Kimi's MRI - GOOD NEWS!

Kimi had her MRI today and we learned several things unknown to us until now. Although the details might sound like bad news, it is actually good news, so read on.

First, Kimi has a tethered spinal cord. Normally, the spinal cord should hang loose in the spinal canal. However, sometimes, after spina bifida surgery, the residual scar tissue which forms, can "tether" the cord so that it no longer hangs loose. If left untreated, a child with spina bifida can begin to lose mobility, which is the first sign of a tethered cord. The neurosurgeon said, most likely, when the orphanage wrote that Kimi could walk simply holding onto the wall at age 2 1/2, that was probably true at the time. What we are seeing now is the result of the time that has passed since her cord began to be tethered. This means, with surgery and recovery, she may have increased mobility!!

Second, the repair surgery done in China was not complete: There is still a small part of her spinal canal that is not closed, believe it or not. Surgically closing this area may also give Kimi increased mobility.

Third, Kimi's spina bifida is located at the L4-L5 area and is known as Lipomyelomeningocele. (Say that three times real fast!) That means that there was an overgrowth of fatty tissue at the base of her spinal column that formed early in her prenatal development. It is very rare and there is no known cause. There is no genetic link and is not a result of the mother not getting enough folic acid (which is believed to be the cause of most cases of spina bifida). The surgeons should have removed all of that residual fat; but they didn't get it all. Again, removing that residual fat may also give Kimi increased mobility.

Fourth, Kimi has a large amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the lower portion of her spinal canal. This was caused by the excess fatty tissue and the tethering of the scar tissue, partially blocking the path. Once the surgery for the above issues is complete and the excess fluid drained, this will no longer be an issue!

As you can see, discovering there is a GOOD chance of Kimi obtaining increased mobility is reason to rejoice!! Of course, there is the surgery (a five-hour procedure), followed by hospitalization and several months of recovery until we know the final outcome. And we are CERTAINLY not leaving God's plans for Kimi out of the equation!

...and last, but certainly not least...TODAY IS OUR KIMI'S FOURTH BIRTHDAY!!! Could she (we) have received any better present??? (note: we will be celebrating her birthday this Friday .)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11