GroshLink

On May 16th we visited Children's Hospital again for several doctor visits and a follow-up MRI. Overall we heard good news. The MRI showed less blood in the brainstem area and no new bleeding. This indicates further evidence that Eden has a vascular malformation in the brainstem, but the doctors will still not rule out the possibility that it is a tumor. As we said before, only a biopsy would tell us for certain what it is and that procedure is too risky to attempt.

The opthamologist indicated that the cornea of Eden's left eye looks healthy which is good because she can't fully close that eye. As long as it remains healthy we need only to continue to use ointment in it to keep it moist. We will continue to wait to see if other areas of Eden's brain will compensate for the affected nerves. This means that the doctor will not do surgery to "straighten" her in-turned left eye until it's clear that it is not getting better on its own. In the meantime we continue to patch her "good" eye to preserve vision in the left eye.

The neuro-oncologist and neuro-surgeon thought Eden looked good. We're concerned that her hearing may also be affected and are looking into having her tested.

We can't thank you enough for your prayers, concerns, gifts, help and so much more. You are Christ's hands and feet to us. We are especially moved by the number of children who pray for Eden. Their prayers are precious and they are learning so much by interceding for us.

Does this do enough for you in explaining the Sith?

http://www.starwars.com/databank/organization/thesith/

Please pray for our time at Children's tomorrow as Eden will visit the opthamologist and neuro-oncologist. Then she will have a follow-up MRI as we continue to seek increasing certitude of diagnosis and clarity on next steps in treatment.

A special thank-you to those who are caring for Hayley and Ellen, bringing dinner, delivering groceries, and providing parking. You are not only a great encouragement to us enabling us to step forward at this time, but also a testimony to the truth of the Gospel to the doctors w/whom we interact at Childrens, our neighbors/acquaintances, and those w/whom I share our story w/on campus.

Finally a place to reconnect by sharing

1. memories, some pics are in the various albums with more to come

2. current life situations, FYI: current ministry happenings in the 'da Burgh!

3. provoking thoughts and article links. I'll draw some things together for us in the next couple of days to start the conversation, but if you've already found us feel free to jump in . . .

As many of you know baby Eden has a cavernous angioma on her brain stem affecting her left eye, eyelid, and facial nerves. We have received very good care at Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh and her current situation is stable.

On Monday, May 16, we will have a follow-up MRI in addition to an appointment w/her opthamologist and neuro-oncologist. Please continue to keep her health in your prayers. Thank-you for your many cards and gifts, you are a great encouragement to us!

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

Check out 'family' in album under Menu for some family photos.

Welcome. This piece has just begun and is under construction. Check back in the next couple of days for all kinds of good stuff.