Please pray for Chris, Laura and little baby boy Ruhl.
Chris & Laura Ruhl
Laura went for her 20 week ultrasound yesterday and we found out we're having a little baby boy! We were very excited, but when we realized that we were there for more than 1 1/2 hours, we were beginning to feel a little nervous that something was wrong. The nurse told us she needed to ask the doctor something about what she had seen on the ultrasound and right away we knew something wasn't right. They told us there was a large mass tumor on the babies left lung and that the heart was being pushed to the right side. That is about all they said, because they didn't want to give us false hope or unnecessary grim news. They then referred us to Maternal Fetal Medicine which deals with high risk pregnancies.
On the way to the appointment Laura and I prayed over and over again that the baby would be fine and this would have been some technical glitch.
Laura had another ultrasound done at the clinic and unfortunately they noticed the same mass in the left lung. They then took us into their conference room where they explained that this mass could be one of three things. The first being Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM). This also has three stages. The second is bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS). And lastly, the third is a hybrid between the two. These conditions are not cancerous just so everyone knows, but normally does require surgery when the baby's born to remove what's left of the mass. I will provide a link for all three, to spare me from writing a lengthy description and possible misinformation.
http://www.chop.edu/consumer/
The most crucial thing we were told, was they the baby could develop what is called hydrops. This is when the baby's heart is in distress and unwanted fluid develops around his organs. Also, when hydrops occurs it can run the risk of the mother mirroring the baby's symptoms and developing preeclampsia. If hydrops does occur, there is a greater chance that the baby will not make it.
If everyone could pray for our anxiety to be low and our eyes focused on Jesus, we would be so grateful. Also, could you pray that the baby would not develop hydrops and that the left lung tissue would start to grow as normal lung tissue. We were told that with these three conditions the survival rate is good and that the baby could go on to lead a normal life as long as enough good lung tissue develops.
Laura and I have already seen God's grace in those he has put us in contact with at the various clinics. Also, this news has immediately brought us to prayer and reminds us of our dependency on Him. We are grateful for Jesus' blood and the grace that surpasses all understanding.
Thank you LHC we love you all,
Laura and Chris Ruhl
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