MRI #3 update

I met with the neurologist this morning and it was good to better understand his concerns and thoughts. First, he said both the EEG and MRI were "good" overall, so that was encouraging to hear.

EEG - there were a few "sharp waves" on the reading, but the "background" looked very good. He said it was nothing to be concerned about.

MRI - The radiologist who first read the MRI again determined that it was a normal scan for Britton's age. The neurologist, though, had a few concerns as there have been subtle changes over the three MRIs that Britton has had. In explaining, he showed me the image of Britton's brain compared to the scan of another baby of equal gestational age. They look very similar except Britton has more defined edges of the "outer junctions" of the brain. Kind of like when you were coloring in elementary school -- the best "colorers" always outline the area with their crayon before they fill it in. This is what Britton's scan looks like -- the outer edge is slightly darker and more defined. The neurologist doesn't know what this could mean ... if anything. It's a wait and see how he develops kind-of-thing. All other areas of the brain look good -- no ischemic areas.

Clinically - The neurologist observed Britton's tone and responsiveness and was very encouraged. He and the physical therapist have commented that he has made huge strides, and is looking very good. We are encouraged!

The neurologist also mentioned that he had seen many babies with similar or worse MRIs that also improved clinically like Britton, and have had no or few issues as they developed. So he was very hopeful for Britton, but there is still the unknown as to how his brain will be affected by the trauma that happened at birth. We will continue to see this neurologist after Britton's release from the NICU, and will do a follow-up MRI in 6 weeks.

We continue to hope for a full recovery for him, and are so thrilled to hear that it could be very possible. We lift him up in prayer every day and are so blessed by the ongoing encouragement we receive from our friends and family.

Britton did have a (minor) d-sat yesterday (uggghhh), so we begin with day 1 of our 7 d-sat-free days today.

"Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you." Psalm 25:20-21

"When we shoot an arrow, we look to the fall of it; when we send a ship to sea, we look for its return; and when we sow seed, we look for a harvest; so likewise when we sow our prayers, through Christ, in God's bosom, shall we not look for an answer and observe how we speed? It is a seed of atheism to pray and not to look how we speed. But a sincere Christian will pray and wait, and strengthen his heart with promises out of the Word, and never leave praying and looking up till God gives him a gracious answer." Richard Sibbes