Thursday, July 31, 2008

Day 15


Well, Rhys has mostly stayed the same as what he was yesterday when we left him. His oscillator settings had been tweaked up slightly, but he had a good blood gas when we first arrived today and they knocked it back down. Little man does NOT like having his settings messed with, he seems to want to be left alone. We are in the lobby right now waiting for the team to finish his PICC line (a long, soft, flexible tube that is inserted through a vein in the arm - PICC stands for Percutaneously Inserted Central Catheter). This line replaces the line previously in his umbilical and can remain for a much longer period of time than a traditional IV. It is a little scary to think about because they run the catheter up the vein and stop it very close to the heart. Hopefully all that handling will not upset him.

Rhys' head ultrasound came back the same as before, so that is as good as we could hope for... the bleed hasn't spread. Also, the last time we asked his mucus and blood cultures were negative. We're still fighting the fluid in the lungs, that is an on-going battle. I'm not sure when they will attempt the PDA. They need him to be stable in order to do that and he can't get stable with all the fluid in the lungs. We just got the signal that they are finished with the PICC line, so we are going back in to visit.

Oh, one last thing... we found out last night that we have a primary nurse who signed up for Rhys. This is very encouraging for Cody and me because this nurse will take care of him when she is on shift. So, in essence we will have a "repeat" nurse who will have more knowledge of him. We really like this one too, aside from the fact that she is the one who let me hold him!

11 comments:

Pachar Family said...

He looks just as perfect as can be! I am so glad that he's stable! I've been waiting for a post. ;) I'm thinking about you guys constantly and will continue to pray for our little man. That baby is going to be more spoiled than Maggie...did we ever think that was possible?! He's a celebrity already! I love y'all and am only a phone call away.

Angie and Jason said...

He is adorable, of course. I hope and continue to pray for those little lungs to clear up so they can continue with the care that is needed for baby Rhys. He is a fighter, keep fighting Rhys! I don't think anyone likes too much change, so I don't blame the little guy. :) You two are so strong and an inspiration to many. I pray for that bleed not to spread and to heal. Praise God for a "consistant" nurse for him. That is good, since the little guy doesn't like change! :) We love you all! I'm so glad you posted as well, I have been checking all day! Try to rest...if you can. Fight baby Rhys!!!
Love,
The Grisel Family

Unknown said...

Candice -

I continue to think of you all everyday. You are all constantly in my prayers and your and Cody's dedication and love is inspirational to all. Rhys' is so lucky to have you both as parents. Please let me know if you need anything!

- Kristin

meredith said...

Your family is in my prayers. Rhys is beautiful

amyoutlaw said...

He looks bigger now! He's just so beautiful. I pray for him everyday all day. Even during my potty breaks in the middle of the night! I can't wait to see him again!
Amy

David said...

We continue to pray for you and your wonderful little blessing. What a fighter. I think of what you guys are going through often. Please know that so many of us are thinking and praying for each of you. Continue to be strong and keep the faith.

David and Terri Williams

Unknown said...

Candice and Cody -

This is from Emma (I told her about Rhys and Bentley and she wanted to send her own message).

Hope your baby gets better. He is cute.

- Emma

(P.S. - Ryan sends his prayers too)

All of my family are praying as well!

- Kristin

B, E and C's Mommy said...

Your family is in our prayers. We journeyed down a path so similar to yours only 19 months ago. Hold onto those good primary nurses because they will become your family during times you and your husband are at home. You are in great hands. We will continue to pray for strength and peace for you and your husband and we will pray for strength for baby Rhys. Our favorite book for our son in the NICU was The Little Engine that could by Watty Piper. We read it to him most of his days during his six month stay…all he needed to hear us say was "we think you can…we know you can!"
Blessings,
Angie

suzanne said...

This is a day of promise

This is a day of optimism

This is a day of hope

This is the day the Lord has made

Mary G said...

I think having the same nurse each shift she works is a wonderful idea... especially since you already like her so much! As adults, we hate change so I am sure little Rhys is no different there. I am so proud of you and Cody for being so strong! At first I hated that all it seemed I could do for you guys is pray for you, but apparently that has been EXACTLY what you needed and is turning out to be one of the most important things to assist Rhys' in his daily battles! I am still praying all day and everyday for you and want you to know how much I love you!!! Let us know if there is anything else you need from us!!!

Mark, Mary & Luke

Jeff Seasor said...

Jeff has talked about you and your journey often so I am continually checking for updates. Our family continues to prayer for you and I have to say it was great to see his latest picture! I admire your strength and can't help but think how blessed Rhys is to have such amazingly devoted and strong parents!
Laura & Jeff Seasor