Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Lourdes Marie Talbot Boever

It has been a week now since we welcomed our new daughter.
Lourdes Marie Talbot Boever was born February 11, 2015 at 2:50 AM.  She weighed 8lbs. 11 oz.  At delivery, the membrane surrounding her omphalocele ruptured leaving her small intestine and a portion of her large intestine on the outside of her body and exposed.  It was decided immediately that she would be transferred to the Children's Hospital in Omaha for surgery.  She was taken by ambulance and right into surgery.  John followed the ambulance to Omaha.  She did very well in surgery and her stomach repair couldn't have gone better.

Along with the ups and downs of being in the NICU for a week now,  we are so grateful for the love that has been bestowed upon our family. 

Right now though, I am writing to ask for more prayer.  Yesterday, a routine cranial and abdominal ultrasound was performed.  Often, babies born with omphaloceles have an accompanying syndrome called Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome.  Lourdes didn't have any of the physical markers that would indicate her having this syndrome.  Although, even if the physical markers are missing, a child can still have the syndrome and only a blood test would confirm.   If a baby has BWS, they have an increased risk of developing cancer at a young age. 

Even though Lourdes doesn't outwardly reflect any of the markers, geneticist like to be thorough and not miss anything that is why the ultrasounds were ordered checking for larger abdominal organs.  Her organs all checked out fine.

Her cranial ultrsound indicated a few small hemorrhages, but nothing that caused concern as they could tell they were old marks and were healing.  This is not uncommon.

Although, a small mass was discovered on one of her adrenal glands right above one kidney.  The doctor couldn't quite rule out a tumor, but it could also just be another hemorrhage due to her long and hard delivery.  The adrenal glands regulate stress and due to her little body having such a difficult delivery and surgery this would explain the hemorrhage.  BUT, the neonatologist isn't sure and ordered a second ultrasound to be performed next week to determine if the mass is shrinking. If not, this would indicate a tumor.  We would then do more tests, imaging, blood work, and cultures.  I asked the doctor what if it is cancer.  She said we would discuss treatment plans and possible chemotherapy. 

Yesterday was the darkest day of my entire life.  I am asking you to please pray for our daughter.  Please pray that when we go in next week that nothing is found and she is clear.  Please ask the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, Bl. Matt Talbot, and Fr. Emil Kapaun to heal this mass. 

We are still in the hospital, but are hoping to be discharged tomorrow morning if she has another great night. 

Thank you with all my heart.

40 comments :

  1. My prayers to you, Lourdes and your family Lindsay. I cannot imagine going through all these health scares while adjusting to postpartum life and a new baby. You will remain close to my heart this Lent!

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  2. Oh, lindsay, praying for you and your sweet, sweet girl.

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  3. You, your new little girl, and the rest of your family are all in my heartfelt prayers. Try not to let the fear overwhelm you. She has come so far, and survived so much already. Stay strong and find the calm that carried you through her labor. I hope you both are sleeping in your own home tomorrow!

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  4. I have been waiting for this update and have been praying! More prayers coming!!

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  5. Oh how your heart must ache at this possibility. Many prayers going up for all of your family.

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  6. Congratulations on the arrival of sweet Lourdes! She has joined a wonderful family. Keeping you all in my most heartfelt prayers during this time. I have always viewed the Lenten season as a time for both bravery and joy...wishing these things to your family in infinite amounts!

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  7. Fervent prayers.

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  8. Praying for little Lourdes and your whole family, Lindsay.

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  9. We will keep you and Lourdes in our prayers, especially over this next week. I cannot even imagine what you all must be going through - such joy and fear all at the same time. I will also seek the intercession of one of my favorite Saints - St. Gianna Beretta Molla - a Catholic pediatrician. May our Blessed Mother Mary comfort you and carry you during this time.

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  10. Oh God bless you! Thank goodness little Lourdes is alive and kicking! I spent 3 weeks in the NICU at Children's Hospital in Washington DC. In that hospital the 4th Floor was the cancer floor, while the NICU was the 7th. All the NICU parents talked about holding their breath in the elevator when they saw cute kids and their parents get off on the cancer floor. This wait must be absolutely awful for you. I'm sure you are feeling so tired. The NICU days are hard and long and never ending. Yet the NICU days do end. Mostly they end really, really well because doctors are amazing and our little babies are tough and Jesus is a great healer. One hour at a time. My family will join yours in prayer. We are so grateful your little one is here.

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  11. Prayers for Lourdes and your family!

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  12. Prayers. You are a good woman, Lindsay, and Jesus is blessing you no matter what.

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  13. I was up all night with the stomach bug and offered it up for Lourdes. I will continue to pray.

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  14. Congratulations on that sweet little girl, and what a beautiful name you have given her! I wish you home quickly with Lourdes, and will pray with all my heart that the mass disappears.

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  15. Congratulations on Lourdes' arrival, what a beautiful name she has. She, and all of you, are in my prayers.

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  16. Congratulations on Lourdes' birth and successful surgery.... and I will continue to pray for her and you ♡♡

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  17. Congratulations on Lourdes' birth and successful surgery.... and I will continue to pray for her and you ♡♡

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  18. Many many prayers coming for you and your little one!

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  19. My dear Lindsay, Please know you and John and Lourdes and your mom, all of your children have been in my constant thoughts and prayers. Ange has been keeping us updated. I will be offering up my Lent for your entire family. I will light a candle and pray to those great Saints and also to my little saint Thomas for a complete healing for Lourdes. How wonderful that she will be home soon!!!
    God love you!
    Kirsten

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  20. Congratulations on the birth of your sweet baby girl. Lourdes and the rest of your family are in my prayers. Praying that the ultrasound provides positive results.
    Thank you for the update.

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  21. We are praying hard for your sweet baby. Take comfort in knowing that so many are storming heaven for her!

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  22. Prayers for your new daughter and for your family.

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  23. Prayers for you and your beautiful daughter!

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  24. Congratulations on your sweet girl! Praying!!

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  25. Oh Lindsay, Congratulations on the birth of your little girl. What a beautiful name! We will continue to pray for Lourdes, specifically for her complete healing, and will keep you, John, your children and your Mom in prayer as well. Jesus, we trust in you. God bless you with His peace and may our mother, Mary, comfort you in your suffering.
    Marianne

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  26. Oh sweet Lindsay, our family would love to offer up prayers and sacrifices for Lourdes and all of you. You have been such a help and influence for us through this blog and it would be a honor to pray for you. Lourdes is already so loved! Her life is going to be a blessing to so many! Much love and congratulations on another wonderful daughter!

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  27. I hope that you and your family can feel the Lord's peace from all of the prayers being sent your way.

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  28. I hope that you and your family can feel the Lord's peace from all of the prayers being sent your way.

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  29. I'll be sending up lots of prayers for Lourdes and your family. Her name is beautiful!

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  30. Lindsay, I can't imagine the kind of stress you must be under right now. That's a lot to handle. You sound like a very strong person with an equally strong faith, though. You will pull through.
    And you know what? It's also ok to NOT be strong for a little bit, because no one can be strong 24/7. In the meantime, I'll be thinking of you and praying for you and your family, and especially for your little girl. Hang in there. PS. Lourdes is a beautiful name.

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  31. Congratulations on the birth of your newest little girl!!!! Many prayers for you all!

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  32. Congratulations on the birth of your newest little girl!!!! Many prayers for you all!

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