News on Gabi's dr. appointments...

Yesterday morning we were able to see the pediatric pulmanologist with Phoenix Children's Hospital. Because of her breathing and the fact that she has 2, possibly 3 external hemagiomas, it was decided that she needs to have a procedure done.

This is a quick summary of what the doc said:

They're going to do a bronchial scope THIS Friday at 7am. She will be under general anesthesia while they send a flexible scope down her airway and into her lungs. They'll be looking for an internal hemangioma in her airway. There is an 80% chance that they will not see anything at all...which will mean that her labored breathing is attributable to laryngomalacia. There isn't anything they can do for this. We'll just have to keep an eye on her and make sure she always stays pink and can continue to breathe while eating (we really didn't get into what would need to be done if this happens, but he gave the impression that it might be a little more serious...) She should, however, grow out of it eventually.

If they see a hemangioma, they will pull out and schedule a surgery for the next day (or possibly Monday). For the surgery they'll use a scope with a laser to remove the growth. In rare occasions this requires a tracheotomy

If they don't see a hemangioma they'll continue into her lungs to take a lipid sample and verify that her breathing isn't attributable to a vascular ring, a heart condition (rare, but possible).

I am grateful for the extra time I have on my maternity leave so I can keep an eye on her. Please keep her in your prayers, and her anxious parent's too!

Here are some happy pictures of baby Gabi... :)

We call this one "mommy pillow".

Gabi's first time at church. I spent most of my time in the hallway...
She looks like she is saying "Church is how long?"


Daddy and his baby girl.