Brooke's Cardiology Report...

Today we had our visit with Pediatric Cardiology for Brooke. I could not have been more pleased with our day. The cardiologist was amazing! He was willing to take all the time needed to run the proper tests and educate us on all that is 'unique' with Brooke's heart.

Brooke does indeed have a minor heart defect, that, at this time, poses no threat to her. He did also confirm a functional murmur that is completely unrelated to the defect.

Instead of having a Tricuspid Aortic Valve she has a Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

                                                        Tricuspid                      Bicuspid

With this diagnosis, patients are at risk of Aortic Stenosis (narrowing of the Aorta), Dilation of the Aorta, and "leakage" if the valve does not open or close properly.

The measurements today showed that Brooke has Borderline Dilation of the Aorta- she is right on that 'normal/abnormal' border for having dilation. 

What does this mean for Brooke?!!

NOTHING!! - at least not right now :)

She is now, and will forever be, a cardiac patient. Two years from now, and probably every two years from now on, she will have to have an Echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) to look at, and measure, the Aorta and Aortic Valve. If she were to develop any Stenosis or Dilation then the may prohibit her from playing contact sports, participating in strenuous excersice, etc.  He reassured us that her Aorta would have to be in extremely bad shape for them to even consider repairing/replacing it.

In the meantime, she is clear for surgery IF the Cleft Palate Team decides to repair that within the next few months and she is free to be a normal two year old!! Yay!!

The LORD is teaching me to trust Him- and of course, He is using my kids! I am at complete peace tonight as we have this minor diagnosis and am sure that Brooke is going to be fine! There is not anything that I can do or worry about that will change the path that the Lord set for her before the beginning of time. Praise be to Him for His wisdom and love for Brooke!

Thanks for the continued prayers from all of you- we see the Cleft Palate Team next week and the Geneticist the following week (with Shane's first birthday in the middle)!

Blessings to all!
-B

I added a couple of diagrams below for your viewing pleasure :)

A promise...

In chapter four of the book of James a promise is made that I am clinging to and claiming today.

"Draw near to the Lord, and he will draw near to you."

Quite frankly, this week I've been a mess- for no apparent reason! I have been on the verge of a full blown panic attack (or what I can only imagine is one coming) for three days now. My heart racing, the anxiety building- choking the life right out of me... THIS IS NOT ME!

It is so strange- just when I start to feel a little momentum I hit a brick wall that is so hard and so high that it plain knocks me right out.  Flat out. Cold. Whoa.

Today, by God's mercy and grace he gave me this promise, once again. When I needed it the most.

His whisper: "Bethany, just draw near to me. Everything is fine. I am here. I know what I am doing. Trust me. Move into me and I will wrap you in the safety and power of my love. 'Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God! I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' "

I will not be anxious about tomorrow, next week, or next month. I will not fear the unknown. I will trust that my Lord is moving mountains in our lives and that, in His perfect timing His will will unravel before my eyes- when that happens I will look back at today, and yesterday and remember how much time and energy I wasted being anxious.....

Finally.... peace!