caroline

saturday was wagon rides and playing outside.
sunday was urgent care and children's hospital.

in short, the left side of caroline's neck is extremely swollen.  every step of this journey we have expected it to stop; for there to be an easy diagnosis and treatment.

it's been far too many doctors shrugging their shoulders and admitting being puzzled.

after 2nd and 3rd opinions the specialists seem to agree on it being a cyst caused from a valve that never shut when she was developing.   there is some uncertainty as to what specifically is going on so they have recommended an MRI.  they need more information that the CAT scan could not provide before they operate.  they also need to confirm that a gray spot on the CAT scan is a gland that has been shifted and not something "worrisome" which would require a biopsy.  

the surgery will be complicated due to the size of the cyst and the presence of "important structures"  (blood vessels).

at the moment we are waiting to schedule an MRI.  we are praying that it will be tomorrow.

my heart aches and my eyes are blood shot from tears.
caroline is doing amazing.  she is her normal spunky self and she is in zero pain.   it's comforting to be with her and see her good spirits.

the days ahead remain uncertain but we are trusting caroline to god's hands.  that he will provide the most caring, best and precise surgeon in charlotte.   that he will comfort caroline when she is frightened.  we will be on our knees praying that the spot on the CAT scan is a gland and a biopsy will not even be necessary.  we are praying that after the MRI the diagnosis is conclusive and the doctors can gather all the information necessary for a successful surgery.


Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

(the MRI was just scheduled for 9am tomorrow morning.  thank you jesus.)