Page 52 - Journey of Hope by Raymond Moldenhauer

DAY96

ANOTHER TOUGH DAY

As we get closer to the 100-day milestone, it is getting even
more difficult to deal with or understand the setbacks that just
do not go away. Today was another tough one emotionally.
Because of the holiday on Tuesday, the Doctor did the regular
weekly follow-up eye exam this afternoon and found that one
of Alyssa’s eyes has progressed further with ROP. The other one
remained unchanged. They will check again on Friday to
determine if treatment (laser surgery) will be required.

If that wasn’t enough, her belly once again began to enlarge and
part of her intestines became swollen. She had only been given
10 ml (2 teaspoons) of breast milk every 3 hours since 1:00 AM
this morning and she was having small bowel movements during
the day. So, what caused the abrupt swelling is still to be
determined. She has been taken off of the milk, and they will
see how her stomach and intestines look in tomorrow morning’s
X-Ray. If the condition does not improve, they may do an upper
GI probe on her Wednesday.

She also was still running a lower than normal temperature for
most of the day – no one is sure why that is happening either.

All I know, is that we need your prayers to continue for Alyssa
and her parents. Kathie and I are battle weary from the journey
and especially the last week of setbacks. So, I can’t imagine how
Heidi and Jim must feel!

Heavenly Father, we are all tired and weary from this journey.
We have cried many tears and hundreds of prayer partners have
lifted Alyssa up in prayer to you from around the world. We
have seen Your hand in Alyssa's growth and development. She
is hear with us now because You chose to bless her.