The River Church Community

Hello River Family & Friends,

It is Thursday September 4th, and it seems as though I am late posting my update – again.  It amazes me how quickly time seems to fly by.  With so many appointments, consultations, and doctor’s visits, time really seems to get away from me.  I sincerely hope that none of you are hurt by the fact that we don’t get back to you all quite as quickly as we would like to.  It is not because each of you is not in our thoughts and prayers, but rather because we are just overwhelmed at times.  I am not the greatest communicator, and our current situation has only magnified that.

We have been in the Labor & Delivery department twice in the last 5 days.  Shannon has been having contractions more frequently, but so far not regular enough to deliver early via emergency cesarean birth.  I believe most of you know that her cesarean is scheduled for Monday September 15th at 10am.  While that is only roughly 10 days away, something dramatic would have to change to keep us from waiting for that date.  We had our usual appointments this week with Hannah Jane’s medical team; I like to call them Team Geoghegan.  Shannon had a non-stress test on Tuesday; Hannah Jane was a little quieter than she usually is, but still very healthy and active. We then immediately went in to see Shannon’s OB, Dr. Druzin.  Shannon has been doing so well with her diet in an attempt to control her gestational diabetes, that Dr. Druzin reduced the amount of Glyburide she is taking.  

On Wednesday, Shannon and I were up and in to Labor & Delivery at 6 am due to some painful contractions, and while Shannon is beginning to dilate (1cm), labor is not imminent so we were released.  We then went to have an ultrasound with the Chief of Radiology, Dr. Barth.  We received some mixed news.  It appears that Hannah Jane now has some fluid in her anterior ventricles in addition to the severe build up of fluid in her lateral ventricles and slight build up in the third ventricle.  However, the good news is that Hannah Jane’s head size seems to have stabilized.  At one point, her head was measuring 4 weeks ahead of her gestational age; it is now measuring only 2 weeks ahead – which is actually within a range of normal.  This leads me to hope that there is not significant pressure being placed on her brain, but we will not know this until after she is born and the doctors have a chance to run all the tests they need to.  

We continue and ask you to also pray for the doctors treating Hannah Jane, that God work through them to help her in the best possible way.  They have an enormous responsibility in determining Hannah Jane’s course of treatment, and we all know that only the Lord can lead them to the correct path.

I would really like to take this opportunity to say how incredibly proud I am of my wife.  She continues to be strong, determined, faithful and supportive through all of this.  I have always been proud to be married to Shannon; the Lord has truly blessed me with the perfect woman for me.  I am a believer in the fact that it is easy for us to be good people when things are going our way, but the true test of a person’s character is how they respond when times get tough.  Let me say that my wife continues to excel during this time; she has truly come through for our daughter and me.  I can only hope that over the next 40 years or so I will be able to show her how much I love her.

Also, this Sunday Shannon is hoping to join me at church as long as she continues to feel well and she isn't having significant contractions.  It would be a joy for her to worship with you all again.

We'll be having our last Open House next week on Thursday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM before Hannah Jane's Big Arrival.  We would be blessed if you can stop by to share in fellowship and prayer with us.

Thanks again to you all for your continued prayers, thoughts and support.  I shutter to think what this situation would be like without our Father or you, our church family.

Rod Geoghegan

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