Today I am going to re-share with you a few of my favorite Outer Banks photos for your perusing pleasure.
Before I get to those though, let me just mention a couple of things that are going on with us today.
Last week, I got a phone call from my pulmonologist who told me that the complexity of my case has caused a lot of discussion (and some disagreement) among the team of doctors and radiologists at ECU Pulmonary. He recently discussed my case with a particular doctor in the practice who is widely known for being a brilliant diagnostician. After she had looked through my records, he asked her if she thought I needed a lung biopsy. She said, “Very probably but I will need to see her first.”
Unfortunately, the first opening she had was over a month away which was beyond frustrating because there is so much hanging on the appointment, not the least of which are further steps toward a definitive diagnosis.
I asked to be put on a cancellation call list without much hope of anything turning up. But wonder of wonders, late last Friday the office called to say the doctor had had a cancellation for this morning. I am so very thankful that I don’t have to wait another month on this. I’m not sure if my frazzled little nerves could stand it.
I had mentioned in a previous post the possibility of going to Duke but their appointments are 3-4 months out and now that ECU Pulmonary has brought in this new doctor to my case, I am going to stay with them a little longer and see what they come up with.
Steve left for Duke yesterday afternoon so he could be in place early this morning for the 8-hour, open-heart surgery of our youth pastor’s week old son.
During a routine 20-week ultrasound, it was found that Grey has a heart condition called TGA or transposition of the greater arteries. Thankfully Grey is healthy otherwise, not to mention pretty hefty. At birth, he weighed 10 lbs., 15 oz. and was 21.2 inches long!
Here are his wonderful parents, Clinton and Adrianne Rogers.
We would so appreciate it if you would keep this family in your prayers during this stressful time. They have only been in Manteo 18 months but have already found their way into all of our hearts.
And now as the day kicks into gear and I hit the road, I will leave you with photos of some Outer Banks peacefulness. I hope they bring a sense of serenity to your day.
What about you? Did any of your children or grandchildren have medical issues when they were younger? If so, what words of encouragement or wisdom would you pass on to people like the Rogers family?
Wow! That is great news that you were able to get in so fast. I pray that they are able to figure you out =)
Golly, so sorry to her about lil Grey. I will definitely keep him and his parents in my prayers. I remember you telling us about them in another post and they sound like a great couple.
And, I want to live in the Obx now. Such pretty pictures! Plus, it probably doesn’t get to 40 below in the winter.
Have a blessed week!
Krista,
If we got to 40 below here in Manteo, that would mean the whole EARTH would be frozen. We are definitely blessed with moderate temps and lovely surroundings. I try to NEVER take it for granted.
Wow, your area of the country is so pretty. Best healthy wishes for you and Grey.
Kristen,
Thank you for healthy wishes! And yes, we DO love our little corner of the country. We feel very blessed to live here.
I sure hope you finally can get a definitive diagnosis and the correct treatment from your pulmonologists! What a roller coaster you’ve been on. Our nephew had open heart surgery for a hole in his heart when he was 5. He is now a very healthy 22-year old college student! Praying that Grey’s surgery goes well!
Gayle,
It’s always good to hear of another child who had serious surgery and is doing well today. It is amazing what doctors and surgeons are able to accomplish that was never even thought about 50 years ago. So thankful for them!
That dear little face. Our financial advisor’s son has been in and out of the hospital since he was born – he’s about 10 months old now. Also had heart problems, but also cannot keep any food down, so has a feeding tube. We continue to pray for him and now for little Grey. Becky, I guess one word that keeps coming to my mind regarding your photos (other than beautiful – color or black and white) is peaceful. Praying this doctor will be able to give you the correct diagnosis, know exactly how to treat you and that the Lord will be present as you meet with her.
Sharyn,
I can’t imagine having a 10-month old who can’t keep food down. I know that’s been a long, challenging road for that family.
Yes, I do think that peaceful is an apt word for my photos. That’s usually the “vibe” that I look for when I got out to shoot.
Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement; I appreciate you!
I don’t have any kids or grandkids. Both my two nieces and nephew were all healthy. Prayers for little (big) Grey. He looks so pitiful with all those tubes and wires connected to him.
Hoping that your appointment today brings about a clearer diagnosis and treatment plan. I know it has to be frustrating not to have a more definitive diagnosis.
Phyllis,
Little big Grey is a great way to describe him! His parents said all the newborn, 3- month clothes they got for him are already too small!
Thankful right along with you that your nieces and nephew have been healthy. Such a great gift.
Thank you for the update. I pray that you get the medical help that you need and that God gives you grace as you walk this journey. Praying for darling Grey! Our youngest son at age 11 was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was not cancer, thanks be to God. However, he had, in total, 4 brain surgeries in order to get rid of the seizures that continued even after the tumor was removed. He had about 25% of his brain removed. He has now been seizure-free for 6 years (this month) and is a healthy, vibrant, smart, wonderful young man. You’d never know that he doesn’t have his full brain. We are so grateful to God.
DeLynn,
So thankful to read your son’s story and to know that he survived that many serious, invasive surgeries and is doing so well now. I know that you know all about the whole Hospital Parent journey, all the ups and downs, an hopes and disappointments, and waiting on reports while trying to keep your spirits up in the middle of dark times.
Blessings to you and your family; thankful your journey ended in a good place.
Beautiful pictures as usual. Prayers for you as you deal with medical issues and decisions. Prayers for Grey and his parents. My great nephew had a kidney issue at birth and it was thought he had a third kidney. Surgery about a week after birth and everything was fine. No issue. He is an upcoming 8th grader (will be 14 in October). Excels in sports and is getting oh, so tall. Trust God and He will see Grey through. Peace and strength to the parents.
Ann,
I’ve never heard a possible third kidney before. I know those were some scary times for that little fella’s parents. Always glad to hear about a happy ending.
As always, beautiful, beautiful photos! Prayers for little Grey, his family & medical team as he undergoes his surgery. My niece had open heart surgery at age 4 to repair a small hole and she is now a healthy 26 year old wife and mother. Within 2 days of her surgery her mother was going crazy trying to keep her somewhat still and not climbing all over the play equipment in the hospital lobby. It seems the younger they are, the quicker they recover and I pray that is the case for Grey. I’m so happy you were able to get in so soon with this new doctor. Prayers for answers! And prayers for a wonderful week.
Sue Ellen,
That great to hear that your niece was wanting to play on a playground just two days after open-heart surgery! I can just picture it. 🙂
As you said, younger children are definitely more resilient and seem to bounce back a lot faster than us older folk.
My son had heart surgery at 3 months old for pulmonary stenosis. As a result he was required to see his cardiologist annually for EKG and echo check-ups, but thankfully every single year he has gotten a clean bill of health. He’s now 18 years old, no longer needs to see a cardiologist and will be starting college in a few weeks. I pray Grey’s outcome is just as positive. I’ll be praying here in Georgia.
Heidi,
Eighteen years of having a clean bill of health is a wonderful record. In the first few years, I know it was probably a little stressful leading up to it because you weren’t sure what the results would be. I hope he enjoys a healthy, happy college season.
Prayers for you my sweet friend, and for precious little Grey.??
Cheryl,
Thank you, so much. Always good to see your name pop up here 🙂
Becky, I sincerely hope and pray that this doctor visit today yields definitive information!
No, our children and grandchildren didn’t have any big medical issues. We are so thankful for that! I will definitely pray for Grey and his family.
The pictures are so beautiful and I will never get tired of seeing them. Safe travels!
LeeAnne,
I am so grateful to live in a place where photography is such a joy. However, I also believe that every area has its own brand of beauty. It’s so much fun to go out searching for it.
I’m praying for you Becky that this doctor has great wisdom as she assesses you today.
And I’m praying that little Grey’s surgery goes well.
The photos are spectacular.
Jenna,
Thanks for your prayers and your encouragement. You definitely have a gift of lifting people up with your words.