Well, there is a slight change of plans, for the better. We had a CINE MRI done yesterday, which is like a cinema-graphic type MRI and shows the flow of CSF (Cerebral Spinal Fluid). This was suggested to me as a side note by the Dr here at Duke when I first had him review Mikayla’s MRI. I was told it would be OK to get it but that he would be VERY surprised if it would show any thing different (2 doctors told me this). I went ahead and pushed for it, and it did change things. It shows that there is flow (which they expected) but that it is “jetting” out of the ventricle (think of putting your thumb over the end of a hose). This does indicate that there is potentially some sort of blockage in the 3rd ventricle and the Dr offered us an ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy). Essentially, they poke a hole in the bottom of the Third Ventricle to give teh CSF another way to drain. This is not guaranteed to work and she may end up with a shunt during surgery anyway, but it is a positive possibility.

God does answer prayers, I have been praying that Mikayla wouldn’t need a shunt and that the Dr’s would have the wisdom to deal with Mikayla since her case is so “gray”, and so far He has answered both prayers. Please continue to keep us in your prayers tonight friends, they are working. If all goes well and it is in His will, Mikayla will not need a shunt tomorrow.