Monday, October 20, 2008

Here are some bits of information and thoughts to give you some understanding as to what's involved in making the decision whether to go forward with the separation of the girls:

*The hardest decision a parent would have to make is to have to make a decision. If there isn't a possibility of separation, there isn't a choice to make.

*An average child with congestive heart disease would live to late childhood, early teens. The shared heart these girls have is considered below average.

*One more test is needed which would measure the pressure in Emma's heart. If it's too high, then the possibility of separation would be taken off the table completely.

*They each have the anatomy to support a transplant heart. Artificial hearts work as an attachment to a heart--not an option.


*It's a small window in which to perform the separation. Too much longer, separation cannot be considered.

*With several preliminary surgeries, separation and recovery, the time frame would be 6-9 months minimum. How do we then manage family life, work, school for the big kids, etc.? Do we split up the family or not, in order to keep stability for work and the big kids?

*The doctors never said they should or should not separate. They said, "We can support you through this process. But the decision is up to you."

22 comments:

Christine said...

We want you to know that you guys are in our hearts and our prayers. I cannot imagine being a parent and having to make this decision. It has to be one of the HARDEST decisions to make. We love you all and will continue to pray for you and your family - that the Lord's will be done.
Love,
The Cahan's

Nettie said...

Wow. I'll continue to pray, and pray specifically that you will be able to clearly decipher the inspiration you receive. We love you.

Jason and Vanessa said...

Wow, those are some hard decisions to make. I pray God gives you the wisdom you need at this time:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
- James 1:5

I know I have been praying this for my family as we have some hard decisions to make with our set of conjoined twins as well(http://goodtimesdelgadostyle.blogspot.com/2008/10/pediatric-cardiologist-one-of-harder.html).

Soli Deo Gloria!

jason d.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mandy, I'm one of your neighbors (the OB nurse on Saddle Bag lane), saw the Discovery Health Program and your latest blog entries. Just wanted to let you know we are supporting you in prayer! You and your family are in our thoughts and hearts.
Laurel

Unknown said...

We'll pray for you!

Anonymous said...

Mandy, My name is Heather and I saw your documentary. I felt so lifted and inspired by you guys. I would also like to ask are you LDS? We are and I think the Lord has very special plans for you guys. I hpe you keep us all updated on there progress and all the rest of our kids.

Anonymous said...

The special on TV last night was WONDERFUL! What a great, loving family! I continue to pray for Taylor and Emma, as well as both of you as you walk through each day, making decisions that will affect you and your family forever. May God grant you peace and wisdom.

PS - And Kate Hudson has NOTHING on you! ;)

Anonymous said...

Hi-I met your father when he came to my house for an appraisal. I was so impressed with his spirit and story about his granddaughters. I wrote a post regarding meeting him on my blog (October 5th) & I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you and your family. I have had a lot of people visit my blog to read about your Emma and Taylor. I know there is a lot of support out there for your family.
I realize this is a difficult time for you and your family with so many decisions to make. Best wishes and continued prayers.

Lisa Baggett
/

Anonymous said...

What a heart wrenching decision to have to make for those precious girls.

They are simply beautiful, and I pray that your family will be blessed with both of their delightful smiles for years to come.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you for the best possible outcome. Never give up on a miracle.

Anonymous said...

Saw your family on Discovery Health and decided to search for you on the internet. You have such a beautiful family and such an inspiring story! I pray for the twins health and your guidance as you decide how to proceed with your special little blessings.

Kait

NatalieD said...

I watched the "Two Girls, One Heart" documentary tonight and LOVED it. You have such a wonderful family and are doing so very well--especially considering all of the obstacles you face. It was so great to see you and meet your beautiful twins while you were in Redmond. My prayers are with you.

Donna1264 said...

Mandy, Tor and Bailey Family - you are in my thoughts and prayers and whatever decision is made I know will be made with serious consideration and lots of praying. God Bless you for doing what you do. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Alisha said...

wow. how difficult. you are in my thoughts and prayers. your sweet girls are beautiful.

Nick and Maddy Winward said...

Mandy,
Hi! I don't know if you remember me, (Maddy Winward) I was in your ward about 3 years ago for a short time. You gave my oldest son, Owen, swim lessons. Anyways, thanks for sharing your story. Your family is so sweet! I love the folding arms video, too cute!

Dizzy Kate said...

I pray for your family every night. I am so thankful that you are sharing this information with the rest of us because it helps me to know what to specifically pray for. I truly pray that you will feel the spirit and know what decision to make for your sweet children. There is no love like the love a parent has for a child. You are an amazing example to the rest of us. Thank you.

Nettie said...

I can't even imagine such a choice. What a delightful duo Taylor and Emma are, and what a blessing to all who know them. I have such respect for your family. People handle what they are given...I see that all the time. But people don't always handle it with such grace, poise and cheerful countenance. I just love all of you and you are in my every prayer. I pray that you will be guided in your decision and that you will clearly discern Heaven's will.

James and Cari said...

Mandy- I'm praying for you and your family. I keep thinking of the amazing spirit I felt while holding them- they are truly gifts from God.

Rachel said...

I saw your special on Discovery Health last week. You have an amazing and strong family. My prayers will be with you as you are faced with these difficult decisions to make for your little girls. I am LDS and I have a pretty good feeling that your family is, too. Honestly, I thought that before some of the more obvious clues. You have such obvious faith in a loving Heavenly Father that will be with you through all of these trials.

Anonymous said...

I have been praying for you and your family. Your children are all so lucky to have you as parents. The twins are gorgeous and so loved by everyone, it is easy to see that. I don't envy the decisions you have to make. I have faith that God will lead you in the right direction. If you and your family ever make it to Kansas City, I would love to meet you!
Bmomtami910@aol.com

Patea Family said...

our prayers with your family and what you have gone through but leave them to our havenly father to help the doctors to decide whats best for their future but continue to do the good works is to love them until their time comes. I will remember them when I go to the temple.

Love the Patea family from Auckland New Zealand!

Unknown said...

Life brings so many Hard decisions but none harder than yours,like having your heart held to ransom.
we all want the best for our children, whatever that is, in your terrible position,there is no right or wrong,try looking at it another way - its already happened,you already made the choice and the outcome has already happened, whichever choice you made,if someone said you could go back and try the other choice would you? or would you know you had already made the best choice and not go back?
love and best wishes kelly x x