Update on Baby Luke-Skywalker

Dear Friends and Family,

I apologize for not being able to update you until now. This has been an exhausting week to say the least. As we had hoped, Luke showed significant seizure activity while being monitored in the hospital. This helped the doctors locate the source of Luke's seizures and therefore better treat the problem. However, Luke did not initially respond well to the new medication and his convulsions became difficult to control. For 3 days we watched Luke suffer numerous seizures where both his heart and lungs were affected (in other words, his heart slows down and his breathing stops completely). We spent two nights in pediatric intensive care. Now we are in the pediatric ward of Boston Medical Center until Tues. or Wed., if Luke does not have any more seizure activity.

The doctors have narrowed their conclusions to two possibilities: benign partial epilepsy or temporal lobe epilepsy. The first option is positive: Luke responds well to the medication and will eventually outgrow whatever is causing his outbursts (cause unknown, but easily treatable). Because Luke is developing very well up till now - he's a strong, active, bright little 6-month old - this is much more likely. However, there is a slight possibility that Luke will not respond well to the new medication and will continue to suffer severe seizures (the latter option). If he does not continue to grow and develop well, there may be a future need for treatment and possibly even surgery.

So with this information in mind, we (following doctor recommendations) have decided to stay in the States for 6-8 months as we continue to monitor Luke and his development. Honestly we are super disappointed to not be returning home to *******, but are excited to reunite with many of you while we're here.

As we finish up our time in Boston we would appreciate your continued prayers for the following:

* Full healing for Luke, that he would not have any more seizures, ever!
* Peace and rest for Andrea, Andy, Elias and Luke; this past week has been extremely stressful and exhausting for all of us.
* Wisdom and discernment as we redirect our responsibilities in ********* and for those picking up our slack.
* For a smooth transition into our new life in the States; we were not expecting to stay here for an extended period of time, and the news has been a shock to all of us, especially little Eli. Pray also for all the details that we need to take care of as we quickly reestablish a new home.
* And finally that the insurance will cover all our hospital bills!

Thank you again so much. We dearly appreciate you all!

Love,
Andrea for the family