Monday, July 6, 2009

Another Leah Update

We just got home from our appointment at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the good news is retinoblastoma (cancer of the retina) has been officially ruled out! We met with Dr. Murray, a retinoblastoma specialist and he brought in another doctor, who is a pediatric retina specialist, to look at Leah's eyes. They dilated her pupils, put numbing drops in them, and used a speculum to do the exam. My mom came with us for the appointment, and she and I both left the room for this procedure. We didn't want to see or hear what was happening with Leah! Poor little girl did not like this exam! After examining her eyes, they told us that there are developmental abnormalities in both of Leah's eyes. The doctors are not sure what has caused these abnormalities, but told us it could be genetic or systemic. He is referring us to a geneticist at Shands in Gainesville to see if that doctor can determine if it is a genetic eye disorder or not.
We are also going back to Bascom Palmer on Friday for a more intensive exam in which Leah will undergo anesthesia. In this exam they will be able to look more closely at Leah's eyes, take pictures, and if there is anything that can be corrected with lasers or by freezing, they will do that during the procedure. With the pictures they take during this exam, the doctor will be able to send them to get opinions from other specialists to try and diagnose the problem. Because of this exam on Friday, we will have to reschedule our appointment with the pediatric neurosurgeon in Gainesville that was scheduled for Friday.
Here are our prayer requests:
  • Praise that Leah doesn't have cancer.
  • Pray that the exam under anesthesia on Friday goes smoothly for Leah with no complications
  • Pray that the exam would give the doctors information to properly diagnose Leah's condition.
  • Pray that Leah's vision loss would be minimal (we have been told anywhere from needing glasses to needing special services in school)
  • Pray for peace and comfort for Stephen and me as we seek answers about our baby. Pray also that we would trust in Jesus' Lordship during this hard time.

8 comments:

  1. First of all, we are so thankful that cancer has been ruled out! Praise God! And we just continue to pray that more answers will come in the next few days. Hopefully, her vision will be corrected with simple glasses or contacts someday. My heart breaks for you and Stephen as you go through these days not knowing though. I wish I were there. I love you all.

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  2. Hi Rachael and Stephen (and Leah),
    I (Dad) am so glad that God put you in Florida where the medical resources are so great. I am praying for a miracle for our little Leah. I wish we could be there to hug you two and hold Leah for a while. I don't think I would have been able to stay in the room either! Love from Bolivia.

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  3. So glad it's not cancer. We will continue to pray. Thanks for the update.

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  4. Hi Stephen and Rachael,

    I just wanted you to know that we are praying for you guys here at Trinity International Church - that you both would know God's peace and that Leah would be healed in full.

    Blessings,

    Andy Partington

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  5. Thank-you for updating. We are continuing to pray.

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  6. Your Mom Nancy - my 1st cousin - has been giving us all updates as all this has progressed. I am very thankful cancer has been ruled out. I will pray for answers and healing.
    I wanted to share with you about our neighbors daughter as an encouragment. She was born without eye color pigmanation. They were told she would never be able to read drive etc. God touched her and with a couple surgeries - she not only reads but she is top in her class. She is now 8 and will not even wear glasses. So as we all see God is still in the miracle business and we are praying. Love you guys. Susan (Fish) Mason

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  7. You don't know me but I am a friend of Jeanie's and have also been on ccci staff for over 30 years. I too have a 2 month old granddaughter and just wanted to let you know that I am praying for all of you and little Leah all the way from Canada.

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  8. To the whole family...Grace Community Church is with you in prayer, trusting the tender hands of Abba to guide the doctors through every test, and the brilliance of Yahweh to give clear direction in how to treat her...sorrow last but for the evening but a shout of joy comes in the morning...getting our shouting voices ready! Love and joy, Sandy Snavely, Grace Community Church

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