Appointments This Week

This week we had 2 appointment days. On Monday we spent the day at Mount Sinai in Toronto getting another detailed ultrasound and meeting with one of their MFM doctors. We learned that because our baby’s lung measurement is on the lower end of the CDH spectrum, she is on the lower end for expected survival rates (roughly 50%). It’s also predicted that we would have a longer stay in the NICU after she’s born (likely at least a few months). The doctor there also went over a lot of things that we’ve only read about online, like long term health difficulties the baby might have.

We were able to get more information about the procedure that can be done on the baby now, which would be done at Mount Sinai. With this procedure, there is a chance it can accelerate the baby’s lung growth before she’s born but the main risk is preterm birth. It’s also only being offered as a randomized controlled trial so the doctor couldn’t really give his opinion on it either way. It still needs more research to show its benefit. If we were to go ahead with it, I would have to be close to Mount Sinai hospital for about 4 or 5 weeks before the 2^nd part of the procedure would happen. We are leaning against it but it’s still a big decision.

Yesterday we were back at McMaster where I had another ultrasound and check-up. We are looking forward to meeting with the pediatric surgery team in a few weeks where we will hopefully hear more about what the plan will be for the care of the baby after she’s born. We got to talk to a social worker who was able to give us a better idea of what the NICU at McMaster is like and some more information about the Ronald McDonald House. One nice thing about yesterday was that we got to see our baby’s face in 3D which we weren’t expecting! We’re so grateful for all of the thoughtful and thorough health care providers we’ve met.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8