The Apple Buzz: Grow Lungs Grow

In November 2007, our unborn daughter was found to have a condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), which occurs in 1 out of every 2,500 pregnancies. Basically, our daughter’s diaphragm had a hole in it that had allowed her stomach, liver, and some intestines to pass into the upper regions of her chest cavity. Her chest was too overcrowded to allow her lungs to fully develop. She was given slim odds to survive and worse odds to thrive.

Our daughter, Jillian Olivia, was born in the Spring of 2008. Since her birth, Jill had two surgeries during her first year and has since thrived.

We started this site to chronicle our experiences throughout this journey and to keep our family members and friends up-to-date on Jill's condition. Now we use this site to update others on what's going on in our lives.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Grow Lungs Grow

Jill' surgery ended around 10:45 p.m. (MST). She made it!

The surgeon explained that the surgery was more difficult than anticipated due to so much of her abdominal organs and bowels being in the left side of her chest. We'll write more later about her surgery. It's almost 1:00 a.m. here and we need to sleep.

In the meantime, please pray that Jill recovers quickly, that her lungs grow, and that she will be safe from infections and illnesses.

The surgeon said that he would be shocked if Jill went home in less than 2-3 months. Let's also pray that he will be shocked.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...: You all have been in my prayers these last few weeks. I am elated that Jill came through the surgery and will continue to pray for her to excede the doctors expectations. May God continue to bless you all in the coming days.
In love, Kim (Fleischmann); April 1, 2008 at 6:37 AM
Shan said...: great news! we're praying for all the things you asked & more. get well soon, baby jilly (sorry, i couldn't resist the nickname). :)
love, the paulo's; April 1, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Unknown said...: I am so glad to hear that Jill made it out of surgery. I am praying for all of you.; April 1, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Mandy Knotts said...: Praise God that she made it through surgery. She is certainly a little miracle baby! We will continue to pray for her recovery and for all of you, as well! Love to you all!; April 1, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Anonymous said...: yeah God! Praying for you all! May the doctors be shocked!

love from Santa Cruz! - so many people here have been praying for little Jill!

Laura Beane; April 1, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Anonymous said...: This is fantastic news, Brian and Judy! I have asked some of my network here in Vancouver to pray and one friend sent me this note today:

"This morning at our Eucharist / Breakfast I mentioned little Jill to some of the people. One woman, now 82, said that she was born with CHD (although she didn't know the term nor was her condition quite as serious). She had no surgery; just care and prayer - and is now 82! We'll continue praying for Jill."

We are praying for the doctors to be shocked and little Jill to see her 82nd birthday!

God's strength and comfort to you all,
Holly; April 1, 2008 at 3:44 PM
Anonymous said...: We are praying here in New Jersey! I put baby Jill on our church's prayer list and our prayer warriors are praying, you can be sure! Carrie's Mom; April 2, 2008 at 7:51 AM