Day One

Thank you everyone for the generous outpouring of support and prayer during this difficult time!  Below is an update as of Monday morning (July 30):

Brie is doing well, overall.  She has been up and walking several times and each time is easier than the last.  However, it has been discovered that her "H&H" is a little low.  ("H&H" = hemoglobin hematocrit)  It was at 19 this morning and the doctors really don't want it dipping below a 20.  The options presented were:

1. Wait and see how her body processed this on its own.  Quite possibly, her body may have made the corrections over time, but it could have been a slow process and she would be low on energy in the meantime.  Also, once home, if additional blood loss occurred, she would not have any "reserve" and things could have gone from bad to worse.
2. Go ahead with a blood transfusion.  This would speed up the H&H level recovery, increase Brie's energy levels and, hopefully, then allow for a more speedy overall recovery from the surgical procedure.  Also, as mentioned above, the transfusion allows for some "reserve" in the case of additional blood loss in the future - especially if it took place after her release from the hospital.

After weighing the options, Jason & Brie chose Option 2 and were awaiting news as to the schedule for the transfusion.  Please pray that this procedure is without complication and that her body accepts the blood units unconditionally.  Please continue to pray for Brie's speedy recovery and strength.

As for Colby...

The doctors are still VERY pleased with his condition.  The NICU nursing staff reports that he is "big for his age", which is EXCELLENT news!!!  There have been some concerns over the past week or so - as the placenta was abrupting - about whether Colby was getting all of the nutrients he needed for proper development.  His bigger size gives some assurances that he was getting plenty!  :)

Currently, he is being treated with antibiotics, erythromycin, and Vitamin K.  Additionally, he has received two treatments so far to assist his lungs.  Due to his premature birth, his lungs had not fully developed.  So, as the lungs expand and contract, they tend to "stick" together.  They are treating him with medication to help aid against that sticking, so that he gets all the oxygen he needs.  Also, he was a bit cold, so they covered him with cellophane.  (I knew I should have invested in SARAN and GLAD Brands!!!)  Colby is moving around a good bit, though some of the motions appear to be involuntary - as if his hand will twitch and THEN he'll realize, "Hey, look, there's a HAND over there!"  :)  His heart rate is typically in the 160's and the nurses said they look for it to be between 100-200, so praise God for that great report!  They are also treating him with blood pressure medications to help keep the BP up.  As can be expected, it's a little low on its own, but we pray for continued development in that area so that he can eventually shed that chemical assistance and his BP can be normal on its own.  They also are treating him with caffeine to help keep his senses alert - reminding him to breathe (highly important) and other things.  Finally, Colby gets an X-ray every day to monitor the positioning of the intubation tube and IV.  We want to make sure these remain properly positioned to deliver air and nutrients properly.

Now, there is talk from the medical team about a "Honeymoon Period" that we are currently enjoying.  Right now, as we all know, he is VERY fragile.  Any significant jostling or jolting has the potential for major side effects.  They DO NOT want to move him.  However, most preemies who come as early as Colby did wind up needing a ventilator that they do not have at East - it is only available over at South.  So, there is a better than decent chance that they may have to risk a transfer in order to get him to the equipment that he will need.  This brings us to some very significant prayer requests:

1. As always, we pray first and foremost for God's will above all else.
2. We covet prayer that Colby will continue to grow and develop in such a way that the transfer is NOT needed.  We pray that the medical team within the Level II NICU at East is able to continue to bring him along successfully and with knowledge and skill that can come only as a blessing from our Father above.
3. If the transfer DOES become necessary, we covet prayer that it will take place without danger or injury and that the folks over at South can pick up where East leaves off - again, able to assist in Colby's growth and development in such a way that allows for God's diving intervention to occur unimpeded.

I know this is a LOT of information, so I will stop (for now).  I will continue to update everyone through this blog as more and new information comes available.  Again, I want to thank you ALL for the support you have shown this dear, sweet family during this trying and difficult time.  God's love and Christ's strength have been poured out through you all and into Jason & Brie and I know you all mean the world to them!  Thank you, and may God bless each of you, as He has blessed them through your words and acts.  Please continue to pray for this family - HE IS HEARING YOU!!!

PS - Don't forget to check out the new photos on the "Pictures" tab above.