Wednesday, September 17, 2008

September 18, 2008 1:30 pm

Hello everyone! Laurie is doing well today, yet Mom and Dad are a little anxious! The retinal specialist came last night to check Laurie's eyes again and to treat her eyes. Prior to the specialist coming Todd and I had decided to go with the laser surgery option (because it has been performed for 20 years and therefore there is result data available--50% reduction of a severe outcome-hemorrhage or detachment/blindness--still not great odds). However, the doctor strongly believes that the Avastin injection will be be Laurie's best chance for "normal" vision. We did not realize that Laurie's condition had progressed this far, so we decided to wait until today so that Todd and I could discuss the options further. After much discussion with Laurie's other doctors and prayer, we have decided that we have no other choice, but to do the injections. Although Avastin is not FDA approved for ROP, it does seem to be the best chance for Laurie's sight(It has been FDA approved for other diseases such as cancer). This drug has been successful in stopping abnormal growth and neither hemorrhage or detachment should occur with the injection. However, it has only been used for about 3-4 years, so there is not much data to see the long term effects on preemies. The doctors will do the injection tonight between 5-7 p.m. It should take 1-2 minutes per eye, so this short amount of time should not affect her breathing. We may have to wait a few days to resume bottle feeding. The doctors will check Laurie's eyes again in a week and should be able to see improvement by then. She will be closely monitored over the next few weeks, months, and years.

We are trusting God to use this procedure to heal Laurie's eyes! We have already seen Him work miracles in her life and answer our prayers! Please pray specifically for the doctors performing the injection, for there to be no further complications from the procedure, and for visible healing to begin!

Love,
Todd, Leah, Cole, and Laurie

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

i've been praying for a favorable outcome on her eye's since i found out. may God bless her tonight.

uncle ben

Rhonda said...

HI!
THERE IS ANOTHER MIRACLE
IN THE MAKING RIGHT NOW
GOD STILL HOLDS OUR BABY
DOLL IN HIS HAND.SHE IS
A LIVING MIRACLE NOW AND GOD HAS A GREAT PLAN FOR HER IN HIS TIME I HAVE BEEN
TOLD AND WE CAN WAIT FOR
OUR BABY DOLL GIVE HER MY
LOVE. LOVE YOU LEAH AND AM PRAYING FOR YOU AND HER
AND FOR TODD AND COLEY DOUGLAS LET'S NOT FORGET HIM HE IS WONDERFUL
GIVE LAURIE ANNE A HUG PLEASE
LOVE YA
AUNT RHONDA

Laura said... said...

It's been a long 2 1/2 months of ups and downs and unfortunately, this is another one of those down times. I know how nervous you and Todd must be on making such huge decisions for Laurie's future. Just remember that so far, with all the prayers that have been lifted up in Laurie's behalf and God's help, you and Todd have made many decisions that have proved to be the right ones. This is because you are listening to the doctors and to God, even during these really scary times. Just keep your faith. I will say a very special prayer for my precious Laurie's procedure tonight - for the doctor's, Laurie, and you and Todd. I love you so much and I wish I was there with you. You know I'm here and praying for you if you need anything. I've got confrences until 6:30-ish and I'll call as soon as I can.
Hang in there! I love you!!!
~Laura

Van & Janice said...

We are praying fervently for Laurie and her doctors today. You and Todd have done a good job of making so many critical decisions in such a short time! Trust your parental instincts with guidance from above for this precious baby girl. This is all a part of her Great Plan.
We love you,
Van & Janice

Krysti O. Blanton said...

Leah- we've been keeping up with Laurie's progress daily. We will say a special prayer tonight. God Bless your family.
Love,
Shane & Krysti Blanton

Anne Harman said...

I am still keeping up with Laurie's progress and we will send a BIG prayer her way tonight. I hope you feel good about your decision because God has guided you every step of the way and I am confident that he is with you guys all of the time taking great care of her. I hope everything goes well.
Kathryn Hornbuckle (Betsy's S-I-L)

Unknown said...

May God bless all involved in this procedure on Laurie, and hold this precious baby in his hand, as he has for her whole life! Bless you and Todd, and Cole, too!!

Love, prayers, and blessings to all of you!!

Love,
Mary Sue

Nancy S said...

I called Emily around 6 and she told me the injections would be
between 5 & 7. I was praying thru
Drew's soccer game. I will continue
to pray, but I really believe the
miracle has already occured. I just
have such a feeling of peace and
ease about this whole thing(easy
for me not being right in the middle of it.) But God is glorified
in all of this. Let's start praising him for healed eyes. I
know you're holding vigil and have
been all keyed up with all of this,
but I want to remind you to rest
physically and try to get some sleep, and rest spiritually and emotionally in your heavenly
Daddy's arms. He loves you so. He's
got this. You can relax now.
Have a good night. Love, Nancy