Plans Change...

Today we are 36 weeks 4 day! Pretty amazing! Abel has already overcome a lot of odds but last week we had to have a ‘come to Jesus meeting’ with the NICU doctor to discuss how “The Big Day” will go and what to expect. This was not a meeting Victor and I were really looking forward to. We knew it would be hard. We hoped for the truth but also knew the truth was going to stab our hearts. It did.

We met with Dr. Bass who is a NICU doctor at Tennova and at UT Hospital. To be honest, I am not sure if he has more titles that follow his name or not but he really seemed to be a great guy and doctor. We started off by talking about Abel and his lungs because his lungs will be the focus when he is first brought into this world. We have to make sure his lungs can work before we even begin to worry about his bladder or kidneys. One thing at a time…

Dr. Bass’s first comment was “I believe in miracles. I believe Jesus walked on water. It doesn’t look good though; your baby’s lungs are very under developed (to say the least). This will need to be our immediate focus.”

Ouch. Reality.

There is some peace and reassurance that a doctor believes in miracles much less that he will mention Jesus and that he believes. We liked that. I don’t know the details of Dr. Bass’s beliefs but he knows Jesus, and that’s what matters. I want Abel to be surrounded by God’s people as much as possible for every situation. God can use these people in every kind of way. Whether it be to work on Abel and help him or to help us make the best decisions for our son. God works through His people, His people do wonderful things because they are led by God sometimes not even knowing the full plan but it all works out accordingly.

Dr. Bass explained some of how lung development works. Some of it we had heard before granted everyone explains it a little differently and things can always change... Since we have had no amniotic fluid there has not been proper pressure on the lungs needed. The amniotic fluid also effects the air channels that develop, no amniotic fluid means those can’t develop either. No air channels mean Abel’s lungs won’t work in the real world. The swollen bladder has also pressed up on where Abel’s lungs are which also hinders development. Dr. Bass explained some of the care that Abel would need and some of the steps that could be taken to help Abel. He also expressed his concern that UT has a level 3 NICU and will be better equipped to help Abel and offer him the best chance. Dr. Bass was very wonderful in explaining steps and some “what if” scenarios. To be honest though none of these scenarios seemed ‘great’ or ‘ideal’. It came down to if we wanted to give Abel all the tools possible to fight and survive then we needed to have him at UT.

Abel has fought and given every day his best, I don’t feel as Abel's mom or his parents we can take the tools away from him that might help him to succeed. That would be like throwing your kid into a baseball game with no bat, glove, or ball and telling him to give it his all and win the world series. I want my child to succeed whether it be something small or something huge like breathing! I have to make the decision that is best for Abel. Having him at UT means Dr. Vick doesn’t get to deliver. This hurts my heart, it also kind of scares me; but this isn’t about me it is about Abel.  I know Dr. Vick, he knows me, he knows Victor and he wants what is best for the Fords. Having Abel at UT also means that the same doctors that wrote him off will now be delivering him. Ironic? Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor? Abel is going to show these doctors what’s up!

Victor and I want what is best for our son. Doesn’t every parent? Our hearts break one way or another it feels like but we have to trust in God. We have to trust in His plan and His will to be done. God has given us wonderful doctors to help us through this journey but it is all up to God. We continue to pray for His plan though- only God knows what is truly best for Abel.

So things change… plans change… and God takes the wheel. We are now planning on having Abel at UT. We will meet with the high risk doctors that will deliver Abel and take care of me from here on out. I pray for peace within myself, between us and the doctors, and guidance for the doctors. I know if you’re reading this your prayers are with us regularly but please also pray for these doctors all the doctors and nurses that will be involved.