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Sunday, March 22, 2009

March 22, 2009



YEAH! – our son’s ventilator is officially OFF! So not only do I get to celebrate seeing one more HUGE win for Caden, but now David will have to shave! For those who didn’t read the previous blogs David wasn’t going to shave until Caden came off his ventilator. We know that sometimes HLHS kids sometimes need to return to the ventilator based on how hard breathing on their own will stress their heart however right now it looks good. Caden was breathing along with the ventilator today and the doctors we pleased to see him squirm around, fuss, and take a giant breath on his own once they disconnected him.

David here…. As a parent we are super excited to see more of his beautiful face now that the blue and clear tubes are no longer obstructing our view. Even though his face is peeling and red from the tape it is a wonderful sight. Caden Marshall is really doing well. Melissa and I feel that he really understands that he needs to approach each stage as a fight and that he is doing just that. Caden does not fuss a lot unless he is really poked at and then he pushes and moves his arms and legs with pretty good force. After Caden is off the ventilator for a full day we can begin to try and feed him orally. He took mouth treatments today with Melissa’s milk and seemed to suck it right up so we are hopeful he will take right to feeding. The doctors and nurses have warned us that children that spend any real amount of time on a ventilator, and that are fed through a tube, will likely not take to feeding again orally right away. They mentioned that children could develop an aversion to feeding orally because they may associate things in their throat as uncomfortable like the ventilator and tubes were. We will see. One of the things that CHW does that none of the other hospitals we researched is allow HLHS babies to feed orally prior to the Norwood procedure. Here they feel that if they allow the babies to feed prior to surgery they will reintroduce better to it post surgery. I guess we will see tomorrow.

Caden had some more visitors again today which he, and his parents, really enjoyed. We know it is not easy to find time to drive all the way up to the cheese capitol of the world but are really glad that you did. We are so lucky to have the friends and family that we do. The cards, letters, emails, blog comments, and visits really are fantastic so thank you. Tonight we start on our own (so to speak) as all the g-parents have officially left the state. However we know that they are just a phone call away if we need them. We also understand that we could not have done this week without them.

Now that Melissa and I have a child of our own we understand the lengths parents will go to take care of their children. We have also seen this most recently through our parents over the last ten days. Melissa and I talk about how difficult this must be for our parents…….Think about it. Melissa and I are in a helpless situation in the sense that we can not make our son better. Our parents are in the same situation. They can not protect us or make our situation better. We understand that must be very difficult for them. Parents inherently want to protect their children from what pains them yet, in our situation; neither generation can do that right now. I will tell you this though. There is comfort that comes from your parents. We see that Caden reacts to Melissa and I and calms down when we cup his head and his feet in our hands. I suppose, and hope very much, that Caden feels the same type of comfort from our touch as we do from our parents. Moms and Dads, thanks for the unending support.

Much love,

David and Melissa

24 comments:

  1. What a GREAT day! I am so happy to read that Caden Marshall is off the ventilator. He looks so good! Another milestone behind you. Tomorrow he starts to eat and continues to get stronger. Know that all three of you are in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers! Can't wait to see you again!
    Love,
    Cheryl

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  2. If I could jump up and then do a kartwheel- I would!! What great news for you all!! He looks so peaceful and I want to be one of those annyoing people and pich his cheeks- AGH!
    I am glad to hear Melissa WON as well and got David to shave- although you are in WISCONSIN and the ladies dig a guy with some scruff!!
    Caden is sure living up to his name and I couldn't be happier for you all. You are in my thoughts and I can not wait to see you three!
    BTW...Jackson thinks Melissa is VERY PRETTY (he looked at the pictures)
    Get some rest...love, meg

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  3. Its another GREAT day for Caden Marshall. YEAH!!!!!!! I can only imagine how the two of you feel. Cloud 9. If you go outside you will be able to here all the scream from everyone everywhere that loves and care about you(s). That name was just made for him. Hope you guys get to hold and love on him soon. Can't wait to here his next WIN. Our heart is your heart.
    God is good.

    All out Love
    Rick Nancy and Girls

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  4. YEAH!! doing my cartwheels...just for Caden and David of course :) Be sure to post a pic of that clean shaven face!!

    As always, sending my love and prayers!!

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  5. What a pleasant surprise!! I wasn't expecting to see any updates until tomorrow, but thought I would check the blog "just incase"! Boy, am I glad I did!!!!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!!! This is just awesome news!!

    THANK GOD David gets to shave!!! Caden, thank you for getting off that vent!!!

    Congrats on another WIN!!!!!!

    Love,
    Chris

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  6. AWESOME news! Mom called while ago and said "the gang" were all going to eat at Cracker Barrel. Grandma Rita wanted to go celebrate! All of us are so happy for another good day!
    Thinking and praying daily for you!

    Love,
    Lori M.

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  7. David & Melissa,
    Hooray for the great news! Caden is making wonderful progress and we continue to pray for all of you daily.

    Love,
    Eric, Janelle, and Jackson

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  8. David and Melissa,

    I am so happy for you!! Caden has come through once again! I was thrilled to hear that the ventilator is history. Keep up the great progress. Grandpa and Grandma are in your cheering section!

    Love, Grandma Rita and Grandpa Fred

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  9. Dave and Melissa,

    What fantastic news! As I sit here and read your daily entries, one can't help by cry tears of joy and happiness! Your little guy is one tough kid! I have first dibs on him for my t-ball team when he's four.

    It's really amazing how one can feel how loved he is by his family and everyone he encounters. I really believe that God chose you and Melissa for Caden. He knew that your faith, love, and compassion for each other and your perserverance and unconditional love would help Caden along his journey. He couldn't have picked two better people for Caden to call mom and dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day!

    Love,

    The Klepacz Family

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  10. David and Melissa,

    Congratulations on another wonderful victory. Caden is an amazing little man.

    As a parent, I cannot begin to grasp the emotions you are experiencing but please know that our hearts are with you everyday. Thank you for the daily updates. Your little guy brings so many smiles to our home. The boys continue their special "Baby Caden" prayer each night.

    Bradley just came over to see what I am up to and gave Caden a kiss. He loves babies and Baby Caden is his "best friend". He wants Caden to come over and play. I told him Caden is a tiny baby but when he gets bigger that would be a lot of fun. He had a big smile on his face.

    Sending love to all of you.

    Jim, Michelle, Austin, Bradley & Connor Granahan

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  11. We are continuing to pray for Caden and your family. Thank you for taking your time to post the pictures and updates. As we see Caden with each of you we are thankful that you are able to be so close to him and touch him. We will pray for his body to be strengthened each day and for you to be strengthened physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Tell G'ma Rita that we are praying for her as well and that Haley doesn't miss a night praying for Mrs. Monroe's baby Caden.
    Kristi Gooch

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  12. Wonderful news!!!!!!!!!! We are soo happy to read that Caden is making progress on such an incredibly tough journey. He is a true fighter. Congrats on another BIG win :)

    Thinking of you!
    Love, Brad & Kelli Bishop

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  13. So happy for your guys - It was a great day for us when Collin came off the Ventilator - I told David this was a time to celebrate. Have the whole of St John Neuman in St chuck praying for Caden - he has lots of prayers coming his way.

    The Tullys

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  14. Caden,
    Good morning! Today is March 23rd and the weather is a bit chilly with some scattered showers. However, yesterday, March 22nd, was simply a gorgeous day. The sun was shining bright, there was a very slight breeze and it was just perfect. It most definitely was a perfect day since you were removed off of that huge contraption they call a ventilator. What a tremendous victory! Congratulations! Not to mention, how happy your mommy is that her face wont be getting scratched by your daddy’s shaggy beard anymore.
    I also heard that you had a few unexpected visitors stop by this weekend. I hope this made you happy for there are a lot of people that love you so much and they can't wait to give you a giant squeeze! Stay strong and focused my little friend! I truly can’t wait to finally meet you in person.
    Have a wonderful day Caden!

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  15. How wonderful it is to see a picture of Caden with only a small O2 nasal canula and no ventilator. I know how happy you are about this "win". And I understand how happy Melissa is about David shaving!!!!! I just keep praying for good news every time I check your blog and so far, so good. God Bless.
    Aunt Ginny

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  16. This is such a wonderful victory in your battle! All three of our mom's in touch groups continue to pray for Caden along with my Sunday School Class and family. Last nights dinner at Cracker Barrel must have been some party. Just one week ago daddy was so sick and could eat nothing. He also had a week with many wins! God is good and I am so thankful you and David know how wonderful and faithful He is! Your site does so much more than just keep us updated daily(which is very important to everyone) it also shares your faith in God on a daily basis! Thank you for sharing Caden with all of us and reminding everyone that God is so Good! I wish I could come give you a hug and meet your precious fighter. We will continue to pray all day everyday. All three of my children are keeping up with Caden and ask daily how he is. Keep up the good work you are wonderful parents!
    Love, Tricia, Chad, Jamie Dylan and Katelyn

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  17. This is such wonderful news!!! I was so glad when the page came up to not see the ventilator! Caden is so amazing, just like his parents. Todd and I cannot wait to meet this little boy. We'll get there as soon as we can!
    Take care and we'll keep praying!
    Love,
    Kristen & Todd

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  18. WOW this is such great news!!! Thank you so much for keeping us updated. Keep it up Caden...and stay strong mom and dad...you are in our thoughts and prayers everyday! :)

    Love,
    Dave & Michelle

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  19. Dear Ones, So happy for you and baby Caden! Your dad was at church yesterday and gave us an update. Everyday gets better and better. You two are already super parents!!!! Blessings, Tom and Gloria

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  20. Great news!! Thanks so much for all the updates. You all are in our thoughts and prayers everyday.

    Love,

    Chuck, Renee and girls

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  21. I remember the relief we felt when each of our children would finally reach the golden room air! And a canula is sooooo much nicer to look at than the c-pac. We thought ours all had a sort of piggy look after that tube went away, but their noses did return to normal!

    You have our daily prayers! Thanks so much for keeping this blog updated.

    Shelley, Tom, Jack, Sean, Mason and Ella Hudspath

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  22. Yea!!!another victory for Caden. His name certainly fits him. We are constantly praying for more big steps for that precious baby. We were certainly glad to see Grandma Rita last night. The "gang" had a welcome home for her and a welcome home from the hospital for Bruce. We love you all and just can't wait to see Caden in Southern Illinois one of these days in the not so distant future. Melissa, we hope you are feeling better. Love to all!!!

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  23. Dave,Melissa and Baby Caden,

    I am so glad that things are going so well for you all. I know it is hard and there are ups and downs but it just seems like there are a lot of ups and there will be many more. God is watching over all of you and we are all here thinking of you and praying for you too. Melissa and Dave you have a wonderful and beautiful baby boy. Again my prayers are with you all.Love to you and give Caden a little kiss from me. Dawn

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  24. Melissa and David,
    I've prayed a lot for little Caden over these last weeks! He is a beautiful baby, and you are so blessed to have him. I love his hair and his precious face in the first picture by his name poster! I believe in miracles and I think you and your family are experiencing a special miracle with your "little fighter" Caden.
    Continuing to pray for all the family,
    Camille Shafer Goode

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