I knew they wanted to see us soon, I guess the reality of how soon never really had time to sink in. Our first appointment is Thursday at 7 AM - so we are leaving tomorrow to give us time to travel and get settled in a get a good nights rest. Thursday is going to be a very busy day for us. I will be posting the "schedule" so you can be in prayer throughout the day for the various tests and meetings we will be having.
Today has been quite a whirlwind, but I knew everything would move quickly once we decided to make the journey to Cincinnati. I currently have a full-time position with a company that has been more than understanding and supportive through the many appointments we have already had through this journey. Although I know my baby's health is more important, I still felt bad that I would be giving them little to no notice of this upcoming trip. As in the past, they were more than supportive and have even offered the opportunity for me to come back and work part-time until the baby comes to make it easier on me and easier to go to all the doctor appointments. I am so thankful for this - because it is one less thing I have to worry about. I finished up everything and left early to come home and pack and get ready to leave for a trip that has an undetermined amount of time.
I have been in contact with several ladies up at the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital already to schedule my appointments and to go over what will be happening. Their names are Emmie and Avery - both very friendly and informative. Basically they can't give me a time frame of my stay because, you guessed it, it depends on what is found on Thursday. I am going to post the schedule below - but I want to give some more details of what has happened today.
Traveling to a city you have never been before, where you know no one, and you have no idea how long you are staying is VERY intimidating. The Lord has been so faithful through the preparations for this trip in several ways. We have had a wonderful couple offer to pay for our gas expenses for this trip - a HUGE blessing. We have been connected with several people in Cincinnati that will be able to help us while we are up there, including a local church and someone who has offered their home to us. Unfortunately we already booked a hotel, but we don't know at this time if we will need to go back at a later date or not so it is another HUGE blessing that someone has offered this up to us. Another family has also offered their home as a "pit-stop" on our road trip home if we just need a break from driving. There are people all over the United States that have seen our blog and are reaching out to let us know they are praying for us. It is easy to get so down and out and confused about the medical situation, but I am trying to focus on all of these blessings the Lord has given us in regards to travel and preparing for this trip. I'm still stuck in a twilight zone and have hardly had time to process anything because we have just had to be prepared so fast. I am so overly thankful for everyone who has reached out to us and are praying for us. This means more than words can ever say.
Here is the schedule for Thursday with times so you can pray at specific times:
7 AM - MRI - pray that they are able to clearly discern what is going on in the lungs.
8 AM - Ultrasound - continue to pray for the doctors to discern the correct diagnosis and procedure
10:30 AM - Echocardiogram - They will take a look at the already existing heart condition just so they can have a first hand look and be well-informed.
12:30 PM - Consult with the Nurse Practitioner assigned to our case.
1 PM - Social Services appointment - pray for peace and that we are able to get any questions answered.
1:30 PM - Genetics counselor appointment
2 PM - Team Meeting*
*The team meeting with consist of the Pediatric Cardiologist, Pediatric Surgeon, ENT, and High-Risk Maternal Fetal Specialist. Please pray specifically for this appointment on Thursday. This is where we will receive all diagnosis and the plan of care for the rest of pregnancy. I am probably the most nervous about this because as in the past, I am unsure what to expect. They will tell us if they are going to do the surgery in utero while we are there or if there are other steps they would rather take.
Thank you in advance again for your continued prayers. They are a blessing in themselves. Please continue to check http://www.facebook.com/BabyMurphyUpdates?ref=ts&fref=ts for regular updates on the blog and also little updates about what is going on will be posted there. Just "like" the page and it will show up in your newsfeed. We love you all and are blessed to call you friends and family.
Love to you all,
Ashlyn Murphy
I just found out about your blog from Jimmy Davenport. I am praying for your family! A little over 18 years ago I was in the midst of a very difficult pregnancy. I remember praying and telling the Lord I just had to know something! The waiting, and not knowing was getting to me. This is the verse He brought to my attention after my crying to Him, and begging for even just a little bit of definite information. Psalm 33:11 NLT "But the Lord's plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken." Those words spoke such peace into my heart. I knew He wanted me to trust Him and not get taken up with what I couldn't know yet. I know our situation was very different from yours, but the fact remains: He is enough for us. He is worthy of our trust. His intentions can never be shaken. His plans stand firm forever! I knew there was no guarantee for the result I wanted, but there was a guarantee that the God of the Universe, who had blessed us with a child, loved her more than I ever could, was going to accomplish His purpose for her, whatever that meant. I'm praying today as you travel, and will be praying tomorrow too as you have the many tests, etc. May you be filled with a sense of His presence and care as you go through this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte Brown (used to go to church with Jimmy and Charlotte Davenport.)