Over the last week, we have slowly climbed the oxygen ladder, using ever greater amounts and ever more complex machines. It is with caution and relief that I can say we are beginning the descent, rung by rung.
We started at blow-by, and proceeded to prongs, mask, skipped C-PAP, went to ventilation, and then the oscillator at 90%. Gavin is now off the ventilator, and is on C-PAP, which means that he is breathing on his own with some pressurized oxygenated air being blown through the respirator tube.
Today we will most likely have to make some adjustments to his settings but for now he continues to be sedated and stable. We (the doctors) are just trying to manage
the doses of his various drugs and find a system that works for him.
We are feeling more hopeful that Gavin may leave the ICU in a few days, but of course cannot foresee what will happen even for the next 12 hours. We are all just relieved that he is comfortable and getting the oxygen he needs, as well as starting some small formula feeds again, after nothing in his stomach for three weeks!
Many thanks to all of our beautiful friends who make this bearable with their constant love. Many thanks to the strangers who don’t know us but pray for Gavin every day too.
I would like to ask everyone who reads this today to take a moment to send a special prayer out for a little girl named Cadence who was with us on BMT and is now in the ICU. She is also in respiratory distress, and struggles through without her immune system intact, as her transplant failed to take effect. She will undergo transplant again later this week as a last-ditch effort to establish her bone marrow again. My heart breaks for her and I pray for her to be given the strength and resilience to get through this.
Erica, we’re relieved to hear Gavin’s oxygen requirements have lessened, and he is beginning small formula feeds.
Still praying for our “brave little fighter”. Will say a special prayer for Cadence.
Love,
Auntie Bev.
We are so happy to hear Gavin is making a recovery. We prey that this only continues so he is able to be awake and playing and watching backyardigans in a few days.
We will say a prayer for Cadence too. St Jude’s website is getting workout! Love Amy, Phil, Phoebe and Tom xoxo
I have been thinking about you Craig and Gavin……Becky keeps me posted but her cell phone is acting up so she was not able to get on facebook to find out about Gavin situation and what you all hve been going through…..I pray everyday about all of you….Keep your head up…..
We also pray for Cadence tooooo
Auntie Sue and family