"Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer". Romans 12:12
Tessa's areas of infection have improved greatly, and it appears that the infection has not spread anywhere else. She's still a little sore and a little swollen, but improving every day. THANK YOU for praying for her. I honestly just cannot imagine facing her situation without knowing that there is a God in Heaven who created her, cares about her, and hears our prayers for her. So thank you for lifting her up to the One who knows her best of all.
We met with her doctors this week about where to go from here. First up was a nutritionist, who gave us a new diet plan for Tessa. The fluid in her abdomen that was drained all came rushing back within two weeks. The fluid in there is called chyle, and it's a combination of lymphatic fluid and fat. Tessa's body is producing too much of it, and we're hoping that by decreasing the amount of fat in her diet that we can also slow down the amount of chyle she's producing. Tessa is tiny, however, and needs all the calories that she can get, so the challenge is giving her foods that are low in LCT fat but high in calories and MCT fat, and making sure that she's still getting enough nutrition for her body.
Next we met with her pediatric surgeon, pediatrician, and dermatologist who are wondering if it's time to consider surgery in her groin area. Her surgeon has not wanted to operate since he met Tessa, as he believes there are many complications that could result from surgery. But the infections she has had in that area indicate that surgery may be necessary. She is scheduled to have an MRI done in a couple weeks, and then the pediatric surgical team will meet to look at the results and come up with a plan.
There are many times when I feel overwhelmed with her situation, and I wish that I could take it all from her and allow her to be a "normal" 20 month old, exchanging hospitals and doctors for walking and playing outside with her siblings.
Life is hard sometimes.
But I do know that Tessa was created for a purpose. I truly believe that she is going to grow into an incredibly strong, encouraging, and motivating individual, and I just pray that I can put my worries aside and help her become the person she is meant to be. Knowing without a doubt that God made her exactly how He wanted her to be so that she can serve a big purpose in this world.
