So I feel we have gotten rid of the awful steroid medication out of his little body, Caden is calm, back to himself minus talking, eating, and b
eing active. Caden is very tired. I can't imagine what it would feel like to have open heart, start recovery, open the chest again for more surgery, recover, hallucinations for almost a day, then recover. So I think I will chalk this up as DAY 1 recovery for the Fontan for Caden. He deserves a day to not want to talk, lay around, and just chill out. He has had a good day all day. Physical Therapy came by around noon and they had Caden sit at the edge of the bed. After he seemed to have his balance we lifted him down to the ground to allowed him to try and take a few steps. This is a difficult task as he is connected to drainage tubes, IV's, oxygen etc…….but he did it! After seeing Caden yesterday this is a HUGE victory for us and we couldn't be more proud. Later in the afternoon he sat on dad's lap and watched the movie Cars (see picture). It was so great to see him like this. The biggest challenge is remembering he can not
be lifted under the arms (or the chest stitches will come apart) so we scoop him up, but while scooping we also have to also watch the tubes coming out of his stomach. Caden is sleeping right now. He seems comfortable, isn't taking anything but tylenol, ibuprofen, lasix (to help those drainage tubes dry up), and his afterload medication for his heart. We are praying to get out his central line soon (in his neck), and hope for the pleural tubes to be removed Monday or Tuesday (these from what I have heard from nurses taking care of adult cardiac patients are the most painful as every breath and step you take affect these tubes.
We are so thankful for today. We are thankful for all of you who pray for not only Caden, but for us to stay strong for him. We are also thankful for our wonderful family and friends who are helping us in so many ways. You know who you are and what you are doing - thanks! We are so lucky to have you.
Love to you - Melissa and David
Dad enjoying holding his brave boy
Caden's room 323
Dad enjoying holding his brave boy 
Caden's room 323
:))))))))))))))))) What wonderful news!! So happy to hear you all are having a good/progressive day. Praying each day gets better and better. Go caden Go. Hugs for all of u from Plainfield. Prayers coming from Plainfield. Thanks again for updating for all of us caden bloggers.
ReplyDeleteAll our Love
Katich Family
Soon enough he'll be running down the halls of the hospital! Nothing can keep that boy still for long! Miss you Caden!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ms. Elyse
Wonderful news! We will keep the prayers coming from So.Il.
ReplyDeleteYeah! Will pray for continued progress! LOve seeing him sitting up watching a movie!
ReplyDeleteWhoever said, "It takes a village" wasn't kidding. So happy your village is filled with rock stars.
ReplyDeleteXO, Tracee
Yeah for Caden!!! So great to hear the news that Caden is doing better! I love the picture of Caden and Daddy:) As always, Caden and you guys are in our prayers. Maddy said she wanted to send Caden a big hug to help his boo boo get better. Thanks again for the continued updates.
ReplyDeleteLove,
The Webers
Best thing I have read all day! Great news! Still thinking of you all and sending happy thoughts up to Cheese Land!
ReplyDeleteI admit it! I am addicted to Caden's blog!! So happy to see such good news this evening! What a great picture of David and Caden watching Cars! Prayers and positive thoughts continue to be sent to you around the clock! Keep up that fighting spirit Caden! You are an inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteChris Schuzer
How fantastic! I'm tearing up looking at the pic. Makes me want to wake up my boys and hold them.
ReplyDeleteWe have Caden in our thoughts all day and can't wait to hear more good news!
Todd, Kristen, Blake and Owen
Awesome to hear!!! So happy to hear tha Caden is doing so well. We miss all of u so much and I miss my five minutes with him everyday while giving him his meds. I can not wait to hear him ask me..."no peaches right"....he makes me laugh and giggle! Big hugs to him and can't wait to hear how awesome he is doing tommorrow . Yeah for Caden.. And his wonderful parents!!!!
ReplyDeleteMs.sarah
Wooo Hooo, way to go Caden :) You are such a rock star. I just got home from work and this is my 1st stop before I shower and go to bed to do it all over again. So happy that things are going so well. Picture of David and Caden is so adorable. The lord is working wonders for Caden as well as all the thoughs and prayes flowing your way. Again Yeah Caden, keep it up little man! Can't wait to here how your are doing tomorrow. Sleep well Smith family
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dawn
GREAT way to end my day! We have been out all evening and just now checked in...so glad this was a GOOD day! Each small step is progress! We will continue to pray for strength for you all! Sleep well Caden and family!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lori
I am so thrilled to hear caden's progress! I have been looking for an update all day long, and so happy to read positive news! You all are amazing and Caden is the strongest man I know. Still sending Our thoughts and prayers from Phoenix. Hugs and kisses.
ReplyDeleteJason, Ryan, Taylor & Peyton
Fantastic...what an awesome miracle. Looking forward to more good news tomorrow. Be strong. Rest well. Ahhhhh.... :D
ReplyDeleteMike and Melanie