Mott's Childrens Hospital comes to Cora

Yesterday and Today found us in Petoskey.  Yesterday was an echo for Cora and today was her appointment with Dr. Webb.  Dr. Webb is the pediatric cardiologist (U of M children's hospital) who satellites in Petoskey once a month.  Cora's original appointment was to be in August, but since she has been struggling with weight gain the appointment was pushed ahead to this week.

Cora laid quiet, with no sedation and no toys, for 1 hour and 20 minutes for the echo cardiogram yesterday.  Am I bragging?  Absolutely!  She took it all in stride.  Just making funny noises, funny faces and softly jabbering and trying to pull the cords off her tummy during the test.  The only time she fussed and cried was when the tech played the heart sounds REALLY loud.  Yep, loud enough it even scared me when it came on and hurt my ears.  Cora cried and I consoled and then it was back to testing.

Today, Dr Webb was seeing us for the results of yesterdays echo cardiogram.  I went back to Petoskey this morning with bated breath.  Spent the time driving in contemplation and prayer.  Prayer for understanding the journey and results of the test, prayer for peace and patience and prayer for Cora's health.  It was not a wasted drive by any means.

Dr. Statler (Cora's pediatrician) met us in the waiting room of the Burns clinic.  Cora greeted her with smiles and jabbers and some really sloppy kisses.  But when they are Cora kisses, even the slobbery chin is overlooked and the wet cheek that is left in place of the kiss is gently wiped dry. 

So, here is the news.  Cora's blood flow regurge has increased. The left heart chamber is now back to normal size, her lungs were clear and her liver was the right size.  The sweating and panting that Cora has been showing lately might be do to lack of "fitness" from all the months she lost healing.  Some sweating is now a good thing!  Or it may be do to the increased regurge that is happening.  While I need to continue to monitor her panting and amount of sweating, Cora is encouraged to keep working hard.

The final decision was to "not rock the boat" and keep on with Cora as I have been doing.  Dr. Webb wants to see her back again in August and the regurge is to be monitored.  I am to keep a food journal for Cora to show what Cora is eating and what kind of volumes she is taking in.  There was another adjustment to Cora's medicine and then we were out the door.

With hugs and thank yous  Cora and I left Dr. Statler and began the trip back home.  Petoskey twice in two days...whew!  The good news that came from those miles under the tires....YEAH!  Maybe that time driving was meant to be spent in prayer and for staying in touch with the one - the Creator - who gifted me with this child and allows me to share the journey raising one of his most precious gifts.  No, not maybe.....absolutely!!