Bella’s Burden

Our Baby Isabella (Bella) has a large mass (CCAM) that occupies the greater part of her chest cavity, potentially subjecting her to a condition called hydrops: fluid build-up in body cavities that would put a lethal strain on her heart. She also has a significant, but not life-threatening, hole in her heart (VSD). Doctors are closely watching the size of the mass and if any signs of hydrops appear. Fetal surgery would be necessary in the event of hydrops.

Update: Three days after her delivery, it was determined that Bella was afflicted with the devastating and ultimately lethal chromosomal defect, Trisomy 18. She lived here a mere 4 days, but now continues with the One who allowed us to see and hold her for that short time.

We are so thankful for your prayers. . .

- That she'd be weaned from the ventilator soon, and fatten up for the surgery on her VSD

- For Bella's mommy and daddy and all their anxieties arising from all the unknowns related to her condition and long-term prognosis

- for wisdom for the doctors and us about when to schedule the c-section; her gestational age being in question makes it tricky since she needs to be in Mommy as long as possible... but leaving her in too long can be risky with all the amniotic fluid ANSWERED.

- ~~that the mass would STOP growing~~ ANSWERED.

-~~that the mass would shrink~~ ANSWERED.

- ~~that the pockets of fluid (hydrops) that put strain on the heart would not form~~ ANSWERED.

- ~~that a spot would open up for us and the kids at Ronald McDonald house (we are on the waiting list) or lodging of another sort would be found in Houston~~ ANSWERED.

-~~that she would continue to grow physically, and outgrow the mass~~ ANSWERED

- ~~that surgery in-utero would not be called for to save Bella's life~~ ANSWERED.

-that the hole in her heart would close while still in the womb

~~-that her stomach would grow adequately to accommodate the flow of fluid through her system so as to not cause a backup of amniotic fluid~~ ANSWERED.

-that our hearts would be resolved with whatever God chooses for Bella

~~-that she would remain safely inside of Mommy until full term so her lungs and heart can develop~~ ANSWERED.

~~-that the amniotic fluid would not get too high (this could trigger pre-term labor)~~ ANSWERED.

-please go this link to meet our doctors and see a video of this surgery click here

-we plead with you as you pray for our little girl, that you would send this website to all you know who pray... we are asking because we need people praying her safely in from all over the country and even the world. (see under prayers and postcards)