Quick Update!

So this afternoon Cyle, Cayden and I took a trip to the Cleveland Clinic to see a Genetic Specialist. The appointment was long...and involved lots of family history and questions asked. After all of our answers were given, and a family tree created, Dr. Moran did a full assessment. The verdict...

We Wait.

Blood work was necessary for the testing that she recommended, so those mean 'ol lab techs poked my poor, tired baby 3 times. This testing can take weeks to months to complete, so now we've just got to wait. We are to continue to give Cayden the tender, loving care we've been giving him, and to follow up if there comes any point in time when injury is suspected.

The testing:

The bloodwork will be tested for a variety or genetic abnormalities; one being Osteogenesis Imperfecta (O.I., Brittle Bone Disorder), which if he ends up having the doctor seems to suspect it to be the most mild form ::sigh::.

Another possibility is what's called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which effects the joints and ligaments rather than bone. This is a possibility due to the hypermobility of Cayden's joints, and this syndrome often has some of the same physical symptoms as that of O.I..

So of course we'll do some more research, and drive ourselves crazy until the day we hear results, but I'm going to vow to try to stay positive - he'll be fine no matter what it turns out to be...if anything. :-)

Keep my strong, feisty little man in your thoughts please!!

I'll update again once we hear anything!

Tears and Worries

Sorry it's been awhile. With Cyle down and out after shoulder surgery, a sick and cranky baby, and Meme out of town for the week, trying to work and take care of the babies and manage to blog has been quite a challenge. We had a rough week, Cayden had high fevers for days on end...but the last two days have been MUCH better! Things were finally looking good! Cyle got the good news that his healing was progressing much better than they thought it would, and therapy was changed to once a week instead of three times weekly. And he'll probably be able to go back to light duty at work after his post-op follow up with the surgeon on the 22nd! That's great news! (I always knew he was strong and resilient!!) So things have been looking bright, and really thought nothing of Cayden's 15 month check-up with his pediatrician today.

But tonight I sit here with a heavy heart and tears hanging from my lashes.

After a great check-up, including shots and measurements, my baby boy was happy and drinking some juice while The Mama talked with the doctor. I had a few questions for her (yes, I am a pediatric nurse, but sometimes knowledge goes out the window when dealing with your own children) regarding some constipation problems, and the way his little teeth were growing in. Constipation issue was resolved rather easily and quickly. His teeth, however, opened up a door of fear and a rapid heart beat for Mama. Since the day Cayden was born, we've kept a close eye on the color of his eyes. They have always had a grayish tint to them. I have brought the issue up to both the pediatrician as well as our orthopedic doctor in the past, because we knew that this could be a sign of what is known as "Brittle Bone Disease." In the past, I have been told that the doctors were "not concerned with that right now" and "we'll just keep an eye on it." Which brings me to his teeth. Since Cayden's first two bottom teeth have come in, I've noticed that they also are not as pearly white as I'd like them to be. Just as his eyes do, his teeth seem to have a dusky tint to them, and they seem to be coming in really slowly. So when the pediatrician and I discussed this today, she quickly suggested that I follow up with a Pediatric Geneticist, as well as a Pediatric Dentist. The dentist I'm not so concerned about. It's the genetic testing that needs to be done that frightens me most. Genetics will prove whether or not he has this Brittle Bone Disease, some other disorder, or perhaps nothing. And then maybe the dentist will tell me that he simply has enamel problems or something of the less drastic sort.
So of course, I get home, Cyle and I talk a bit about it, and immediately start the research. It turns out that this Brittle Bone disorder, which didn't seem like a problem before, may in fact be the culprit. According to multiple medical sites on-line (I know, I know. You can't always trust the world-wide-web. But I'm freaking out here!) Cayden has four of the seven most common symptoms of the disorder.

So my mind in churning, my insides are aching.

This boy has been through far too much already. I just really want peace and health for him. I don't want him to have to endure any more pain, problems or disorders. Is that too much for a mom to ask for?!

So I'm calling to schedule an appointment in the morning. Until then, my mind and heart will race. I'm trying to tell myself to not worry yet, we know nothing at this point. But that's impossible.

We'll keep you updated. I pray for peace and strength for my big baby boy.

Guest Speaker!

Hi, it's me, Meme!  Taking a moment to do a guest appearance on Our Boy Cayden!  The Wilkinson Family is here at my house for a few days because of Cyle's surgery and Bridget's work schedule!!  Since she is working 7pm to 7am, I am on baby patrol!  It's good to have them all here!  Cyle's surgery went well, and though he is in a bit of pain, he is doing fine!  Cayden keeps wanting to be so near him, he just loves his Daddy so much!!  Cyle has had a physical therapy session already, with lots more to follow.  Tonight is Bri's last night at work this week, so I am sure they are heading home tomorrow afternoon.  Here are some pictures... Daddy and his boy.  :~)

Movin' and Groovin'!

Here's a peek at Cayden cruising at Grandpa's house this past weekend. He loves his walker and is getting pretty good at it - he does laps around the house, while squealing with absolute delight! (Just wish Grandpa was home to witness it!!)

We had a fun weekend in Van Wert, visiting with friends and family, even meeting the newest to the Goins clan! Little Gweny is precious! Cayden had a blast playing with all of his little friends, Evan, Ella, Hadley (of course!) and Mae! It's always great to see everyone! :-)

Cyle spent a lot of time hunting this weekend, trying to get his deer killed before he undergoes surgery Monday. He has torn the major ligament in his shoulder and will need it repaired. He is scheduled for surgery Monday at 11:45 - so keep us in your prayers!! With lots of help from Meme and Papa, and other family and friends, we'll get through it! I'll just be living with a one-armed gimp for a few weeks until he recovers! I guess that means double-duty for me on the diaper changing front! It doesn't bother me...I just hope he's back to his normal, strong and capable self soon! We'll be spending lots of time at Meme's the next few days, so check out her blog for pictures (we all know that when her gems are around, the camera is charged and at hand!). :-)