Today was a banner day. First, Sheila and I were able to spend a few hours just holding Erin. This was no small task, given the logistics of the "gear" that she has on. The nurses are unbelievably supportive and willing to take on almost any task for the benefit of patient or parent. It was such a thrill for both of us to hold her. For myself, it was the best moment I have ever experienced. It was over all too soon, but there is more coming.
We then received potentially very good news this afternoon. The resident came in to tell us that in the Dr's meeting, they concluded that the best course of action for Erin was the one we wanted most...to avoid surgery for now. They think that because she is doing so well, it is worth trying to see if the pulmonary artery will hold its own, at least until she is older and more developed. Surgery is still almost 100% certain, but perhaps not right now as a newborn.
The first step is to take her off oxygen. She has been weaned down from her original level to a very small level of oxygen to supplement what her lungs are able to generate. Now, she is going to zero supplemental oxygen. If she can tolerate this, then she will be weened off her medicine to see how she handles that. If she can handle no medicine and no supplemental oxygen, then she can come home, at least for now. Everything is very tentative, and conceivably she could come home and have to come right back. But we again remain optimistic, and hope for the best. She is a fighter.
All of your thoughts and prayers are working. We can't thank everyone enough. Please continue thinking good thoughts for Erin.
No comments:
Post a Comment