Brianna Gives Hope: So Here We Are

Thursday, February 26, 2009

So Here We Are

Getting ready for bed....

so I put Brianna in her bed, knowing she is ready for the sand man....go into the room minutes later and this is what i find....

did I tell you that her Physical Therapist said as a general rule...that if a child is sitting up by 2 years of age, that eventually they will walk....yeah, you read that correctly...we believe Brianna will walk...she continues to be such a fighter...nothing keeps our baby girl down......oh my goodness....life is god, I meant to say...life is good....hmmmmm. typo or.........

2 comments:

CathyFebruary 27, 2009 at 12:18 AM
Soooooo proud of you sweet Bri!!!
I am sure you will walk, you are doing so well on all fours and sitting. She is such a fighter and I don't doubt she will be leading the group of our girlies! I love her room (of what I can see), so maybe now you will take a picture of her entire room. Thank you for the update and the picture. I love to see them.
also I looked up flights for the conference. Even though I don't like flying, not sure I can do the 19 hrs. drive if I go it alone. Will wait and see.
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AnonymousApril 3, 2009 at 7:42 AM
Hey Guys, Brianna looks so pretty, thanks for keeping us posted. love, debbie
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Definition of Trisomy 18

Edwards Syndrome : Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) is a chromosomal abnormality where there is an extra chromosome present in every cell of the body. This is an example of where “the more the merrier” is not true. This extra chromosome means that every cell has extra information encoded into it. The extra information causes confusion in the way that the cells are formed and results in the potential malformation of all of the body systems. Sadly, this condition is considered "not compatible with life". Just like with Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21), there is a wide range of how this condition will play out (what the doctor's will refer to as your child's phenotype). Unfortunately because there is more information encoded on the 18th chromosome, the severity of this condition is greater than that of Down's Syndrome. Current studies show that while 1:1500 children will be diagnosed prenatally with trisomy 18, only half that number (or 1:3000) will be born alive at full term. Of those who survive to birth, only half will make it to two months of age, and only 10% will survive to their first birthday. Children who live can be an important part of their family and community, but are profoundly developmentally delayed.

But oh, how we love these special little babies. When Brianna was born we were told she would probably leave this earth within 24 hours...but look at her now. 24 months old, healthy, adorable and amazing. God has been so good. Brenda

Bri's Medical Condition

Brianna was full-term born on April 12, 2007, weighing 5 lb 18 oz and 18" long. Her Apgar scores at birth were 8 and 9. Approximately 15 hours after her birth we were advised of the tentative Trisomy 18 diagnosis.

Immediate health issues had to do with her heart: Mainly, a VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect); PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) ; and a PFO.

Open Heart Surgery at 4 months and

G-tube placement before we came home.

Eye surgery in Spring of '08 to correct cross-eyes.

Tubes placed in ears in Fall of '08 hoping to quash the numerous ear infections.

Scan of abdominal section in Dec. '08. Everthing appears normal.

Brianna takes formula by g-tube but eats baby food by mouth. She can hear, see, is rolling over, sitting up, trying to crawl, playing with toys, says "da da"; "do it, do it, do it" and various other sounds. She is the happiest child we have ever known.

We are so very blessed.

Brianna Gives Hope

Thursday, February 26, 2009

So Here We Are

2 comments:

Our Family, Nov 2007

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