Monday, March 12, 2007

March 12, 2007




"Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart." Colossians 3:15

We received some disappointing news today. If you remember, when Kyle was a couple days old, it was discovered that he has a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). The ductus is a blood vessel connecting the main vessel leading to the lungs (pulmonary artery) to the main vessel of the body (aorta). Its function in the unborn baby is to allow blood to bypass the lungs, since oxygen for the blood comes from the mother and not from breathing air. Normally after birth the ductus closes in the first few hours, but in Kyle's case, this blood vessel stayed open. The opening of this blood vessel causes too much blood to be pumped into the lungs. This can lead to an increase in fluid in the lungs and makes it harder for the baby to breathe as well as increases the work of the heart. To treat his PDA, the doctors administered three courses of medications and we were told last week that it had closed. Yesterday the doctor thought he heard Kyle's heart murmur again and therefore scheduled an echocardiogram for today. Unfortunately, the ductus that had previously closed has opened back up and surgery is our only option at this point. The surgery has been scheduled for this Friday. A specialist is going to be flown in from Miami to perform the surgery, which will be done right in Kyle's isolette. An incision will be made under Kyle's left arm and his lung will be collapsed to allow the surgeon access to his heart to clamp off the opening in the ductus. We are told, that as far as heart surgeries go, this is a pretty non-invasive procedure, but there are risks with any surgery, especially when the "patient" is a baby weighing just 1 lb. 6 oz. PLEASE PRAY THAT THERE ARE NO COMPLICATIONS FROM THE SURGERY!

If Kyle was still in me, he would be 28 weeks today, or I would be 28 weeks pregnant. It is hard to believe that I would still have 3 months to go before my due date! Today Daddy was able to spend a lot of time with Kyle at the hospital while Madison and I enjoyed a girls day at Sea World. The picture above is of Madison at Sea World and the other is Joe looking in on Kyle.

Peace - how can we have peace in the middle of these life changing events, planning for the unknown future? Only one way, to allow the Prince of Peace to govern our life. Our prayer for you tonight... "May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at ALL times and in EVERY way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Much Love,

Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Kupiec Family - We will be praying for all of you and the positive outcome of Kyle's upcoming surgery. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.

The McCullough Klan

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennifer, Joe and Madison,
I have asked my prayer partners to agree together with us and pray that God will once again close the ductus and avoid surgery altogether. But if Friday comes and it is still necessary, we will also be praying for a successful surgery without complications, and for your peace. We trust God that He created this precious new life, and that His plan is the best plan.
Love and Hugs,
Aunt Karen

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennifer, Joe, Madison & Kyle-

I am a high school classmate of Joe’s and heard about your amazing story through Cristi and Cary Hudkins. While I also had a premature baby boy this summer who spent 21 days in the NICU, I can’t even begin to fathom what you are going through with your little miracle, Kyle.

Through tears of hope, I read your beautiful blog. It is clear that you have gained so much strength through your faith, your family and your friends. Your attitude and perspective is inspiring.

While in the hospital on bedrest I found a website you might enjoy. Perhaps you have already found it while doing some research on prematurity on the web. It is part of the March of Dimes website. (It was through March of Dimes research that Surfactant was developed!) It is their blog site which has many amazing and inspiring stories about babies like Kyle who are now happy, healthy, crazy 2 year old boys! It is a great way to connect with moms across the country who can truly relate to what it is like to have a 25 week old preemie. The website is: http://www.shareyourstory.org

I have now gotten involved in the March of Dimes on a local level and am part of the WalkAmerica committee. I will definitely share Kyle’s story at our next meeting and you will have a whole new network of families praying for Kyle and your entire family.

I wish there was something I could do or say to make your journey in the NICU easier. Since that is not the case, I will diligently pray for Kyle while he continues to fight like a little champ!

In my prayers.

Much love,

Kara Hannum Lewis
Hudson, Ohio
karahannumlewis@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Kyle,

PattieCakes is praying that you be a good boy for the surgeon on Friday so that you can get on with growing big and strong like Daddy. I can't wait to see you and pray for the time when I can hold and play with you.

Love,
PattieCakes

Anonymous said...

Dear Joe, Jennifer and Madison,
I'm glad you had a safe trip to Ohio and back to Florida. It must be so hard being far from home. It sounds as if Kyle is getting excellent medical care and allowing you to participate as much as possible. I am sorry to hear about the need for surgery, but I pray Kyle pulls through with as much strength that he is showing in all other areas of development. The pictures are great! What a precious baby boy!
Much love to you all!
Aunt Kathie