Sat. Nov. 17th

Sorry for the delay in blogging. Luke is doing well. He's eating well, nurses well and continues to have good awake time. His doctors have been concerned about weening him off of his High Flow Nasal Cannula, to the point of having a specialist look at him. Which yesterday the specialist met with Luke and checked his latest x-rays. We've known Luke to have a very small ASD http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11065
This ASD is causing problems with his lungs. Which there are a few different scenarios that can take place with this condition, some really scary. We prefer to consider the most hopeful, which is his lungs will improve within in the 24-36 month re-growth period.
Today the specialist started him on Nitric Oxide Therapy. Inhaled Nitric Oxide dilates the blood vessels in the lungs to allow more efficient delivery of oxygen and elimination of carbon dioxide. It also helps send blood to the most oxygenated areas of the lung and to decrease inflammatory responses that make lungs less efficient.
The only real change that anyone may notice is that he has two large tanks parked next to his cribette. So far Luke has responded very well to this therapy. It will continue through tomorrow and possibly another day or two as needed. The specialist and doctors will reevaluate next week for the next step.
Hearing all the scenarios of his lung issues and that he most likely won't be home for Christmas, leaves some overwhelming emotions for us, I try to stay confident and positive, which looking at how perfect and handsome Luke is, no one would know that he has some internal problems. Overwhelmed holding and looking at him today, I couldn't hold back my emotions. Barb a wonderful nurse in the NICU offered comfort and great support.
We appreciate your wonderful support with Luke and most importantly all your prayers. He has us on a journey, a journey that brings us to our knees one day and great joy the next. All I know is that I feel very blessed to hold and love this wonderful little boy.
Melinda