Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Meeting with Neonatologist

I feel almost like I need to start a "layman's terms" medical dictionary to define all of these doctors and various medical terms. Hopefully you've been able to keep up.

Yesterday we met with the director of neonatology at Shady Grove Hospital. She also happens to be a geneticist, so her insights were particularly helpful. The consultation went well, and she was able to ease my mind with things like the fact that Shady Grove has all private rooms, they do mark the rooms of patients who have suffered an infant loss, they can put a little outfit on Isaac, etc. What was a bit frustrating was that she hadn't been faxed my file from the perinatologist, which happened to include all of the reports from Children's. So, it was a little more difficult to discuss the medical side of things, but we managed. She has requested that Spencer and I make an appoinment in September to meet with her, the head NICU nurse, a social worker from the hospital, and a few other key folks to review our birth plan and to talk things through. I will have had at least one more ultrasound before then, so there will be even more updated information to discuss.

I have very mixed feelings about going shopping for Isaac's outfit. Usually that would be a "going home" outfit... and in our reality, it still is... just a different home than we have been hoping for. I am also on a mission to find the softest, snuggliest blue blanket out there... maybe one made of chenille. I know it will be bittersweet looking for these things, but I hope to enjoy it as much as possible, like any expectant mother would.

I wish there were more to update you on, but at this point there isn't really any new news. We deeply appreciate your continued prayers, encouragement, and for loving us like Jesus.

20 comments:

The Writer Chic said...

Oh Stacy.....I'm sorry your appointment had some hiccups in addition to it being what it was. But I AM glad that there are some action steps you guys can focus on right now.

In regards to your "mission"...may I make a recommendation? I don't know if this link will work here -- I'll email it to you from home -- but if not, you can C&P:
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/k3163/index.cfm?pkey=cbdgbln%7Cb

We received this as a gift for Seth, and it is the sweetest, softest, most wonderful blanket -- our favorite, by far. I would love to get this for you as a gift....but I'd not want to presume that this is the one you'd choose. So, I'll leave it as just a recommendation.

Oh, Stacy, my heart aches for you each morning. Please know I lift you up numerous times a day to our Father, and am trusting that he is carrying you.

And one more thing....I don't know if you've found your way to this blog yet, and the specifics of the situation are different from Isaac's, but I read the entirety of it yesterday, and I think it will encourage and bless you: http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com/

Okay, long enough for now. Just wanted to give you a virtual hug, and a reason to hit "refresh."

Hugs, Monica

Anonymous said...

Your strength and faith, continue to amaze me.

Pottery Barn kids has really soft blankets, the chamois stroller blanket, and they can also be embroidered with names and dates. I bought a blanket for Abby there before we lost her and I often get it out and snuggle it.

Lauren said...

Hi friend! Thinking of you and praying for you often. Just wanted to stop by and say that you and Isaac are SO IMPORTANT to us.

julie said...

you are always in my thoughts. much love julie

Robin Bair said...

I found your blog from Amy R's blog. She's my cousin in law. I must say...your faith and trust in God is inspiring and refreshing. I'm so glad you are surrounded by His presence. Do you mind if I add your link to my site? Your posts are such an inspiration...you should write a book. God has given you a wonderful way of writing. :) Praying for you.

mommyof7 (2inheaven) said...

I know that you are wanting a soft blanket. But I was wondering if I could make you a handmade crocket baby blanket. I can find a very soft blue yarn. Let me know. I would love to be able to fo this for you. You and your family are in my prayers. I can't imgaine what you are going through.
Mommy of 5

Amy said...

Clicked over from your comment on Angie's blog...

...Your story is more touching than words can say. I am praying for you and your husband and your sweet Isaac. Thank you for sharing your journey.

Valerie said...

I can't say it any better than it's already been said: "Your strength and faith, continue to amaze me."

Valerie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Charchie said...

Stacy,

I'm just now stumbling across your blog and my heart just breaks for you. I am a pretty regular lurker on the H&F board and I hope and pray for only the best for you, your husband, and baby Isaac.

Crissie Traugott said...

I was led to your blog by a friend, and am so moved by your unwavering faith and incredible strength. Thank you, Stacy, for sharing your story with us...for pouring your feelings out for even strangers to read. Isaac's life has already touched my own.

I am feverishly praying for you and your family.
Crissie in Frederick, MD

Anonymous said...

Stacy,
I just found your blog and read it in its entirety. You are such a strong woman of faith to be leaning on God so firmly. I will pray for you, your husband, and your sweet boy daily as I read your blog.
Kara

Anonymous said...

I stumbled across your blog some weeks ago and have been reading but never commenting, and just wanted you to know your faith is something that is so amazing and inspiring to me. What you have makes me want to know and love Jesus the way you do, with a much fiercer devotion than I often have. I pray for you and your sweet family every day, and hope you continue to feel God's presence and plan for your sweet little Isaac.

Jen said...

Sweetheart, my heart aches for you. I tried so hard not to cry, but failed. You are in my prayers continuously.

So Blessed said...

With my prayers...

Anonymous said...

Stacy,
I stumbled across a link to your blog on the Nest, and I truly believe God has led me here to inspire me and encourage me to seek a closer relationship with Him. So, you can attribute that overwhelming and noble feat to your little Isaac.

You will be in my prayers constantly, and I feel blessed and honored to say I will be following you along this journey from this point forward, doing my small part to support your amazing family along the way.

Thank you for being a source of inspiration and faith to others even through your pain and uncertainty.
Kate

Kara said...

Thinking of you and your husband! It sounds like a great idea to have all of this planned before little Issac arrives. My heart goes out to each of you. I suffered the loss of my baby when I was eight months pregnant with her and it was a total shock, but the nurses and dr helped to make all of the difference. I now am blessed with a 3 yr old and a 2 yr old!

BeckyinQC said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
BeckyinQC said...

I found your blog from Angie's. I have wanted to comment before, but becuse we didn't know each other was unsure of doing so. This post really hit home with me though. Although my troubled pregnancy was 4 years ago, it is so similar to yours (My daughter also had a cyst on the back of her neck). I too had to pick out not a going home outfit, but something to bury her in and it was incredibly difficult. I also remember trying to find the perfect blanket to wrap her in. My heart just aches for you as you experience this. I know what it is like to wonder each day if it will be the last kick and "alive" moment you'll have with your baby. I truly hope the best for you in these tough circumstances and am so glad that you are so close to your Father in Heaven - he is what carries us through these situations. If you'd like to read some of my pregnancy that was much like your's, you can find it at www.inmemoryofanangel.blogspot.com.Feel free to contact me at anytime.

~ Becky ~

Unknown said...

Great information - thanks a lot for the detailed article! You might also be interested to know more about our company. Techno Data Group helps you achieve your business goals through customized database, connect with interested qualified prospects who are seeking information to move forward in the buying process.Neonatologist Email List