If you are reading this right now you are either recently joining our story because of a prayer request or you have been with us on this journey for the past eight weeks. Yes - Cash turned two months old yesterday. It's hard to believe. This week we have received some tough news. The scans that have been done on Casher's liver over the past three days suggest that he has a rare condition called Biliary Atresia. This is a blockage (or absence) in the tube (ducts) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder. From what I have read, the condition is congenital, meaning it has been present since birth. Cash's doctor told us that the scan is only suggestive that he has this condition. The only way to know for sure is for the surgeon to perform a liver biopsy. The plan as we know at this moment is for the surgeon to perform the liver biopsy, repair the hiatal hernia, and put in a g tube (so that he can get feedings directly into his stomach for the next little while). He has had an infection (due to the central IV line which is very common) so he is being treated for that with antibiotics. If the infection is under control, the surgery will most likely happen next week.
So, if the surgeon gets in there and does the liver biopsy and he DOES have Biliary Atresia, then she will do a procedure called a Kasai to connect the liver to the small intestine, going around the abnormal ducts. The doctor has told us that this is just a temporary fix and that ultimately he would need a liver transplant. If this is not what he has, then the biopsy should indicate what is going on.
We have a meeting later today with the surgeon so we should have a better idea of how this will all go. We hate to share this news especially when it is so uncertain but we really need your prayers. We ask for Casher's complete healing. We ask for the doctors' wisdom as they proceed. We ask for faith and trust for us and our families and friends as we navigate this uncertain time. It's so scary and emotional for us all at the moment. It's so hard to see our beautiful little boy going through this. I love Deb Whorley's comment: "When you can't see God's hand, trust his heart."
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Dear Kari and Mitch,
ReplyDeleteAs I read your latest update I was reminded of a passage that I really like - Psalm 84:5-7. It says: "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength till each appears before God is Zion." These verses remind me that our walk with God is a journey - a pilgrimage, not a sprint. I also love the idea that we go from strength to strength - the strength comes as needed for each part of the journey or pilgrimage. I'll be praying that you can set your hearts on this pilgrimage with God and also that you will go from strength to strength. I'll also be praying healing for Casher. I am so sorry for this tough news. We'll keep relying on God's faithfulness.
We love you more than words can say!!!!
Pam and Mike
My heart is with the three of you in this difficult time. Keep strong and the love you share will help keep you stong!
ReplyDeleteI love you
Baylee
We love you and are praying. God has done a lot for Casher and He can do this one, too. Ours is not to question why....God has a plan. You two are an inspiration! Love you, Nancy and Ken
ReplyDeleteHI! I'm Melissa, Kelley's cousin that lives in San Francisco.... I read your blog and just wanted to tell you that I'm keeping up, I am praying for you guys to have the strength & energy & support to make the important decisions you need to make and deal with the reality that you can't just hug and kiss infinitely to make it all better for your precious little boy! So inspiring that you are relying on our Creator and resting in His faithfulness and abundant love! Casher truly is precious! Thanks for blogging and letting us all love Casher and you guys even from afar!
ReplyDeleteKari and Mitch,
ReplyDeleteI read your blog everyday and will continue to pray for healing for precious Casher and for your strength and peace.
God Bless each of you.
Loving you,
Luanne
We are thinking about all three of you every day. We are praying for Casher and hope that his complete recovery will come very soon. We are so looking forward to the day that will be able to come home.
ReplyDeleteWith all our love,
Tom & Mandy