March 21, 2009 - Chest Closure from Norwood Operation

We can officially chalk Caden Marshall’s chest closure a win! This is a big step on the road to recovery and Melissa and I could not be any happier. I had the chance to look at the chest x-ray after closure and it literally looks as if the doctors took wires, fed through each side of the breast bone, and twisted them together like closing a loaf of bread. We know that there are bumps in the road that will inevitably happen however we will rejoice in the progress Caden has made to date.

Today Caden’s heart rate has normalized in the 150’s and his oxygenation levels have been consistently in 60s since we addressed it yesterday afternoon. These are both very good signs that he has accepted, and can tolerate, the closure of the chest. Caden is once again receiving feedings of moms breast milk and on a steady diet of lipids. Lipids are essentially calories that will ensure Caden maintains weight. Also, the doctors determined the timing is right to reduce the amount of Fentanyl that Caden is receiving. The negative to this is that Caden will feel more discomfort however the benefit is the reduction of fentanyl is important step toward the next “win”. If Caden responds well to the reduced fentanyl than they will take him off of it completely and then will focus on removing him from the ventilator! That is right, a big invasive machine could be disappearing her in the next day or two. Melissa and I are very excited. One less machine means one step closer to holding him!. Melissa is also excited about this next win as I promised her that I would shave when the ventilator comes out.

Personally Melissa and I had a good day. We had some great friends drop by for a visit both expected and unexpected and we loved it. You know who you are and thank you so very much. We are going to head back to RMH soon (9PM now) and unwind from our day. We continue to pray for Caden and continue to thank God for the blessings that we do have which is family and friends. Our parents are going to be leaving us tomorrow, after a full week, and we are going to see how we do alone. We feel we can do it now however are fully cognizant that we could not have done this week with out them. Moms and Dads- we love you. Thank you so much.

David and Melissa