High Hopes

Last week Eric, Lexie, and I flew down to North Carolina for a couple of days. We were there to get a Stem Cell infusion for Lexie at the Children Hospital at Duke University. All of Lexie's medical care is here in San Antonio but this is something that is not offered here because it is still in the trial stage. Our doctors here are a little skeptical of this "experimental" procedure but if it could possibly help Lexie in the long run we decided it was worth it. Seeing how it is experimental our insurance does not cover this procedure and it can get quite pricey. I didn't care what price they told me, her health is the most important thing right now. Plus, if we didn't get it done, I will always question if she did have it how would her life be different.

We saved the umbilical cord from Lexie's birth and sent it to Duke University where Dr. Kurtzberg collects the blood/stem cells that is contained in the umbilical cord. These types of cells are special because they are used as "building blocks" in the body and do the repair work. They are infused back into the body through an IV. It takes about 15 minutes and doesn't require surgery. The infusion can't cure the hydrocephalus but it may be able to help replace the cells that were damaged due to the pressure in the womb. There are no guarantees and we will never know if it has helped her but just knowing we may of helped her is good enough for me. Also, there is no risk because she is basically having her own cells put back in. It is her blood.

One more thing I wanted to share with you is a little clip that came to our attention the night before her infusion. Eric and I were watching TV at the hotel and this commercial comes on. After it was over Eric and I totally felt it was a sign. We both started laughing when it was over because it was a little eerie seeing where we were.....Stem Cell Research.

**2nd Stem Cell 12/2010 & 3rd and Final stem cell Summer 2011****

Dr. Kurtzberg is in the blue

Us with Lexie during the transfusion.

Playing peek-a-boo with us

Showing off her wings.

Grandpa and Grandma Haut came in to watch Gracie and Ethan while we went to North Carolina. The kids have had a full month of being spoiled by all of their grandparents.