Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Just Wait and Watch

The baby is looking a little worse than last week, but isn't looking bad enough yet to warrant anything invasive, or anything resembling a needle. After an hour long ultrasound (I never actually thought I would be ready for one of those to be over), we spoke to the Super Specialist. He wouldn't go into too many "What if" details, which was kind of annoying because I had my list of 200 "what if" questions. However, John says when dealing with pregnant people ("who aren't quite normal") it is probably the best course of action. And, it probably is, because I am already churning through anything negative I did hear.

Basically, I am to go back for in-depth ultrasounds every week for at least the next 4 weeks. Another month of not knowing? This is just painful. The statistics say that we have a 50% chance of not needing any intervention, and the baby will just get better on its own. Then, there is a 50% chance that the anemia will get to a bad enough point that we'll need a transfusion or two. And, of those 50%, half of them do well, and half of them do not. So, the way I look at it, we have a 75% chance that everything will turn out okay in the end. Unfortunately, there is also a slight chance (1 in 1000) that they baby will just be so badly infected with the virus, and not from the anemia, that it will have long term problems. They can't treat the infection, they can only treat the anemia. I didn't realize this was a possibility until today. This is the piece of negative stuff that I cannot shake from my brain. I must shake it though. I must have faith that things will all work out well in the end. My immune system is somehow fighting the virus off for the baby (or something like that). Go Katie's immune system. Whoop some parvovirus ASS!

So, no more updates until next week. For now we're going to try to relax and enjoy having Jo Anne here. Becca is in heaven with all the attention and all the Cinderella toys, clothes and DVDs emerging from Gee Gee's suitcase!

14 comments:

Erin said...

Thanks for the update. I've been thinking of you, and I'll keep sending parvovirus-ass-kicking thoughts your way.

MaryB said...

All of my fingers and toes are crossed. Keep kicking ass!

Ann said...

Thanks for the update. Thinking of you every day. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way!


Ann

Angie said...

Hoping for some major virus ass kicking over the next month.

justme said...

in my prayers...maybe there is some super vitamins or herbs that will kick up your immune system ???

Tracy said...

I think that warrants LONG couch stays with bon bons and coffee (or olives or Burger King, what ever floats your boat) You wouldn't want your immune system to have to fight something else. All ass kicking virus fighting little guys need to stay focus on the task at hand!

WHat about vacation?

The Quinn Report said...

Glad the 1st one is over with for you! Maybe crossing off each and every passing day on the calendar would help???? I don't pray, but I have, and will continue to think of you.

Grandma's visiting are the best! I love when my Mom comes and has an entire suitcase devoted to Salem......and I!

Anonymous said...

I'm cheering on the ass kicking team, too. Spirit fingers and all.

Peregos said...

Thank you for the updates Katie. Perfect timing for grandma company (extra hands, entertainment and hugs). You are in my prayers.

Andrea and Ben said...

I know it isn't exactly what you wanted to hear, but it must be a relief to have one down. I will continue to worry for you, so maybe you can take some of the worry off your shoulders.

Joel and Angela said...

Wow Katie, we will definitely be thinking of you and praying that all is well. Thanks for keeping us informed, but do relax and enjoy your company!

Jen said...

Glad to hear you are doing okay through all of this and that you have family around to help. Lots of prayers from us to you guys.

molly said...

Each one of us is cheering for you, Kates. We think of you everyday and will continue to keep you, John, Becca and the wee one in our prayers. xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Swistle said...

I am really sorry you're going through this. Really sorry.