Call from Genetics

I just received a call from Genetics, concerning a test result that we were waiting for.  I held my breath for a bit and then she told me that the results were not in yet.  The test is fairly new, each individual blood sample is looked at and studied on a case by case basis, and there is a back log and so we are likely looking at it taking at least another 4 months or more.  But she also noticed on our chart that they require another blood sample from Rachel in order to get a more reliable result.  This test analyzes the genes (on chromosones) to see if there are any additions and deletions that don't show up on the regular chromosone test.  If they see a difference, they need another blood sample to compare with their findings - not sure if I really understood this well enough but the upshot of it is - Rachel needs another poke.  I am glad I found this out because we probably would have been disappointed if we only got partial results and missed the opportunity to know more. There are other ways to get samples post-death but I am quite there will be alot of other things on our mind then.

Later on (after this first call) I spoke with the Geneticist we first spoke to during my pregnancy.  She said that these tests may tell us if Dave and I (and also Ethan and Abigail) have a predisposition to having another child with these problems.  If results show differences in genetic structure, they may ask Dave and I to give blood samples as well. 

In case you are interested, there are studies going on about how heterotaxy happens - from a medical point of view.  Here's one article that is kind of interesting. When two rights make a wrong
This just makes me marvel again at how intricate our designs are - WOW God!!