Answered Prayers!

We went to Delaware to meet with Landen's doctors on September 30th. We drove this time and although we don't regret it, traffic was horrible going and coming back! Both times we were stopped and or creeping along for more than two hours! We will definitely be looking for a new route!
Anyway, Landen got great reports from both doctors! Dr. Mackenzie, the orthopedist, said Landen's hip is continuing to improve and grow together as it should. It is a very slow process though so it will need to be watched. Landen no longer has to sleep in the brace at night so after 10 months he is finally FREE!!! We are so thankful!
He also saw Dr. Bober, his geneticist. The DNA that we sent to Scotland in December for research and testing is still not complete but here is the latest...it does get complicated and we don't understand everything but I'll do my best to explain. The genes are tested 50 times to look for any changes in the gene. To begin with they are looking for the pericentrin gene. 48 out of 50 have come back showing no pericentrin gene. So, what does that mean?! That is really really good news! The pericentrin gene is found in MOPD II, one of the types of primordial dwarfism. MOPD II is the most dangerous type because it is the type that has the highest vascular risk, such as a stroke or brain aneurysm. Now, the remaining 2 genes still have to be tested but with this information and along with Landen's growth chart Dr. Bober feels safe to say that Landen does not have MOPD II. This also means his vascular risk would be the same as yours and mine. This is huge because this is the most concerning factor of primordial dwarfism. Thank you Lord for answered prayers!Speaking of his growth chart. Here are his measurements and weight. He weighs 13 lbs. and is right under 28 inches long. His head circumference is 38cm. In comparing Landen's growth with the growth of other MOPD II patients at the same age as Landen he is either significantly above or off the chart!
The next step is testing the genes for the Meier-Gorlin Syndrome, another type of primordial dwarfism. The DNA will continue to be tested until we learn more. It is possible the DNA samples will run out before we have an answer so we'll possibly have to give more DNA. If he does not have the Meier-Gorlin Syndrome he will remain in the not otherwise specified category. There may not be an answer to what type of primordial dwarfism he has for a long time. It is possible he has a type that has not even been discovered yet. There is just so much that is unknown, however, there is so much that is being learned every day!
The doctor confirmed what we've known.....Landen is not lacking or behind developmentally. He was very impressed that Landen can blow his nose! haha! He said that was actually impressive for any child under the age of four! Landen is extremely smart and extremely determined! NOTHING stops him!! We are so thankful for the two precious gifts the Lord has given us. God is so good and to Him be all glory!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support! It means so much! Please keep praying as there is so much that is unknown. I love the quote by Corrie Ten Boom though "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God!"

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