CHOP Visit

Yesterday we went to CHOP and spent the day (7am-4:30pm) in tests an consultations for Mira.  Unfortunately, we did not received good news.  Mira’s hydrocephalus has progressed further and is affecting every part of her brain, including her brain stem.  They found evidence that Mira is unable to swallow in the womb, meaning that the brain stem is impacted to the point that she won’t be able to breathe, have a gag reflex, eat on her own, or any of the things our bodies do without us thinking.  Performing surgery would not change this, it will only make her suffer.  Mira will not be coming home with us.  We will deliver at CHOP in early/mid December and spend whatever time she has with us holding her and showing her love.  The doctors will make her comfortable so she feels no pain and does not suffer.  We will go back to CHOP in about for 4 weeks for follow up ultrasounds, as they need to monitor her head growth to pick an exact delivery date.  At that time we will meet with CHOP’s palliative care team to create a birth plan and meet the team that will care for her and perform my C-section (which is needed due to Mira’s condition).  I can probably provide more details for those who want to know at another time, but right now Joe and I are not up to that.  All that really matter is that our daughter will not be coming home with us.  We ask for your continued prayers.