I've been debating about whether or not to post this on our blog, but I figured there are some friends and family we haven't had the chance to catch up with over the last several months...and it is unlikely that we will be able to talk to everyone we love in person before Cora's surgery on Friday. So, here is the quick version of what has happened to us over the past three+ months:
During Cora's 6-month appointment with her pediatrician we pointed out what we thought was an interesting (but cute!) dimple and crease at the top of Cora's buttock. Little did we know that this type of superficial mark can indicate underlying spinal issues. Our ped recommended that Cora have an ultrasound, which came back inconclusive. The next step was a MRI of her lower spine, which showed that she had a tethered spinal cord caused by a fatty deposit on her filam terminale (which is the "string" that hangs down below the spinal cord). A tethered spinal cord means that the spinal cord, which usually dangles freely, is attached or pulled so that it cannot move freely. We've seen a pediatric neurosurgeon in Birmingham, who is a great person and has a good reputation for treating this type of condition, and the news is good. Cora requires surgery to free (or untether) her spinal cord, but the surgery is one of the more simple surgeries that he performs, and has a very good outcome in terms of minimizing or preventing any long-term effects.
Cora's surgery is this Friday, October 5th. We will likely only have a one-night stay at the Children's Hospital associated with the University of Alabama, Birmingham. We hope to be home with Cora next Saturday.
Please keep her in your thoughts. We feel very lucky to have a great neurosurgeon as part of our team. And we are extremely optimistic that Cora will get through this like a champ.
Much love to everyone who has provided us with support during these last few months. And don't worry...you'll see photos of Cora doing fun autumn things very, very soon. She's going to be a monkey for Halloween!
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3 comments:
Chris and Stacey,
I am finally able to sign cora's blog. I had prob's in the past. I am always cheered by her pictures. She is sooooooo sweet and beautiful, and I have enjoyed watching her grow! We will all be praying for her this week for a successful surgery and for a quick painless recovery. And for you guys that you will be strong physically and emotionally through this rough time. I can tell that you are great parents!
Love you all,
Aunt Jodi
I hope to talk to you guys tonight. I've been thinking about you all week. Our feisty little Cora is going to be great! Love you. Aunt Shi
you are in our thoughts!!
-r.
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