Yesterday’s post contained few specifics as to what the concerns of the doctors and the staff of WMH NICU were. This was done on Kim and Phil’s request in order to contact and inform the family rather than have them hear about it here ‘first’. Since this is now done, perhaps a bit more of an explanation, concerning Zoe’s condition is in order. I preface this explanation with a simple statement from Kim,
“Just praying for a miracle right now.”
The MRI of Zoe’s head indicated that the right ventricles of the brain were growing. This could have been caused by swelling of the brain or perhaps bleeding, but it was not. Instead, what the ‘second opinion’ revealed was that there were large areas of damaged brain tissue in ZAC’s right brain hemisphere which her body was reabsorbing. The space created by this absorption was being filled with cerebral fluid.
The cause for concern surrounding this development was not so much about the absorption or the fluids, but rather the potential for long term damage already having been done that would cause the brain to go into this ‘mode’. The doctors theorize that while in uterus, Zoe may have experience a stroke which both damaged the brain and spurred her premature arrival.
Following the MRI review, the doctors… cautious as always in the choice of words they used, painted a picture that spanned the distance from stark and bleak in outlook [as it applies to the potential from long term disability and brain damage] to the possibility that Zoe might be able to ‘reprogram’ her brain so that the functions performed by the damaged/missing area could be taken over by the other hemisphere, and thus be ‘normal’. [I question the relative merits of normalcy, but that debate is best kept for another day.]
The next milestone is finding out if Zoe can coordinate the suck, swallow and breathe regimen, a function that should be ‘second nature’ by the baby’s 36th week of development. Since ZAC is only at 30 weeks of development there is still time to go on this, and beyond this new hurdle she continues to grow, breathe, her heart is strong and she is active.
On a personal note, after speaking to Kim at length last night, I can only reiterate what I said then. Understanding the will of God is often clouded from the minds of mortals. I would not begin to hazard a guess as to why this has happened to Kim and Phil and Zoe… to all of us, but suffice it to say that regardless of the end result, it will be to His glory.
If Zoe does indeed have to contend with brain damage, Phil and Kim will be most excellent parents, Zoe will remain a child of God and He will be glorified.
And if Zoe has to contend with a limited disability or a learning complication,
Phil and Kim will be most excellent parents, Zoe will remain a child of God and He will be glorified.
And if He allows Zoe to develop, grow and thrive… unhindered by any disability,Phil and Kim will be most excellent parents, Zoe will remain a child of God and He will be glorified.
If He chooses any option other than the third, will He be less glorified? I think not, and while we would pray and plead with Him for this third option to be His option of choice, it must always be remembered what He said to Paul…
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
- ZAC’s GP
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