A long road for our lil’ Abbers

** reposted from my SIL’s blog.  Derek is my oldest brother.  Abigail is their 2nd child and is 4 years old.**

The news has come in, after x-rays and MRI's, we have found out what has been causing Abby's scoliosis.  We visited a doctor in Duluth, who told us that from Abby's MRI, it appears that her brain is pushing down through a small opening at the base of her skull.  Now either her brain pushing down has created a large cyst on her spinal cord, or the cyst has caused her brain to begin pushing down. 
With this, we have been told that surgery will be required to fix the problem.  As of now the surgery she will undergo will require the the inside, of the base of her skull, to be shaved down.  This will allow her brain more room to pull up.  The doctors will then take another look at her, with an MRI, about 6 months after the surgery to see if this in turn causes the cyst to get smaller.  The cyst, which is wrapped around her spinal cord, stretches from the base of her head, to below her shoulder blades.  If the cyst does not get any smaller, they may have to place 2 stints in the cyst, to allow it to drain.  Surgery to remove the cyst itself is NOT an option.
The doctor is hoping that once the brain, and the cyst, are taken care of her spine may straighten out.  If not, other measures will be taken.  So for now, we will take this process one step at a time.
We thank everyone for their continued support and prayers.  We are hoping to get a referral down to a pediatrician/neurosurgeon at the Mayo clinic.  We will find out August 2, if this will be possible. 

Please pray for strength for Abby and wisdom and guidance for Derek, Jill, and the doctors.  Thanks!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding"
~ Proverbs 3:5