them. Boy, was that helpful! He did an amazing job of calmly explaining the ins and outs of the bleed and the underlying cause.
Here’s what’s going on, in my words of course! I have a cavernous malformation which I *think* means that I have a cluster of blood vessels that are abnormal. More than likely I have had these from birth, and last week there was an acute hemotoma (which is a fancy way of saying that I have a bleed in my brain). There wasn’t anything in particular that made these vessels bleed last week, but pretty much it was just bound to happen.
So, what does all this mean? We still have to wait until December for our next MRI to make 100% sure this is what is going on. There is still a chance that once the blood has absorbed it could reveal a different issue. But, he seemed pretty certain that this was the underlying cause.
Could it bleed again? Absolutely, and if left alone it more than likely will in the next year or so. Because I am 27 and it has already bled, it will probably bleed again… boo! But, it shouldn’t in the next few months (which we are really praying for so that we can get a good scan).
Unfortunately, I will probably have to have a surgery to remove the cavernous malformation. We are not 100% sure about this, but once we get the new MRI, we will weigh the risks and advantages of leaving it alone or removing it completely. Luckily, the abnormal cavernous is on the surface of my brain, it’s not deep inside… so that’s a blessing!
As for me, I am taking the next few days off of work (doctor recommended) not because I am feeling bad or in pain, just because he wants me to rest after last week. He wanted to reiterate that although this isn’t necessarily life threatening, it is a big deal and we don’t need to take it lightly. So, I’m going to listen to the smart man, and lay low the next few days! After all, he is the man in charge of my brains now, ha!
I am really beginning to feel a peace about this whole situation. The thought of brain surgery does scare me, but the thought of living with a brain issue scares me even more. I am beginning to see how God is working and has already prepared so much for this time in our lives. And, I know that the peace I am feeling is only coming from Him.
One last thing… as of right now, it looks like I will not be able to travel to Africa to pick up our sweet girl with Jared. I don’t really want to get into all of the details right now or how it makes me feel because you can only imagine. I am fully having to put my faith and trust in God because left on my own I would be an emotional wreck. BUT, I’ve had 2 pretty smart doctors tell me that they would not want me anywhere near a hospital in Africa if something were to happen. So, if you get a chance, please pray that God will give me a complete peace about this and that He will guide us during this last part of our adoption. I know that His plan has always been better than mine anyways!
I think that’s it as far as the updates go. This doctor visit made me feel quite a bit more at ease because he told me there’s no need to stress everyday about having a re-bleed, and that it’s nothing to lose sleep over. I still need to take it easy on physical strain, but after I’ve rested for about a week, I should be able to continue living a normal life!
I can’t say thank you enough for your prayers. Jared and I are blessed beyond belief and we are truly feeling the love and support that you are all sending our way!
Thoughts are with you! Xx
Shanyn
Coffee, Kids and Compulsive Lists
I am praying for you, Amy. I snuck over here from your other blog to check in on you. As you have already mentioned, leave it in His hands and completely give it to God. He will see you through this. I am praying specifically for peace in your heart and mind, and for God's will to be done in the adoption of your sweet angel. Everything happens for a reason and only He knows that reason. Put your faith and trust in Him, because He's definitely got a plan for you.
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers your way from KY,
Jamie
How do I put into words what I want to say … first, I can't imagine going through what you are/have been facing. But, as I read your comments I am so thrilled to see you have a faith in God. I seriously don't know how people cope with life's curve balls when they don't have a solid foundation of hope.
Reading Jamie's comments reminded me of one of my favorite verses: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
And another favorite: I Peter 5:7 coupled with Psalm 55:22, both of which speak of casting your cares on Him.
And finally, I'm reminded of a sermon my pastor preached awhile back on "Peace! Be still!" and since then I have used the authority of that scripture to speak to the storms in my life. Oh, it wasn't easy. I've been freaked out and really quite scared about certain situations that I have faced, at least in the natural. And yet, when I stop and focus my mind on the things of God, I find great comfort and reassurance. So to the needs you are dealing with at this time–your health and the adoption of your child–I pray Mark 4:39 for you: "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." May the "winds" in your life be still and may you have a great calm!
Please know that I am praying for you and your family.
My thoughts are with you. I wish you so much happiness in the future when this challenge is over.
Heather at TeachItToday!
Leave it to God dear Amy, rest, and pray, pray, pray for all the strength you are going to need in the months ahead. Keep it calm and relax. God is holding yours and J's hand!!!
Praying for you!
~April Walker
The Idea Backpack
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs.
Penny
Keeping you, Jared, and your adoption in my prayers… everything works out for a reason, just keep it close to God!
Haley
Following Optimism in 2nd Grade
I will pray for you. I am so sorry that you have to go through all of this. Please take care. Your students and friends will miss and pray for you. God is in control and will take care of you. Praying….
Amy,
First I wanted to let you know how much I love reading your blog and using your TpT products in my classroom! You have been in my thoughts since I read about the bleed in your brain last week. Your faith and positive attitude is inspiring! As a cancer survivor I always found comfort knowing that God will work all things together for His glory and our good. Continue to stay strong and take comfort in knowing that lots of people are praying for you!
Aimee
aimee@vanmiddlesworth.org
Pencils, Books, and Dirty Looks
Continuing to pray for you and your doctors. SO thankful you were able to see someone who gave you both an understanding of what was happening now and a plan for the future.
I've been following your adoption story for some time and my heart hurts for you as you had to make the decision to stay home while your husband goes to pick up sweet baby J. Take comfort in knowing that so many people are covering all 3 of you in prayer in the days to come!
Abby
Wow your amazing I her the peace of The Lord in your writing!
I just checked your blog, it had been a while. I am so sorry to hear what you are going through, but your posts are a blessing that I know God is using! I will be praying for you and your husband and for God to give you the peace that you need in this situation! Praying our babies home! <3
You have been in my thoughts this past week Amy. You are so smart and rational about everything. I am sending my thoughts and prayers.
<3, Kristen
Amy, I love reading your posts. With both the adoption and the health scare, your faith has been really inspiring. Stay strong ok!
Kirra
Hi,
I have been a MAJOR fan of yours on TpT for some time. I literally stumbled upon this blog and was shocked to find out that you are the same person as the one with the wonderful things on TpT. So, I have to share – On July 3rd, 2003, I met with my adoption agency for the first time. After LOTS of tears (my part) paperwork, anxiety (again, my part), and prayers – my family, church family and friends – I travelled to Kazakhstan on July 17, 2004 to meet my daughter, Laurel. We returned home to Alabama on August 27, 2004. She was 10.5 months old at the time. She will turn 9 in November. She has the sweetest southern accent. She knows that she is adopted and she knows "her story". I am so excited for you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.