It's What's Inside That Counts

Today Gabe visited his neurosurgeon at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.  We were relieved to see and hear that what is going on inside Gabe's head is not as big of a concern as it appears from the outside. 

At this point, although typically explained as hydrocephalus, Gabe has ventriculomegaly (say that 5x fast...ready, go!) Basically, his ventricles are enlarged due to cerebral spinal fluid that is not able to flow freely around his brain (due to an Arnold Chiari II Malformation).  He has not been treated with a shunt, or etv, (yet).  Due to many extra visits to our pediatrician in the last few weeks, the concern about his growing head circumference was heightened.  Although we understand that his head is larger than it should be, have you seen the babe?  His whole body is larger than it should be ;) (not really)! Head measurements alone are not enough to determine whether or not he has developed treatable hydrocephalus.  Thanks to his large (still) soft spot they are able to peek inside using ultrasound.  From the inside it appears that the CSF is not compromising Gabe's brain growth at this time.  Yay!  So, we will wait for two more months and return for more tests. 

{We are pretty happy here about that news}

Thank you to all of our dear friends who have been shouting out extra prayers on Gabe's behalf in the last few weeks.  We are certain they are making a difference - in his health and our peace about it all!