Miracles, Miracles!

Yesterday was a great day!  I had a few doctor's appointments for Madison and I was a little nervous because I had no idea what to expect when meeting with the neurosurgeon.  I had never met with him before and I was worried about Madison's spine.

I first met with Dr. Rollins, Madi's colon/rectum/reproductive doctor.  He said that she looks great and we need to keep doing what we are doing.  He also said to just treat her like a normal, healthy child.  He did say that she does have 2 vaginas, 2 cervixes, and 2 uterus. But that isn't a concern.  They will just take out the septum between the 2 vaginas and create 1.  I guess they will leave the other stuff alone...they didn't tell me about them.  He then proceeded to tell me what will happen for surgery. After cardiology give there clearance, they will go in and create Madison an anus.  For three months we will have to dilate it to make sure that it stays open and doesn't re-close itself.  After the three months, they will go in and do a "take down."  This is where they connect everything back up and she should have a normal colon, rectum, anus. At that point they will see what muscles she has down there and will see if she will be able to function without training.  (I pray she does!!)  I guess time will tell.

Next, I went and met with Dr. Riva-Cambrin.  He is Madi's neurosurgeon.  When he came in he asked me questions and did a little exam on her.  He was very pleased.  He said by looking at her clinically, that means physically, and on the MRI, he knows she DOESN'T have a tethered cord, as of now.  She could still get a tethered cord but there is a 70% chance she won't have to have surgery on her spine.  He explained what exactly is going on with the bottom of her spine and a ligament that is there.  The bottom is not formed correctly but he said that is really common for a baby with a cloaca.  He also explained to me that she has NO tailbone.  I asked what that meant and he said, "That just means that she can't come to you after skiing and tell you she broke her tailbone."  I replied, "So, it isn't that important?"  He said that it is a part of our bodies that we can live without.  WHAT A MIRACLE!!

I can't believe how blessed this little girl is.  Dr. Rollins said she is doing better than he expected and Dr. Riva-Cambrin said that she doesn't have a tethered cord.  I am so relieved and so thankful for these daily miracles in our life.  Madison is a miracle and a daily reminder to me of how lucky I am to be her mother.  I know that she is a choice daughter of our Heavenly Father and I am so glad I am blessed to be her earthly mom.  I have felt so much love from my Heavenly Father and Savior lately.  I know they are watching over us.

This is off the subject, but yesterday while I was in the elevator going to visit Laurel in the NICU, I was talking to a mom.  She had a baby strapped to her chest.  She asked how old Madison was and I told her.  I then asked her how old her baby was.  She replied, "She is 7 months."  "Wow," I replied, "she is little."  The mom looked at me, almost ready to cry and said, "Yeah, she isn't growing and we can't find out why."  The elevator door opened the mom got out and I said, "Good luck, you will be in my prayers."  The doors shut and I continued up to the 4th floor.  I wanted so badly to hug this poor mom and reassure her that everything would work out.  As I was in the elevator by myself, I began to think about the blessings I have received.  My Heavenly Father and Savior know me.  They know Madison.  They know Colt.  They know all of us better than we know ourselves.  They know that I could handle this precious blessing and trial in my life even when I think I can't go one more day.  I know that they will help that poor little mom.  She is one of our Heavenly Father's children and He loves her as much as He loves me.  There are so many amazing stories at Primary's and all of those children are SO special.  I love the spirit that I feel when I am at that hospital.  It can be a sad place, but there are also so many amazing things going on there.  I pray that little girl will be blessed and all will be well.  Please keep all the children at Primary's in your prayers...they need them!!