29 Week Update

We had Dr. appts yesterday and everything has stayed about the same with the baby. The good news is that for the most part his heartrate has stayed low (there were two times when we have taken the heart rate that he has gone back into tachycardia, but both times it slowed down again after a few hours). The bad news is that when we say everything has stayed the same that also means there has been no change in the hydrops (i.e. fluid build-up in his body). Some of the doctors believe that if the hydrops were caused by the tachycardia arrhythmia (high heart rate) we should be seeing some signs of lessening of the hydrops since he has spent most of the time in a better, slower rhythm. Therefore, it could actually be the tumors pressing on the heart that is causing the hydrops and unfortunately the doctors don't have any in utero treatments for that. I am 29 weeks today and they want to wait until at least 32 weeks (i.e. April 21st) to consider delivering me (c-section).

We haven't lost hope that the hydrops could still get better and some of the doctors do think it may over more time. We are trying alternative treatments as well - the first thing is I am trying to only eat heart healthy foods - so lots of soybeans, greens, fruits and veggies are what my diet consists of. I am also taking nutritional supplements specifically for the heart and heart problems. A friend recommended acupuncture which I am looking more into as well.

I haven't had to go back on the medicine because his heart rate has stayed low, so that is good news as well. Every day and especially every week the baby continues to grow and get stronger is all we can ask for. We pray the doctors will know the right time to deliver the baby and until then, he will stay safe in his current home.

Thank you for your prayers and please continue to keep Baby "Mason" Koler in your prayers. We know God has a plan and although it kills us not to know it, I guess that is what faith is really all about. We love you all and appreciate all the love and support that you have given to us along this terribly difficult journey.