He began by asking the Dr. if he could see the MRI as they went over it. The pediatrician explained to Jason that there was nothing to see, because there was nothing there. Here is what we were told:
Kahsay suffered a massive intrauterine stroke. It severely damaged his 3 posterior lobes of his brain. The frontal lobes have not been effected, and his brain stem is healthy. The 3 parts that have been damaged are completely gone. They will not function. Because they are not there, Kahsay's head will also not grow in those areas. He also explained to us that he has severe cerebral palsy. With this information our Dr. said Kahsay will have severe developmental delays. He may never walk, talk, feed himself, or learn as you normally would. He will sustain life because his brain stem was not effected. His vision is impaired but to what extent we are unsure. So much of this only time will tell.
We meet with our neuro-child development center in the next 3-4 weeks. They will be able to walk us through the best path to take with Kahsay. They will prepare us for what struggles lie ahead, and provide us with the best resources to help Kahsay.
At this point we are grieving the loss of the hopes and dreams we originally had for Kahsay. We are angry that our son will not experience life the way we thought he would. We are fearful of what lies ahead for our family. We are thankful Kahsay is with us and able receive the best care possible. We are hopeful, because we serve a God who is strong and mighty.
Kahsay is a gift from God. He is our son. We love him deeply. He has changed our lives in ways we never thought possible. The diagnosis the Dr. gave us today does not seem to match the laughing, kicking child I see in my living room as we speak. It does not match the child who giggles when played with. It does not match the child who can't wait to join us at the dinner table when we sing. I am thankful for answers and a diagnosis, but I have no problem shoving that diagnosis in the garbage and trusting God's plans. His plans may not include complete or any healing, but they will be exactly as He desired.
You're in our prayers you guys. Love you to pieces. Keep trusting God has good plans for all of you.
ReplyDeleteOh sweet Kahsay! You are so loved by this family and God. Prayers for all of you.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right to say you want to throw the diagnosis in the garbage. God WILL do EXACTLY as He has planned.. just like He planned for your little guy to be born, adopted by you, and to be a happy, joy-giving child. Take heart, friends, the road that lies before you looks difficult right now with all sorts of questions looming and unknown obstacles. But we follow the Good Shepherd who leads us beside still waters, restoring our souls with each new day. And better yet, He reminds us in Jeremiah that He knows the plan and has plans to give us "hope and a future." We cannot ask for anymore than that. You and your family are in my prayers.
ReplyDeletePlease know I am praying for your precious child and for your family as you travel this journey together. Mighty is our God and worthy of praise. I love how you ended your posting in trusting this will be as God wills it to be. May God continue to bless you all.
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful son and I feel your pain! I am so sorry you have to walk this road. Our daughter Ruby came home from Ethiopia when she was about 5 months old. After we got her home we discovered she had severe brain scarring, probably from lack of oxygen at her birth. She also has a seizure disorder. She is now 4 1/2 years old. Those first couple of years were so hard, but God is faithful!! Ruby is a joy and although she doesn't have many "skills" her smile, cuddles and giggles can light up a room. Please connect if you want! I would love to get to know your family so we could walk this road together.
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kellitenhaken@gmail.com
Our prayers are with you and your family as you prepare yourselves for this new path.
ReplyDeleteJack, Lori, Allyson and Ashley Faulkner
Jill & Jason...........there aren't enough words to tell you how badly I feel for Kahsay and you both after reading your post yesterday. I do know that God is in Charge of everything, and he sent that little boy to YOU because he knows you and he knows that you will give him the very best life possible for him. The Boersmas, all of them, have been such a gift from God in him life, and you all have blessed me so much that I positively know Kahsay with be Happy, Loved and he will learn to walk with the Lord as his parents and Grandparents do. God Bless you and know that my prays are always with you and if there is anything I can ever do to help just say the word. You know I love you all and God definitely did the right thing...God comfort you and keep you strong as you walk this path.
ReplyDeleteLove and Prayers, "Gramma" Deb
Jill and Jason.
ReplyDeleteI know it has been a long time since I have seen either of you, but I wanted to let you know that my heart is so heavy for you and your precious Kahsay. I know what it feels like to be a parent with a child diagnosed with a very uncertain future. I just wanted to remind you that our God is surrounding you and your family. I have seen God perform His miracles on our little Kendall right there in Grand Rapids, MI. Our God is everywhere and His mircacles still happen today! I do not know what type of life God has choosen for Kahsay, but neither do the doctors. God put Kahsay in your hands for a reason. You are the best people in the WORLD that God decided could raise this little boy. Kahsay may have a certain path laid out for him by the doctors, but I have seen the Lord make other paths open up for his little children. Continue to walk in your faith and when you are too numb from all pain, just remember that you are surrounded by an unimaginable amount of Christian brothers and sisters who will continue praying for you on your journey.
Love, Tracy Ash (Visser)