It's pouring outside here in Los Angeles. Appropriate weather for this posting.
Beth and I have talked it over and we agreed that this would be the best way to avoid unwanted conversations....
A few weeks ago, when we were at the genetics lab they showed us a chart. It was a list, a long list, of the common cystic fibrosis genetic mutations. They already had Liz's mutations on file, so they knew that I had one of the two that Liz had. In order for a child to be born with cystic fibrosis BOTH parents need to have some form of the gene. In those cases, each child has a 25% chance of being born with the disease. In all her tests Beth came up with no gene for CF. They asked us if we wanted to do a full panel on Beth's blood, just in case she had some rare form of the gene. We were both adamant that we do the panel. I don't know if I can do CF again.
About 3 hours ago we received a phone call from the lab that Beth does, believe it or not, have a rare gene for Cystic Fibrosis. This was a shock to us, to say the least. Our chances of having a baby with CF went from one in 10,000,000 to 1 in 4.
They are going to run a test on the placenta sample they have to determine if the baby does or does not have the gene. If she has one, then she is just a carrier. If she has none, we are free and clear. If she has both, she will be born with CF and we will have to make a determination on what we are going to do.
The problem? The earliest we can get the results is two weeks. We will know in three, but the earliest is two.
Suffice to say, we are on pins and needles.
We could use your support. Prayer, whatever......again.....
It is all we can do to remain calm for the next 21 days. It's easy to panic. Easy to get manic.
Unfortunately for Beth, she can't get drunk, medicate, or do anything to dull the madness that is waiting.
Fortunately for me, I can start drinking again.
I'm sorry to have to report this news.
I will let you all know the results as soon as we know more.
Allen
