No Biopsy Needed!
Hello to everyone!
In case you did not hear the roar of our praise to God, which may have sounded like thunder to those outside of Colorado, Xavier's liver biopsy has been cancelled! Glory to God. Hallelujah!
Rebecca and I felt strongly Xavier did not need one, and were it not for the pressure of him reaching three months old (which is the age limit surgical correction of bilirubin atresia shows benefit), we would not have consented to having one done. But Father was on the case and took care of it for us. Thank you, Jesus!
Xavier's direct bilirubin count, which rose to 3.17 last week, dropped to 1.5 according to yesterday's blood tests! That is about a 50% drop from last week, and the lowest by far since we started following this metric in very early June.
We cannot contain our joy! PTL! Xavier will continue to be monitored closely via weekly or bi-weekly blood tests, and a diagnosis of the problem is still on-going. But no needle between the ribs and no one-inch by 1/32 inch of liver tissue removed.
Also from the blood tests, Xavier is cleared of a genetic defect called Alpha 1-antitrypsin Deficiency. The A1AT is a protease inhibitor which protects the elastin in the lungs. Problems in A1AT production lead to respiratory complications such as emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cirrhosis. This was one of the issues the doctor discussed with us yesterday.
Awesome is our God! Thank you all for your prayers.