We recently got the call from our genetics counselor, Catherine, with the results of the Amnio test. Kayla switched the phone to speaker and we both held our breath waiting to hear what Catherine had to say. With one word, “Positive“, our world came to a halt. Our hearts sank and our eyes welled up with tears. Catherine told us that both CF genes, the one Kayla carries and the one I carry, have been found in our daughter’s DNA. Our baby has Cystic Fibrosis. Guilt, fear, anger, and uncertainty all seemed to be fighting to rule our emotions. Uncertainty won. We had so many questions. Things we didn’t think we’d be worrying about now at the forefront of our lives. I don’t even remember the rest of what Catherine had to say. I don’t even remember ending the call. Uncertainty would continue to rule until our next doctor’s appointment last Thursday. Kayla had a follow up exam with the doctor who performed the Amnio test. The ultrasound projected a healthy and happy baby girl. Catherine came in to check on us during the examination. She had called her contacts at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cystic Fibrosis Center and told us to expect a call from them later in the afternoon. It was around 4 o’clock when Kayla’s phone rang with a positively cheery voice on the other end. It was, Barbara, Pediatric Nurse and CF Program Coordinator. During the half-hour call Barbara pulled us up out of the hole we had fallen into. She is obviously passionate about the CF program and has been doing what she does for a while. She could sense our uncertainty but she said exactly the things we needed to hear. She gave us a website to go to. She gave us contact information. She gave us an appointment to meet face to face. But, most of all she gave us hope… Thanks Barbara. We’re looking forward to teaming up with Children’s to keep our baby girl healthy and happy. Between them and our wonderful family, I think we’re going to be just fine.
