38 days and counting

Owen’s due date is now just 38 days away. We had a break from medical appointments around the holidays but got to check on him again in an ultrasound last week. I’m sorry it’s taken me a few days to get an update written. Between working, homeschooling, spending time with our kids, and making preparations for a baby, our days are pretty full.

Spectrum performed a very thorough ultrasound on Owen last week which included an echocardiogram. Careful measurements were done on his heart to make sure it is functioning normally and hasn’t been affected by the mass on his lung. The results were great; Owen’s heart looks extremely healthy.

His heart is still shifted toward the right side of his body. The cardiologist assured us this isn’t a cause for alarm. As long as the heart is working well, the positioning isn’t crucial. The body adapts. If and when the mass is removed from Owen’s lung, his heart will gradually shift back into position.

Owen’s lung mass measured slightly larger than at our last ultrasound, but our doctor wasn’t overly concerned by this. It is getting more challenging to get precise measurements on a very wiggly baby. He is now over five pounds and moves all the time.

Our schedule at Spectrum last week also included preparations for the “what if” scenarios.

The ideal path for Owen goes something like this: Jen goes into labor on her own and delivers naturally; Owen shows no signs of breathing difficulties or other distress and is able to stay with us in the hospital birthing center; his CPAM is evaluated, with surgery likely once he’s between three and six months.

If Owen faces struggles at birth and it’s determined surgery is needed right away, a pediatric surgeon will be ready. To prepare for this possibility we met with a surgeon and got more information about how that decision would be made and what the surgery process is like. Urgent surgery seems unlikely for Owen, but it’s good to know what to expect should we face it.

If Owen has other medical challenges short of surgery, he will spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit. We are blessed that the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has a level 4 NICU, offering the highest level of care for newborns. We received a tour of the facility and met with a doctor who explained how the process would work.

After the simplicity of delivering our last two babies at home, it can be overwhelming to wade into the medical world. There is a lot to figure out and many decisions to be made. But we’re doing our best to enjoy this pregnancy, take our worries to God, and be patient as we look forward to holding Owen.

Overall, Owen is on a great path. His progress since the initial diagnosis back in November has been outstanding. But as we’re learning, CPAM babies can be unpredictable. His long-term prognosis is very good. Still, there are many potential challenges along the way. We look forward to seeing God work through all of them.

Thank you for praying for us and supporting us.

Aaron