After 13 weeks of serial casting, the Doctors delivered a rainbow of hope – a light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, we were given a timeline and they predict one more cast before surgery! (At the most, two!) The next step is in sight and it’s enough to make this mommy cry tears of joy. After several disappointing and discouraging weeks, this was the rainbow I’ve been praying for – the rainbow I needed.

Timeline, as estimated.

Next week, Joy Belle will be casted with her 14th set of casts. At this time, the Doctor will schedule her tenotomy. This procedure will lengthen her achilles tendon and give her full range of motion with her feet. At this appointment, they will measure her feet for her boots and bar.

Depending on the Doctors opinion of her progress this week, he may cast Joy Belle for her 15th set of casts. This would 100% be the last set of casts before surgery. However, we are hoping for the first option.

After the surgery is scheduled, I’ll update you all and request more prayer. The surgery will be in Atlanta and she will be under anesthesia. Due to her size/age and the fact that her lungs are underdeveloped, we will stay overnight for the doctors to monitor her lungs.

After the procedure, they will recast both feet. She will wear these casts for one month. Then, she will wear special shoes with a bar connecting them for 20+ hours a day for approximately 4 months.

Keep us in your prayers over the next few months, specifically next week. This mommy is trying not to get her hopes up, but it would be amazing if we could get the surgery scheduled sooner rather than later.

We can’t thank you all enough for the prayers. The Lord has been listening and using each of you to encourage us along the way.