9 Weeks, 4 Days (GA: 37 Weeks)

From the discussions today concerning Gabe's hydrocephalus, it has become apparent to us that his surgery is a pretty certain and necessary event.  The CT scan tomorrow will be the necessary "pre-scan" prior to surgery so they know where to place the shunt.  Actually, there will be two shunt tubes placed in Gabe.  Both start at the top of the head with one terminating behind the ear and the other going into the space between organs in his gut.  This latter tube will have a few feet extra to allow for his growth in the coming years.  The neurosurgeon told us that he and Gabe would become good friends owing to all the follow up visits Gabe will need the rest of his life.

We are very fortunate that Gabe did not require the reservoir surgery a few weeks ago in a few ways:  First, a reservoir is only temporary and he would have eventually needed a second surgery to place a shunt.  But now he is big enough to get a shunt in the first surgery.  Another reason is that when Gabe did not get surgery a few weeks ago, I went home to be with Nanette who had started hemorrhaging again.  I was able to convince her to go to her doctor.  That was the very day that Dr. Parker fished out some pieces of placenta which led to her recovery.  Now Nanette is in good health and spirits and can be at that hospital during the surgery.

Thank you all for your prayers and fasting today.  Please continue to pray for a successful surgery without further complications.  There is a 60% chance that the shunt will get blocked at some point in his life and the first few years are the most susceptible.

Zeke is still scheduled to come home this weekend.