Tori's Medical Diagnosis

Last week, on the same day we got the great news about Troy's PET Scan, we also got some results from a MRI that Tori had. She has been having some trouble with headaches and numbness in her right arm and leg. Apparently she has some issues with a few discs in her spinal column, but the real surprise was another diagnosis. Her doctor informed her that she has Chiari I Malformation.

This is a rare genetic disorder that she has probably had since birth, but it is common not to see any symptoms until adulthood. To simplify the explanation, part of her brain, where it attaches to the spinal chord is protruding outside of her skull and into the spinal column. It restricts the flow of spinal fluid between the brain and spine. This is all kinda scary so we have been just a little freaked out. We made contact with a highly recommended Neurosurgeon and he will be looking at her MRI and X-rays this week. He will then call us and schedule an appointment to see what needs to happen next. Of course, we have done our own research (thanks to Google). Apparently the recommended treatment is surgery which will relieve the pressure and restore circulation of the spinal fluid. The long term prognosis is excellent so we will just see what the doctor recommends and go from there. Please pray for us while we are going through this ordeal. Tori is a strong woman, so we are confident that everything will turn out just fine.

On a fun note - check back tomorrow. We get to find out of Jessica and David are having a boy or a girl!!

Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. ~Author Unknown