Wow how time flies! It has been two months since Lucy was born. So much has happened in these past few months. James and I took natural childbirth classes throughout our pregnancy. Staying out until 10 every Tuesday night payed off. We were able to have Lucy naturally. The Lord provided a retired Midwife as our nurse who was amazing. Although Lucy was "sunny side up" and took longer than anticipated to be born, she eventually turned the right way and arrived on July 29th at 10:33 a.m. The whole experience greatly challenged us but definitely brought James and me closer together. I have learned that it is often in our times of trials and suffering that we grow closer to God and others. As the Bible reads...joy does come in the morning. Lucy truly is our joy!
Everything seemed to be okay after Lucy arrived. She quickly caught on to breastfeeding, loved to be swaddled, and enjoyed looking at her new environment. We went home after staying two days in the hospital and were visited by our family and friends. Just when we were getting the hang of things we got a phone call that would forever change our lives. Our doctor called to let us know that Lucy's blood work came back inconclusive. Later that week we received a letter from the hospital with information we didn't understand. After doing research on on the internet we found out that the test that came back inconclusive was used to screen for Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
The following weeks consisted of many doctor visits and waiting. Lucy's was re-screened and once again the results came back showing problems. I remember praying before I answered the phone call that God would give me the grace to deal with whatever he had to say. It is neat to look back and see God's provision along the way. We then went to T.C. Thompson's Childrens' Hospital to have a sweat test done and blood work drawn. It was sad to see Lucy upset but she quickly calmed down (Refer to slide show of pictures). We proceeded to meet with the genetic counselor and learned more about CF. It was interesting to learn the statistics regarding the disease. For example, one in every thirty Caucasion Americans is a carrier of the CF gene. Also, both spouses having a CF recessive gene only occurs in one out of every 400 marriages. Lastly, when both spouses do possess the recessive CF gene there is only a 25% chance that the child will have CF. As you can see CF is a rare disease.
As we left the hospital and were driving home we got a phone call letting us know that Lucy's sweat test came back positive indicating that she did have CF. We had been praying that Lucy would be healthy and believing to this end, however we both had a peace about the possibility of her having CF. This possibility was now a reality. At first I must say this reality was sobering. We had many questions running through our heads. Many of the questions will always remain questions. WHY God? This is often a question asked of God in times where life throws us a curve ball. James and I are not angry at the Lord and do not harbor harsh feelings toward our circumstances but do pray that we are faithful with the responsibility the Lord has bestowed upon us. We don't ask why did this have to happen to us and Lucy, but are asking how this is to be used for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom. Our peace comes from knowing that the Lord is sovereign. One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Isaiah 55. I find comfort in knowing that His ways are higher than my ways. There is a reason for everything under the sun.
We are still awaiting the results from Lucy's genetic testing. The blood work showed one of her genes is a common gene mutation referred to as the delta f 508 mutation. This gene mutation is linked with pancreatic deficiency and often leads to lung problems with mucus buildup later on. We are still awaiting the results of her other gene mutation. It is a less common mutation and therefore further testing was required. We ask that everyone please pray that the mutation be a less severe one and possibly one that can be treated with new and upcoming medications.
Lucy
