August 22, 2008

Disappointing News

We had an appointment yesterday with Whitney's surgeon and after looking at the x-ray saw that the brace is not giving enough support to hold the femur in the correct location. She has suggested that we now place her in a body cast for a period of six weeks and then reevaluate for a possible additional six weeks.

This has been very disappointing news for us to hear as we were hoping that this brace and surgery would be effective. We are concerned with the breakdown of her skin under the cast, her loss of muscle tone, and her developmental progress. There is a less than fifty percent chance that this cast will work and it is hard to know what decisions to make for our dear Whitney. If the cast would work this would be very beneficial to her in the long run for walking and to hopefully avoid scoliosis (curvature of the spine).

Please pray for us as we make this decision as we strongly desire to make the right choice for the well being of Whitney and need God's wisdom. It is comforting to know that our God is a God of all knowledge and He will sustain us. We are open all and any encouragement today. (: Thank you once again for caring for us and Whitney, we covet your prayers.

8 comments:

ErinM said...

What a complicated and difficult decision to make.... I know that you will make the right choice, whatever it may be. Andrew and I think about your family all the time-- we love you! Give Whitney and Fiona big hugs from the Malahowskis.

Go Blue! said...

We are continuing to pray for you and Whitney and we will ask for God's love and guidance as you make this decision. Know you are never alone :)

Mary

Anonymous said...

I'll pray the right choice will be made clear to you.

Love Anna (Matt's cousin)

jennifer said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this setback... I have been checking back on a regular basis to see how things are going.

I so often feel overwhelmed by the challenges of having a child with spina bifida, and as a believer I must remind myself of Psalm 139:16... "Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them."

It is comforting to know that as believers, we can rest in the providence of the Lord. Knowing that He fashioned every day that our children will ever know.

We will still feel the pain of watching our children struggle, and even suffer... but we have a greater hope... that of a resurrection with a renewed body!

http://bruisedreed.wordpress.com/

Anonymous said...

So sorry about the disappointing news. We pray that God will give you the wisdom to make your choice and that you will have peace with your decision, knowing that Whitney is in His hands. We have not forgotten about you, but follow along as you post. Our prayers are continually with you all.
Your girls are beautiful and growing so much!
Love your cousin
Marcia & Ron Faber and kids

Unknown said...

Susan and Matt: I'm so sorry to hear this news.

Cari said...

My heart wants to give you both a hug, so consider yourself hugged! :) We will pray that God gives you wisdom and discernment along with comfort. Much love from the Wolters!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Matt and Susan, Set backs are disappointing and can flood your soul with heart breaking emotions for you and your loved ones. Rest assured, God is in control and will always be there for you. He loves and cares for little Whitney no matter what the circumstance may be for her each and every day. The prayers of all those who care for you all are a blessing in and of itself and will help to get you through. Our prayers will be with you during this trying and difficult time.
With our love and concern,
Jack and Kim Koster