Negative?
Feel the curve ball as we felt it today.
At 3:30 this afternoon, we received an email from the genetic counselor at Abbott Northwestern stating that some of the FISH probes did not work, so they would try again. FISH probes use a process to highlight the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes and can yield quicker results than the full genetic analysis that’s performed concurrently with the amniotic fluid. These FISH probes will hopefully give us an earlier answer on what to expect for our baby.
However, at 5:00 pm we received another email that the hospital needed to call us (we didn’t have a phone number yet). Once I reached out to them, the genetic counselor shared the news…the FISH probes came back NEGATIVE for trisomy 13, 18, 21 (Down’s) and did not have extra X,Y chromosomes, which would seem to rule out triploidy.
For those wondering what all these numbers and negatives mean, it’s essentially the difference between life and death, statistically speaking. As I mentioned two days ago, trisomy 13 and 18 as well as triploidy are referred to as “incompatible with life” not because our daughter would not have a life (she already does), but in most cases, it will be an extremely brief one, whether miscarrying in the womb, not making it down the birth canal, or only enjoying some days and weeks after birth with their family. In the majority of cases (the statistics are staggering), there are just too many issues with vital organ to live. But a negative result for these disorders would mean that while there are still structural issues with our baby girl (heart, kidney, stomach, and brain), these may be correctable through surgery and therapy and she might LIVE.
After asking a few clarifying questions to the counselor, I got off the phone to share the news with Sonja. I could see the look on her face (do I dare hope this is true?) even as she cried and questioned whether someone was playing with her heart. To be sure, we have already read resources that friends have passed onto us where FISH probes gave a false negative and were corrected when the full analysis was finished. Will this be the case for us or not? The doctors are running one more FISH probe on chromosome 22, which can be associated with heart defects, but otherwise we now wait for the full analysis in 7-10 days.
People who have walked this road have told us that this is an up and down journey and our emotions will tear us in many different directions. We have found their testimony to be true. Which begs the question, where should we place our hope? Do we place them in tests, results, or physician’s diagnosis? They are all executed in love to try and help us understand what is happening in our baby’s body. Yet, they themselves are groping to piece together the truth of something God already knows. He is the ONE who has knit our little girl in Sonja’s womb. He has numbered her days and knows the hairs on her head. It is He, whose purposes are good and true toward His saints. So, as much as satan would like to assail the LORD’s character and devour our faith, it seems to us that GOD is the only and best place to rest with our hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows.
So, this evening we prayed together and asked God to help us fix our eyes on Him. We appreciate your prayers for the same.
We love you all and are praying. Thank you for keeping us updated.
Yes, our hope is in the Lord!
Psalm 62:5-8 yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 63:8 I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
Thinking of you all often. Thank you for these updates.
Hello Again Brotens!
We are still hoping and praying with you! This news is so encouraging!!! An answer to prayers!
With you,
Rachel & Christopher Stone
rskime@hotmail.com
Love Veronica’s verses! Here are some verses that were and still are encouraging to us.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Deuteronomy 31:8
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Isaiah 45:2
“I will go before you and make the hard places smooth. I will break the brass doors to pieces, and cut through their iron gates.”
Romans 12:12
Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.
Isaiah 40:11
He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in His arms and carry them close to His heart. He will be gentle in leading those that are with young.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I knew you.
Before you were born, I chose you for a special work…”
Romans 8:24
“We were saved with this hope in mind. If we hope for something we already see, it’s not really hope. Who hopes for what can be seen?”
We know the our hope is in the Lord and we are praying without ceasing for you all. Ps. 62:8 Trust in the Lord at all times, oh people; Pour out your hearts to Him, for HE IS OUR REFUGE.” Love that verse…it tells us to pour out our hearts to Him!!! We are doing that!!! Love, Carol and Gary
Praying for your family daily
I love you brotens. I feel loved by Jesus when I’m around you and that is a unique and special thing. My prayer is that your little girl is born healthy and happy with red hair. God does miracles. Pray boldy. Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added.Jesus Jacob has sought you Sonja has sought you with everything. We ask that you would add to them a healthy baby in Jesus name.
We have walked this tender journey and while we do not know you personally, we are diligently praying for your family, your hearts and your trust in Him.
Dear Broten’s,
Praying with you dear friends! Our hearts break with you. Indeed our only hope is in the Lord the mender of all of our brokenness. Draw near to Him in these days and He will keep you in perfect peace.
The Jesse Dunham family