MRI results

Yes, I know it could be so much worse.
Yes, I know how lucky we are.
Yes, I know God has a purpose.
No, I would not trade Addie for anything in this world.

Thank you God for this gift!

I knew it wasn't going to be easy to hear the words that followed, "the good news is, she has a brain". My heart just broke when Dr. Ness said, "there is nothing that surprises me, but there are some areas that really bug me.". She reminded us how lucky we are although I never need reminding and told us more than once that it could have been so much worse.

There were four "abnormalities" found.

When Dr. Ness pulled up the films, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I turned and gave Addie to Chris and had to take a step closer to the monitor...

Addie's cerebellum is unusually small. The biggest impact this should have is on her balance. Dr. Ness said that she had no doubt that Addie would walk; it is just a matter of when. Honestly, when I look at the picture of her cerebellum, it is only by the grace of God that Addie can sit up and crawl. She has AMAZING balance!

There are two areas in the frontal lobe of Addie's brain that have Dr. Ness a bit puzzled. She said that it was something she would have to consult with radiology on and might go ahead and contact a physician at Harvard or resort back to contacting Dr. Dobyns in Chicago (the world-renowned geneticist and pediatric neurologist who revoked Addie's secondary diagnosis).
After talking with my aunt, she told me that it could be areas of growth that doesn't fit the "typical" growth pattern - you know, our almighty God working miracles! This makes perfect sense. I did an abundant amount of research and cannot find another MRI that compares to this view of Addie's brain. I believe in my heart that it doesn't matter who is consulted, the most we would get is an educated guess on what the MRI shows. Only God knows, it is HIS purpose. It is HIS works, it is HIS grace and I was looking at a miracle on that monitor!

There are two other areas that Dr. Ness has diagnosed as Cortical Dysplasia. She thinks this may better explain what happened in utero and went on to say that it probably occurred at around 8-10 weeks gestation.
Here is the definition:
"Cortical Dysplasia is a congenital abnormality where the neurons in an area of the brain failed to migrate in the proper formation in utero. Occasionally neurons will develop that are larger than normal in certain areas. This causes the signals sent through the neurons in these areas to misfire, which sends an incorrect signal. It is commonly found near the cerebral cortex and is associated with seizures."

There is extra space in the Occipital lobe. Addie's vision is actually very good, so I am not sure what kind of impact this will have on her future - if any. When looking at the films, one may wonder how Addie sees at all...

I have been staring at the pictures of the MRI since Wednesday. When I look at the pictures and then look at Addie - she is a MIRACLE! No physician ever thought she would be progressing like she is. There is no scientific explanation as to why Addie is progressing. The MRI does not match up to what I see when I look at my daughter.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR HER! IT IS BECAUSE OF YOUR PRAYERS THAT SHE IS MEETING THE MILESTONES AND PROGRESSING!

It is because of our God that Addie, this miracle, is on this earth. It is because of our God that Addie smiles and laughs and speaks and crawls...the odds have always been against her. This is Addie's story. One worth telling a million times over. This is our story...about the miracle healing powers of God and the power of prayer and love.