I’m not quite sure how to go about writing this post, but I’ll give it a go. Jenn and I met with the neurologist team late this afternoon for discussion on their findings with the day one and three MRI’s. We knew that the day one MRI didn’t look as good as they had hoped. Turns out the results from the day three MRI were even worse, which suggests that the brain trauma happened either in labour, delivery, or shortly thereafter.
Had the day three MRI seen an improvement, evidence would then suggest that the trauma happened late in pregnancy. The bloodwork shows no sign of infection, so all anti-biotic treatments have ceased. Dylantin dosage has also stopped and the feeding tube has been removed since she is now able to drink milk on her own; which is around 75ml per feeding, so all those tubes and IV’s are now gone.
With regard to the brain trauma, the doctors cannot pinpoint a cause, nor are they willing to pin down what kind of effect this may have on Janna’s future. So in short, they tell us there is some extent of brain trauma, but we don’t know how it will play out in the coming months and years of her life. So the wait and see thing is much longer now. Who knows, there may be minimal outward effects; we just don’t know.
In looking at her and her behaviour, you’d never know there was any sort of trauma that took place. The doctors could have told us that the MRI’s showed no signs of distress and we would have believed them. I think the doctors are even surprised that, she’s able to feed on her own. We have a truly wonderful nursing staff tending to Janna. They also affirm that Janna really doesn’t show any significant signs of brain trauma, so we just have to go with what we see in her, which is actually at this time alot to go on.
Hopefully Janna will be able to go home with us this weekend or at the latest early next week.
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14 Comments »
August 7, 2008 @ 2:31 am
Sweet little Janna looks fantastic for a “sick” baby. I think she has already surprised the Dr.’s with how strong she is turning out to be, must be getting that from her strong momma. Our thoughts are with the Epp family. I will see you soon, you need anything and you just say the word.
August 7, 2008 @ 2:41 am
Well she sure looks like a beautiful baby! Thinking of you, and keeping my fingers crossed that she can go home with you soon.
August 7, 2008 @ 6:08 am
((Hug)) Just take one day at a time. Janna’s a beautiful, strong baby who’s already shown she’s a fighter. Hopefully the effects will be minimal (if anything!)
August 7, 2008 @ 6:49 am
Janna is beautiful, and I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
August 7, 2008 @ 7:59 am
My thoughts are with you all of you during this time. Janna is a beautiful baby girl and is a strong fighter. All the best.
August 7, 2008 @ 8:03 am
I hope Janna comes home very soon. The brain is very resilent at this age. I hope she continues to surprise all of her doctors. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
August 7, 2008 @ 9:35 am
She is so beautiful! My thoughts and prayers will be with you all in the weeks ahead.
August 7, 2008 @ 9:44 am
What a beautiful baby. I wish you the best and hope that she will be home and well soon. Hang in there, we are all there with you !
August 7, 2008 @ 10:02 am
You guys continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your beautiful girl just continues to prove her strength and surprise everyone, and is home with you very soon!
August 7, 2008 @ 11:02 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and baby Janna. She is a beautiful little girl! Hope you guys can take her home soon! (hugs)
August 7, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Good to hear she may be able to be home with you on the weekend! She’s beautiful!
I have been thinking what an incredible fighter she is and so I searched the web for the origin and meaning of the name Janna as I believe these things are all connected…what we name children, the day on which they were born etc….
The overall concensus is that Janna means flourishing, fruitful, garden….so something that that starts out small and sometimes under difficult circumstances but some encouragement and will of its own becomes something strong, healthy, beautiful and giving.
Looks like Janna’s got it figured out and is heading in that direction already. Sounds like she’s got a great team of support at the hospital and at home to give her the encouragement she needs to flourish.
Jane
August 7, 2008 @ 2:10 pm
Wishing you guys all the best and keeping little Janna in my thoughts.
Shayne
August 7, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
She’s just lovely! You are all in my thoughts. Hope you will all be home soon! Sending you the patented Lab Board Vibes!
August 7, 2008 @ 11:46 pm
Shes a doll….!!! Ive thought about you all every day since I first heard about this. I will continue to send my “cyber” strength and thoughts….stay strong little one!
Take care of you guys too and update when you can - I will be watching for your updates!! (hugs)
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