I'm back. Had almost two weeks of vacation with H and daughter. Visited my mom and sibs, went rock climbing in four diverse areas of four different states, camping and hiking. It was very good for the marriage. H is at his best as a human being on the rocks. <P>Good thing it was a good vacation. We drove in at 9:15 last night. My OB called at 9:30 pm with the news about my amniocentesis. Of course he wouldn't call at night with good news. We are looking at a very rough time ahead - Trisomy 18 and letting nature take it's course. H was heartbroken. Forget about celebrations.<P>Hope things are getting better with everyone else. I'll try to read most of the recent posts but do not have time to fully catch up. Sorry to hear your news, AW. It's awfully good to be back here.<BR>

Oh Karenna, what a great God to allow this time together as husband and wife to build you up for this news of the baby. Didn't know if you knew about this organization. YOu guys are in my prayers.<BR> <A HREF="http://www.trisomy.org/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.trisomy.org/</A>

You and your family are in my prayers Karenna. I am glad your vacation was good. God bless you,<P>AW

Karenna,<BR>I am glad to hear that the vacation was good and relationship building. I am sorry for your other news, and am praying for you both and the baby.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Karenna}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<P>------------------<BR>Lor<BR>"Let love be genuine...hold fast to what is good; love one another." Rom 12:9-10

Oh Karenna...<BR>I'm posting with tears in my eyes. I know nothing about Trisomy 18, except that it is very serious. I do know the pain of losing a much-loved child at birth, and so hearing your news, am very, very sad & fearful for you...no one should go through that experience, and I fervently hope that is not lying ahead for you.<P>I did do a quick web search, and found a site you might be interested in:<P> <A HREF="http://homepages.tig.com.au/~karens/" TARGET=_blank>http://homepages.tig.com.au/~karens/</A> <P>You are in my prayers...<BR>Kathi<P><BR>Dearest Lord, <BR>Please be with Karenna and her husband and family as they struggle to deal with this difficult situation. You, who suffer with each of us as we hurt, know the pain that is in their hearts right now. Help them to feel surrounded by your presence and comforted by your Spirit. Lend them your strength when they feel overwhelmed. Help their family and friends to be instruments of your peace & love to them. <BR>In Jesus' name we pray, amen.<P>[This message has been edited by kam6318 (edited July 14, 2000).]<p>[This message has been edited by kam6318 (edited July 14, 2000).]

Karenna, <BR>I'm happy & sad for you. I'm glad to see things improving in the home front with H. It is unfortunate about your news from the OB. BUT don't loose hope. Go to the sites the others have given you. Ask your OB lots and lots of questions. AND PRAY!<P>We are all praying with you and for you.<P>Love, hugs & Kisses.<BR>Pookie

Karenna,<BR>Myheart is absolutely breaking for you. H and I decided not to have the alpha-feto-protein test nor the amnio because we knew we couldn't terminate a pregnancy and living with the anticipation of a problem would have killed me. My prayers will be with you and your H and baby. Do you know if it is a girl or boy? When are you due? And what is the accuracy of the amnio for that particluar disorder? It seems to me that when my OB discussed amnio with me that there was some margin for error with positive results. <P>{{{{{{Karenna}}}}}}}}<BR>Kim

Thank you, everyone. Today has been the hardest day yet, emotionally. I really feel supported and uplifted by your prayers.<P>Abortion was never an option, we just wanted to know to be prepared. The pregnancy never did feel normal. I'm sure there is no mistake. With the intrauterine surgeries they can do now it makes a lot more sense to take more diagnostic and preventative actions. <P>Since even the short-term survival rate is so tiny, and the heroic measures needed to prolong life are so extreme, we are planning on letting nature take it's course all the way. That includes home birth, lot's of hugging and loving, and home death with dignity. What else for a hopeless terminal illness? We may get more information from a detailed ultrasound later. And it's a boy due around first week of Dec. but these are usually a little early or just small. If they even survive to birth. I am a little scared.<p>[This message has been edited by Karenna (edited July 14, 2000).]

Karenna,<BR>I can't imagine how hard this must be. I don't know what more to say, but know you and your family are in my prayers.

{{{{{Karenna}}}}}<BR>I just stopped by to see if you'd posted again...I am not surprised, but very sorry to hear that yesterday was so difficult. Just wanted to let you know you are very much on my mind right now, and remain in my prayers.<BR>Kathi

I'm praying for you and your family today Karenna. I wish there was something I could say to help you feel better, but all I can think of is that the Lord will be right beside you and your husband every minute of every day. Love and prayers,<P>AW

Dear Karenna,<P>What to say? After taking in your insights, your clarity and compassion, I want to give back. And all I can give is that you come into my thoughts a lot. No wisdom, only prayers. I'm sorry this has happened to you and your baby and your family. <P>Dear Lord, please take Karenna and her family into your arms and help them bear this disappointment and loss. Please be merciful to them. Amen.<P>