Saturday, March 3, 2012

The Final Countdown

We've come a long way.
Chaia has been receiving treatment now since the end of September to combat the calcifications in her arteries. The goal of the treatment is to stabilize or even reverse the calcium collections in her major arteries that have collected in many of her vital organs. In some cases, the calcifications are irreversible, and will continue to increase until her vital organs/systems begin to fail. This often presents in the heart (which is where Chaia's symptoms began to present), but the calcifications were also found in her kidneys, stomach, etc. In some cases, the calcifications stabilize and the body adapts to functioning with what it has left to function. Especially in babies, the adaptability and resiliency of the human body is remarkable. In some cases, the calcifications actually reverse to where vital organs and systems don't just have to adapt to a 'new normal' but begin to increase in function. In any case, Chaia's heart has taken on a lot of trauma and remains damaged. But there are some long shot possibilities that the healthy part of her heart will continue to grow and sort've swallow up the dead parts of the heart. And there are long shot possibilities that if the calcifications reverse, some of the non-functioning parts of her heart might begin to revitalize. So Monday is the day that we find out which of these is Chaia's case. Even in the long shot scenarios, Chaia's long term prognosis appears to be heart failure before she reaches adulthood. But, she is 8 months old. It was widely assumed she would not make it to 3 months. Then 6 months. And so I guess what I'm asking from you all is that you pray to God by the power we have in Jesus' name that her name (which means 'life') would be her destiny. Because He is the God who is the Great Physician. He is the God of dead hearts coming alive. He is the God of stony hearts becoming flesh. He's the God of the long shot. And I like our odds.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys!
Continuing to kneel for you and Chaia, praying her name is her destiny and praying for long shots. He is able to make it happen! Good luck with the housing hunt. After being at the hospital last weekend with Bruce, we completely agree with you on the "there are nurses that truly care about you, and nurses that just punch in and punch out". We were blessed with more of the former and so apprecated it. I am not sure all nurses realize they have the power to help make someone's day better by being understanding and sympathetic, or can put you in a bad mood with their attitude. Shaina, we think you would be a wonderul PICU nurse! Your love and care would make all the difference to your patients. Love you guys, Bruce and Sharon

Anonymous said...

Prayers for you all. When we kneel Chaia wins!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow........

Cindy Penrod said...

We will never, never, NEVER stop praying for you all and for Chaia's healing. Grandma has been touched and blessed by God's healing power and we BELIEVE BY FAITH that Chaia is also being healed. God is to be praised, no matter what!!

Anonymous said...

Praying my heart out for you guys and baby Chaia. May God keep His healing hand on her. We will NEVER stop kneeling!

MamaMarty said...

I continue to pray that our GREAT PHYSICIAN continue healing Chaia and grant you and Shaina strength and grace. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Unknown said...

the greatest testament to the Lord is your guys' attitude. i can't tell you how many times you've melted the frustration and anger in my heart and turned me back to pure Trust in the Lord. He is with you all, this much I know to be true. stranger or not, I love you all.
x's and o's,
ashley

Anonymous said...

I continue to pray and hope that tests results are the best God can give her....a clean slate!!!!
GOD bless you Chaia and her parents!!

Mama Karen said...

Our Church is praying "She will live and not die and declare the works of the Lord!" Believing for our miracle to manifest itself in a mighty way. Standing in faith with you!

Anonymous said...

My faith is sort of new, growing over time thanks to some wonderful person who also introduced me to your blog. I started a bed time ritual some time ago, I usually start with Our Father, thank Him for the day and the things that made me smile, and then sort of talk to Him, ask for my family and friends to be safe, and ask for help. I'm definitely going to be sure to include your family.

God Bless You

aussienic said...

EPHESIANS CHAPTER 3 VERSE 20!!!!!!!

Joanne Sadlon said...

Mark 11:23–24 I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

We can still pray that whatever calcifications left in Chaia's body will be gone by tomorrow morning!

Anonymous said...

The Cooks are praying for you guys! Praying for that miracle with you! Thank you for your love and faithfulness to our Lord!