Monday, February 7, 2011

Unexpected News From the Doctor.






As I sit here and contemplate how I am going to write this post, I am looking for pictures to add and chuckling at all the comical faces my sweet girls can make.



Addison and I have returned home from our last doctors appointment, a little stunned and overwhelmed. We have just had word that her body is attacking her poor little liver.....which means in two weeks from now Addison will be admitted to the hospital to start 4 - 6 months worth of anti viral injections. She will need to stay in the hospital for the first week of injections to make sure she has no major adverse reactions to the medication. And then we will be able to do the injections as out patients (hopefully) and come home.



Our pharmacist has warned us this medication can cause hair loss, nausea, lack of appetite, lowered immune system, aggressive behaviour, and extreme exhaustion, during the beginning of the treatment, however (hopefully) her symptoms will improve as the treatment progresses. We have been warned that the treatment is extremely expensive, so we are praying she can receive treatment as an out patient so that the injections are covered. I know the Lord will provide a way for us to cover these treatments, yet to say its not a concern, would be an understatement!



Addison's pediatrician has told us that if we can't get control of this she could be looking at a liver transplant in the next couple years! That gave me a bit of a jolt, and I am not sure if I heard what he said after that, for a few minutes!



To say that I am shocked is an understatement! It was on our radar as an off chance that this could be an issue ( like 5% chance) from the tests the orphanage was testing her for. As I sit and type this I have moments of peace and trust that the Lord will carry Addison and our family through this, and then moments of such sorrow and anxiety.



Howard is still away working right now.....we have seen him for one day in the last 2o days. Our whole family misses him immensely! We are hoping that he will take leave and come home for that week Miss Addy is in hospital, so one of us can be with our other kids, however if the injection is not covered, he will remain away so we can swing it. Also Nathan broke his femur 10 days ago and hasn't been able to go to school since it has happened. So to say that I feel like we are going through a time of testing, would be a huge understatement!



In amongst this gloomy post, I must say....Our God is good, ALL THE TIME! He will hold us together and carry our family through this trial. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that these trials and momentary struggles we must endure here on earth are preparing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs anything we can face on this earth! Am I weary? YES! Am I troubled? YES! but I know that God says that He uses ALL things for the good of those who loves him! And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!



You word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. ~ Psalms 119:105




The Lord is a good refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. ~Nahum1:7~




When you pass through the waters, I Will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fires you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God. ~Isaiah 43:1-3




Well my family, friends and bloggy friends if you believe in the power of prayer, our family would be humbled if you would lift our sweet Addison up in prayer. We are praying that this medication will heal her, that she will be 100% after this. That she will not succumb to the side effects of this medication and that she will be able to trust Howard and I as we guide, love and nurse her through this illness. Please pray for the rest of our family as well ( I think we may need it! lol!) Our other three kids will be quite concerned and I know this will be a trying time for them as well. I am hoping to have our laptop running at the hospital and will update you all, as we know things. We would like to make her stay as fun as possible. As we are only there in case she has a bad reaction, so if any of you have any ideas for entertaining a 2 year old who doesn't like t.v. Please, please, please message me in the next two weeks so we can prepare a hospital entertainment kit :)

11 comments:

  1. Kim, Howard & family - we are sorry to hear about this new challenge for your family. You will be on the top of our prayer list for healing, strength, comfort, and brilliant doctors guiding the care Addison receives.

    As for entertaining a two year old in hospital: Levi (almost 2) loves books, his thomas the train set, building with lego, and he can spend hours playing with his leap frog education (animal theme). Also, we found that when Levi was in Childrens for his palate surgery they had an amazing play room with tonnes of toys - we were in their quite a bit when he was unable to sleep during the night. If the hospital is close by you could swing by and see what type of playroom they have, might limit the items you have to bring.

    Thinking of you folks - if there is anything we can do for you let us know. Angie, Walter & Levi (China Group 2010).

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  2. Kim...
    I am so sorry! That is some major news you were delivered! You are right...what the devil means for harm, God turns to good. I will be praying that for your family. I'm also praying for strength, peace and complete healing.

    Jennifer

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  3. That Isaiah verse sums it up! He will be there with you through all of this and you should know that Addison will be lifted up with our prayers. My mother's heart goes out to you and I will be thinking about you all a lot.

    Will you be in the city for this first week?

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  4. Yes Paige, I think we may be coming down to your neck of the woods. We were told the wait to see the specialist is 2-3 months, and Addy can't wait that long to start this medication. I am just praying this doctor knows what he's doing, as he admitted he has never had a case like hers :( He seems open to learning though, which is great! Hopefully we will get to meet each other if we come through :)

    Kim

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  5. I've been following your journey to Addison and am so sorry you got this news. Our oldest son has a medical issue with the potential for similar liver troubles. I don't know Addison's specifics, but I will be praying for your sweet girl.

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  6. Kim,

    My heart goes out to you, Addison and your family. I hope that the injections will have only minor side effects that first week.

    Can I ask why this would not be covered under provincial health care, especially since it is under your doctor's orders/recommendation? I understand if this is private and do not wish to share, but I was shocked when you mentioned that you *might* have to pay for this.

    Hoping you are able to find some answers soon.

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  7. Let me know if you come down and I will make a point of stopping by the hospital, maybe go for supper across the street, if you feel you can step out.

    Let me know... I would love to meet.

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  8. Oh Kim. My prayers are with your family at this time. I was worried about you, because you hadn't blogged in a while. I hope you don't mind that I commented to make sure you were okay.

    I can't even imagine getting news like this, never mind the worry of whether expenses are covered or not.

    I don't know what to say, BUT I do know a Father who knows the end from the beginning. He knows exactly what is going on right now. He will provide for his people, like he did when He led the children of Israel out of Egypt. Trust Him. He will provide. He will even give you a miracle when you least expect it. He gave you this sweet girl and He will most certainly take care of her every need. I truly believe that.

    My heart is with you all. And I am praying that you will all feel His loving arms around you as you deal with the tough stuff.

    Take care.
    Jill

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  9. Praying for complete healing of Addi's liver. Praying for peace for mom and dad as they trust in the Lord and stand confident that He will provide.
    This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
    Mary

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  10. Dear Kim,
    I am so sorry for this scary news! It must have been a jolt to hear it and then try to process it. You do have a lot on you and so thankful you know The One who will carry you through!!! These are the times you can know Him better than you ever have. I will be praying for sweet Addison and your whole family as you take it one day at a time. :) Please don't think I have it all together about the whole heart cath thing... I get scared and anxious but at that very moment, I pray and give it away!!! I focus on the today her and now~ letting tomorrow take care of itself!!! I pray the same for you!!!
    blessings and Joy!
    Sharon

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  11. Praying for Addison and your family for comfort and peace. Praying that your insurance will cover her treatment.

    Amy

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