Welcome to our site about our son Brodie Dick who will join our family on August 8, 2011 at 8:00. At 22 weeks we went in to find out if we were having a boy or a girl and we found out that we were having a boy but that he may have a birth defect. After an agonizing week we found out that our son had CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia). CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing the abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth. CDH occurs in 1 of every 2500 births and a baby with CDH is born every 10 minutes. 50% of babies diagnosed with CDH do not survive. The cause is not known. This will be a journal of our journey and will allow our family and friends to keep up to date on what is happening with us and our son Brodie. Thanks for your prayers and support!


Monday, October 24, 2011

To Trach or Not to Trach?

Brodie has been doing great the past couple of days. For the most part his oxygen has been in the 30's and he seems to be resting better. He is in a little bit of a holding pattern but that will soon change. We are at a crossroad and it is time to either start weaning some of the mess for his pulmonary hypertension or have a trach put in. They want him to be able to do the normal developmental tasks and since he is doing better than ever they think this is the window. It is a risky surgery because of his health but if he gets worse it may not be an option. So needless to say this is a difficult decision of LaVona and I. We have heard many sides for and against and now it is up to us. Some may think that it is good to have the control but with that control comes a heavy burden. You just want to make the best decision for your child. We definitely are not qualified to make this decision since our medical knowledge 3 months ago was nonexistent. We have called a meeting with the team on Wednesday and hope that it will provide us with a clear cut answer. He is doing great and we just want to make sure that our decision does not set him back too much. All we can say is the next couple weeks will be a little stressful. We are so glad that we are even at this point. We will keep you updated on what our final decision is. I will try to get some current pics up so that everyone can see how good he looks. Thanks for the support and pray that we make the right decision.

8 comments:

Lindsey said...

I pray that you will all make the right decision and trust in yourself and God in whatever you decide. I understand this is a heavy burden. Trust in God, as He is there to guide you and lead you in the right direction. It was such a blessing meeting Brodie...he is a beautiful boy, full of fight. It was nice seeing you all as well. We will all continue to pray that Brodie gains strength and that you will find comfort in the decisions you make for Brodie. Throughout it all, God is there to help you. You have my continued prayers.

Sonny and Bernadette said...

I can't imagine how difficult this decision is for you guys to make. But just know that you are all covered in prayer right now. I will pray specifically for God to give you both the guidance and wisdom to make the right decision. God is holding Brodie so tightly in his arms and I know that he will get him through this no matter what your decision is. Brodie is a tough little guy and he will not give up...I could see it in his beautiful eyes! It was so good to see you all the other day...and I was so excited to meet Brodie!!! He is adorable!! I pray every day for continued progress for Brodie and that you and LaVona will have peace about your decision knowing that God is in control and will be with you every step of the way. Love and Hugs--Berna

michellefieldswhite said...

you will make the right decision, GOD will provide !!!

michellefieldswhite said...

you know what brodie needs!!!! no questions asked you will do the right thing

alexa said...

We will be praying that God makes the decision so clear that you know with out a doubt it is what He wants.

Fran said...

Praying for clarity at this difficult crossroads, Todd and LaVona. Psalm 138:8 The LORD will fulfill His purpose for "Brodie"; your love, O LORD, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands.
xxoo Fran

Anonymous said...

Praying that all is well with you and Baby Brodie....that progress is still being made....that our God is showing you the path to take and that the decisions being made are leading to more healing for Baby Brodie.....(((HUGS)))

michellefieldswhite said...

god has already answered so many prayers!!! brodie is a fighter and is going to surpass all that comes his way!!! i know we will see this little boy grow into a man, like you todd he will someday be an awesome daddy just like you!!! love you and lavona so much bradie too!!! we pray every day for your family and look forward to good news!!! the steward are strong people we will endure the hardships with you and love you!!! if you need anything at all please call me 832-288-1751 i mean it!!!