The Results

We saw Dr. McGregor on Wednesday, February 4th. Her diagnosis was similar to the first doctor we saw here in San Pedro. She said that they boys can't see out of their right eye. Her understanding was that there were bands that destroyed the retina from being able to create a picture to send to the brain. However, she wanted to get a better look at the eye to see what could have caused this. According to her, it was either genetic or some form of infection that destroyed their vision. Since we were working with a limited time frame, they were able to schedule a post-op for the following day to get some pictures of the boy's eyes.

I'm not sure how to describe our feelings at this time other than to say we were extremely heartbroken. Anyone can probably imagine how difficult it was to hear the results. You pray for a miracle, but it's not the one you wanted. It hurts. You want to go back to how it was before you knew. You want them to be perfect physically & mentally without defect. It is obvious that God has not healed their eyes, but He has provided for us in so many other ways. *some of those ways are listed below*

Surgery
Thursday, February 5th, Dr. McGregor and the retina surgeon got a better look at the boy's eyes. They started with Derek & took pictures of both his right & left eye. The results of the left eye came back completely healthy; however, the right eye showed a significant retina fold (not a band). Due to the results from Derek's right eye, they decided to do an additional dye test on Max. The dye test would give the doctors a better view of the blood vessels in the back of the eye. This is necessary to see if there is an infection in the good eye (left eye) that would need to be monitored. They chose to do the test on Max because his right eye looked worse in the beginning, meaning that if there is an infection in the left eye, it would be most likely to be found on Max. Max's results came back the same as Derek's just slightly greater. Max has a healthy left eye, but an even bigger retina fold in the right. Both folds have the same outcome.

Results
Max & Derek have no vision in their right eye. Technically, they still have peripheral vision, but to what extent we don't know. We have been told that there is nothing we can do to help the right eye because the fold has completely destroyed the part of the eye that sends a picture to the brain. With no picture work with, there is nothing to strengthen.

Going Forward
In August, both boys will be fitted for glasses. They basically need glasses just to protect their good eye. However, Max is a little nearsighted in his left eye, so his glasses will also correct that. We know it's going to be a good thing, but yet, at the same time, it's hard to digest. So many people will say that they look cute in glasses, but it's not that simple as a parent. I think we'll both be struggling again come August.

My Thoughts
It's not the end of the world, but sometimes it feels just awful. I cry. I think about what it is like for them. I wonder what problems we'll have in the future because of it. What things will it affect? I know they'll be able to play sports, walk, drive, etc, but will there be extra hurdles to achieve these things? All these thoughts make it difficult to see the truth at times, but the truth is, it's not perfect vision that I desire most for our boys. What I want more than anything is for them to walk in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, living their lives to glorify Him.


*remembering how God worked*

• The Pediatric Ophthalmology center, they are booked 2 months out. However, Dr. McGregor offered to see us on her day off within a week.
• We found tickets, at such short notice, for an amazing price.
• The day we flew there was a serious snow storm in the Northeast, but our flight from Atlanta to Detroit left on time. It was the only flight headed to the Northeast out of Atlanta that didn't cancel.
• In Columbus, we were shown so much hospitality. A great friend provided supper for us Tuesday night. Another friend offered their home to us while they were gone, which allowed my mom, Kurt's parents & us to stay in the same place together. 
• The doctors were able to schedule the post-op for the following day on Thursday. This was a huge blessing considering the limited time frame we were dealing with.
• The retina surgeon came in specifically for us, on his day off, with less than 24 hours notice.
• The boy's left eyes were completely healthy. There would be no need for constant monitoring meaning that we don't have to make monthly visits.
• The post-op went smoothly, & we all could fly back on Saturday. We were really worried about being able to go home so quickly. There was a good possibility that we would have had to extend our trip, which we didn't want to do because my parents were flying to the Dominican to see us the same day. We actually booked the same flights as them so we could have extra hands to help on the way home.

 Surgery day. They did really well under the circumstances. (Left to right: Max & Derek)