27 October 2004 – Letter to Nasia- Dural Graft Concerns

Dear Nasia,

I sent the check off to Diane in Dr. Scott's office yesterday. She said that Virginia's films have been received, thank you for handling that SO quickly...!

However, Diane said there were no clinical notes included and asked me for them. I did not tell her that there was some sort of mysterious snafu with the transcription process for Virginia's first appointment (27 Sept), because I was under the impression that it was all resolved now... But, for the record, I still have not received the notes either. I just suggested perhaps the notes would come from Dr. Sacco's office if she called you...

I know it is not your fault (or within your control) whether or not the folks involved in getting dictation files transcribed get it done in a timely manner, and that I must seem like I am unreasonably fixated on getting these notes, but... has there been any progress on the clinical notes from the 27th of September and the 21st of October?

I have been busily preparing for Virginia's surgery at my end. I found some studies I would like Dr. Sacco's opinion on.

I am not 100% sold on the findings of these studies because mostly they are single incidences (and of course, a rare complication here or there can happen in any procedure but you don't choose not to do the procedure based on that unlikely outcome, any more than you quit driving to avoid having a car accident...), and the best

study in terms of numbers and seeming to be applicable is still really small.

I am not a scientist, so I may be misinterpreting the data, or there may be more studies that show just the opposite results, that I just haven't located. I am aware of this- that is why I would like Dr. Sacco's opinion, and am open to changing my mind based on other information if it is available. However, based on what I have read so far, I am leaning toward a preference for an autologous dural graft. Thank you for passing this request for information on to Dr. Sacco for me.

Oh, and what time is the surgery scheduled for on the 9th, and what time will we need to be at the hospital? I am trying to determine if I need to find a place for my older kids to spend the night on Monday night for someone else to get them off to school on Tuesday morning for me.

I'll bake you some goodies when this is over, in appreciation for putting up with me! What are your favorites?

Delilah Ray

2 November 2004 Letter to Michelle- Dural Graft Options

Dear Michelle,

I am so encouraged and excited that several couples have signed up for my December childbirth class. I pray that it is a message from the Lord that I should just hold on until then, and that there will be joy coming if I can just ride out the next month- that I will be able to focus on health and new life a month from now, because Virginia will be doing well.

I've been a little frantic internally. Trying to get 2 weeks' worth of "life" crammed into this week since I know I will get nothing done next week, and get ready for the surgery, and get ready for the second opinion conference call and get all my questions lined up... trying to research dural graft options (and not liking what I find about the available options)...

Please keep praying, thanks.