Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Daily Hope: Tuesday, January 20

Hope in her inauguration day hat


Today was a very, very big day for Hope. She had a lot of things happen, including her weekly cranial ultrasound.

Bad news first: Hope's blood cultures from the 17th ultimately did show continued infection, causing the doctors to decide to remove her central line. This has been a "semi-permanent"IV site that is located in her neck to allow her to easily receive blood products, medicine and nutrition. Having it removed was not a big deal for Hope, but it means 2 things: 1. For the next 72 hours or so, the nurses will have to use other IV sites to give Hope what she needs, likely meaning more pokes, and 2. The vein in Hope's neck that this IV was in will no longer be usable. It is possible that the surgeons will install a new central line next week.

For the good news: everything else!!! Hope had her eyes tested for the first time, and the doctors thought she was developing normally. Also, her echocardiogram came back this morning showing no signs of PDA (hole in her heart), so no heart surgery was needed! This was a surprise to the doctors, as well as for us.

Most importantly: Hope's cranial ultrasound came back showing that her damage and swelling was stable. This is wonderful news, and two weeks of stability are good all the way around. We are very, very thankful for this news, as well as for all of your prayers.

As you can see in the picture, Hope is indeed sporting her new Inaguration Day hat. She was very excited and proud today, and happy to be able to participate in the festivities.

Mommy and Daddy were so thrilled with today's news that they went out tonight to celebrate. Hope thanks everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers!!

6 comments:

  1. Fabulous news!!! We are so glad to heart of all the good happening!!

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  2. What great news!! All the thoughts and prayers for Hope are working - definitely worth celebrating!

    Jessica Freedman

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  3. You two certainly deserved a little time away to celebrate the good reports from today!

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily.

    Love, The Zs

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  4. Yay for Hope!! Today was definitely a Hope filled day, all around. I can't wait to see you again soon! I shall return to my regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow night.... until then.... Happy Inauguration Day!

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  5. I was very anxious to read Hope's blog this morning with the result of her scan. Thanks be to God for this good news! I'm so glad you two got out to celebrate. You deserve it. Take care
    The Bairds

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  6. Hip Hip Horray!! That is amazing news. We have been praying for all of you. God definately answers prayers and will continue to as long as we all continue to trust in Him.
    You and Andrew definately deserved a night out. I hope you were able to enjoy it.

    Our prayers will continue to be with you.
    By the way, we LOVE to see the new pics and her gorgeous hat collection.

    Jenny Carlson

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