polksalet Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 (edited) She has an mri tomorrow to check for a "tethered spine". I am unsure what exactly that means but it can't be good. Edited May 29, 2007 by polksalet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Everyone, It has taken me a couple of days to gather myself and catch up on sleep before I could write this. I actually slept 18 hours yesterday which might be a personal best. Anyhow, both of my girls are fine. Friday Momma P went into contractions and checked herself into St. Michael's hospital here in Texarkana. The docs treated Momma P and were able to get the contractions to subside. I suggested that we remain in the hospital overnight. This is not my first rodeo and I know how fast things can turn south, which they ultimately did. The contractions started back hard and heavy around midnight Saturday morning. The staff deemed it inevitable that the baby would soon be born even though it was five weeks too early. After some indecision by the UAMS staff about whether there was a room available (we almost went to Shreveport) Momma P was ultimately airlifted via helicopter to Little Rock. The contractions came and went all night and around 9am Momma P got sick and her kidneys and liver effectively shut down. The docs told us they would be taking the baby shortly. Well about 11:30 the c-section was complete momma was doing good. The tumor on the baby was far larger than expected however. It was about the size of a volleyball and weighed nearly 4 pounds. It was the most horrifying thing I have ever seen no matter who's kid it was on. The doc's still seemed confident everything would work out ok although baby might need significant skin grafts and would probably suffer some muscle and bone damage as it appeared to envelope much of her lower body. The baby was then transferred to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock about 45 minutes after birth. Monday morning the doc's were preparing for surgery and did performed several HOURS of ultrasounds on the baby. It was ultimately decided that the tumor was only attached at the tail bone and on a tiny spot near her right hip. To make a long story short the tissues attaching the tumor to her body were removed and the tumor just more or less fell off of her body leaving everything in place. Other than a couple of scars on her buttocks there is zero damage to her. All of her skin, bones, and muscles are PERFECT. Both surgeons said that is was impossible for the tumor to be that large and leave so little damage. Her lungs are doing well and we expect to get her home well before July 1. Momma P, P Jr. and I were able to leave Little Rock Wednesday and we got home that night. It was really tough leaving a little one up there. We basically slept all day yesterday and most of today. I apologize for taking so long to get the good news but I have been physically and emotionally wiped out. I doubt I slept 5 hours Friday-Tuesday so I am trying to catch up. I appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and support more than I can ever say. This is easily the most horrible experience of my life but I do believe all will be well now. God Bless, The P family Great news P! You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godtomsatan Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 She has an mri tomorrow to check for a "tethered spine". I am unsure what exactly that means but it can't be good. Tethered spine is when the spinal cord attaches itself to something immovable, like bone in the spinal column. It's something that occurs most frequently with babies born with spina bifida. They have surgery that can minimize the effects if it's present, but mostly this sounds like a precautionary step to check and see. Probably will continue to monitor it as she grows. Continued great blessings! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Oven Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Great to hear everything is going so well Polk. People can say what they want about Arkansas, but we have a damn fine children's hospital. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerz Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Tethered spine is when the spinal cord attaches itself to something immovable, like bone in the spinal column. It's something that occurs most frequently with babies born with spina bifida. They have surgery that can minimize the effects if it's present, but mostly this sounds like a precautionary step to check and see. Probably will continue to monitor it as she grows. Good info here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliaz Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 To make a long story short the tissues attaching the tumor to her body were removed and the tumor just more or less fell off of her body leaving everything in place. Other than a couple of scars on her buttocks there is zero damage to her. All of her skin, bones, and muscles are PERFECT. Both surgeons said that is was impossible for the tumor to be that large and leave so little damage. Her lungs are doing well and we expect to get her home well before July 1. I can honestly say this is the best news I've heard in a long time. Congrats for this! Me and Mrs. Cliaz both sending thank you prayers tonight for this miracle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thews40 Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 I can honestly say this is the best news I've heard in a long time. Congrats for this! Me and Mrs. Cliaz both sending thank you prayers tonight for this miracle. +1. To think about what you prepare yourself for when something like this happens, it truly is a miracle best case scenario. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmypg Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 How did the mri turn out? I hope it went well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polksalet Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 How did the mri turn out? I hope it went well. ALL CLEAR results just in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isleseeya Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Thank goodness polk ...continues prayers and blessings to you all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmypg Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 That's great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiegie Posted May 31, 2007 Author Share Posted May 31, 2007 ALL CLEAR results just in I smiled and got goosebumps when I read this. (seriously) I am very very happy for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Neutron Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 Wow. Guess I should check in more often. Sorry you and yours had to go through all that Polk, but very glad to hear things are better than planned! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 I'm a cynical bastage... but I'm really feeling your joy Polk. This is amazing. I'm really happy for you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckB Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuke'em ttg Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 Incredible Journey you and the Family have been through.......you are some strong people....God bless and get some sleep........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whomper Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 Continued Prayers for continued great updates..All the best Polk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puddy Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 What a story you will have for your daughter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polksalet Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 updated pic http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/pol...et/IMAG0018.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaP'N GRuNGe Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 Great to hear the latest news. What a sweet little baby. I'm sure you are so proud of her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polksalet Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 Great to hear the latest news. What a sweet little baby. I'm sure you are so proud of her. I am very blessed. Soon I will be planting one of these http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poncirus under her window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polksalet Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 Ordering her one of these http://www.aggielandoutfitters.com/Website...rl%20-%20Infant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushwacked Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bier Meister Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puddy Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 She's adorable Polk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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