Over the last 2 weeks, Titus has visited the pulmonologist - who has determined that he did not have a partial lung collapse while he had RSV, but more of a diaphragm distension. He has prescribed a new treatment to assist in keeping his airway open. Becky was able to provide him with all the x-rays since birth and the doctor thoroughly reviewed his progress to-date.
A week ago, Titus had his initial appointment with Scottish Rite Hospital here in Dallas. They will address any issues that arise from the hemi-vertebrae in his spine and his turned foot. But, from their initial inspection, they offered encouraging words and feel his foot is turning into normal place and his spine may be fine - they will just watch it over the years.
Last Friday, we had an appointment with Dr. Leffler, pediatric ophthalmologist. Dr. Leffler had examined Titus when he was a few weeks old, but that exam was basically to make sure all the "parts" were there. Numerous doctors/nurses have commented on Titus' cloudy eyes and this appointment was for Dr. Leffler to do a more thorough examine now that Titus is older. His initial findings are that Titus is suspect for congenital glaucoma. This is totally treatable with surgery, but needs to be addressed in a timely manner. We are in the process of getting an appointment with a pediatric glaucoma specialist next week. One of the issues will be that Titus will need to be anesthetized to accurately check his glaucoma pressures and surgery. This is always an issue with Titus since he has a complicated/compromised airway.
It's easy to get overwhelmed some days when you think about all the issues facing Titus. And then, I look back and see how far he has come. The last 4 months have been a blur of hospital stays, doctors, treatments, surgeries, sleepless nights, and countless tears. But the last 4 months have also been a time of great rejoicing as we have seen answered prayers, of sweet fellowship with friendships that have been formed and strengthened by the love poured out to us, of overwhelming support from our church family, our ministry family, and cards/emails from around the world. I am reminded again and again of Galations 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." So many of you have carried our burden over the last few months - and I will say again, I am truly humbled and thankful.
Webster's defines burden as "something that is carried; a load; duty, responsibility". In today's crazy world, it seems that everyone has full plates, busy schedules, full lives. And as full as your life is, many of you have found time to stop what you were doing and carry our load. It could have been stopping to pray for us, or taking our boys home to your house to play after church, or visiting us at the hospital, or writing a note of encouragement, or cleaning our house, or cooking a meal. How humbling it is to be on the receiving end and to be carried along. And, what an example it is to us and our boys to look for ways to lighten someone elses load. What a reminder to me to never be so busy that I can not stop what I am doing, take my eyes off of self, and look for ways to serve others.
One more note - oxen are considered beast of burden because of their incredible strength in carrying heavy loads - so please take this as a compliment when I say "you are a might ox!"
Please pray for these things:
- Titus will get a quick appointment with the glaucoma specialist and surgery will be scheduled quickly
- Titus' breathing will continue to go stronger, his lungs will continue to stay clear and he will recover from the hacking cough and drainage he has.
- Titus therapy - we are working on him sucking on the pacifier, and continue to work on stretching his arms/legs and getting him to lift his head. These are all areas he's delayed in since he has spent so much time in the hospital.
- Clarity as we work through the maze of medical bills and coordination with benefits. We have obviously met our out-of-pocket maximum for the year, but we are still getting bills for way more than that amount. Titus has hundreds of medical claims that have been filed by the numerous doctors and agencies at the hospital. Plus, we are still trying to navigate the Medicaid maze. Financially, we have always seen God provide - but it has been a little overwhelming to reach your out-of-pocket maximum ($6,000) in December 2007 and then reach it in 3 weeks in January 2008 for the new calendar year. But just like God provided exponentially for our adoptions, we know he will provide again.
- Our search for the car that we can all fit in - I have learned to say "I will never drive a . . . " like I did when I said "I will never drive a mini-van (and we are now on our 3rd van), but we are now looking for a Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon XL that we can get all the kids (including 3 car seats). Aidan and Noah would love for us to purchase the retired mini-church bus I found on Craigs List, but Becky and I are leaning more towards something that will fit in the garage.
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