Tabby's mom Karen writes about finally getting the 1p36 diagnosis:
Tabitha was diagnosed with Monosomy 1p36.2 at the age of 1 1/2 years old. The first year and a half of her life was spent with a lot of what I call "symptomatic diagnosis's" . Meaning, a lot of diagnosis's that were merely just symptoms of Monosomy 1p36 such as scoliosis, reflux, epilepsy, minor heart deformities, etc.
We knew that there had to be a bigger reason for all of these so called small diagnosis's we were receiving. I remember that genetic testing wasn't even pushed by our doctors and that we were the ones who pushed for the testing because we demanded every avenue be taken.
At first, the genetic doctor suspected a form of mitochondrial disease in Tabitha. We were to travel to another state for further testing. A few days before our scheduled trip he called me with the phone call I will never forget. "Mrs. West, I have the answer!" I was somewhat relieved and shocked all at the same time. This diagnosis was not terminal and for us that was the best news we could get! We also learned that our daughter's life was surely not going to be easy for her...or us. She would require many therapies, and many specialists. She will be at high risk for many illnesses, and when/if (more specifically WHEN) she learns to walk, it would be at a much later time in life than most people. Every progress will be a slow progress, and sometimes it will feel like there is no progress being made at all.
It has been a "different" journey for us. Our life is never boring and Tabitha has taught us, our friends and family that the joys in life are not to be taken for granted. And also patience...patience is key. Patience for wisdom in our medical community, and patience for us while we wait and watch this unheard-of syndrome, become more and more known every year.
