Jan 27, 2009

Daddy's nose


We had our last doctor's appointment today before February 2, when Davis will be induced. The ultrasound technician played around with the 3D feature a little- it doesn't work as well now that he is getting bigger, but I think you can see that he's got his daddy's nose. 

Looks like he'll be about 6 1/2 pounds, but that measurement is based partly on the size of his abdomen. Since some of his abdominal contents are in his chest, there's a good chance that number is artificially smaller and not entirely 
accurate. 

We've had a lot of questions about what will happen when Davis is born. His biggest obstacle is lung function- since some of his abdominal contents (mostly intestines) are in his chest, they've kept his lungs from growing fully. He'll be intubated immediately, and he'll probably need either a conventional or high frequency ventilator. From there, he will most likely be dealing with pulmonary hypertension. The way we understand it, his veins and arteries are normally sized, which can constrict his underdeveloped lungs.  If nitric oxide and the ventilator don't help the hypertension issue, there's a possibility that he may need ECMO, which is a heart/lung bypass. We really want to avoid that, so that's all I'll say about it here. After the hypertension is under control to a reasonable extent, then we can begin talking about his repair surgery to fix the hole in his diaphragm and move misplaced organs. Then we work on feeding and growing... but that's a ways down the road. 

Speaking of feeding and growing, there's been cause for celebration in Parker's house! Our housemates, Brad and Kellie, have been working on their son Carter's feeds for quite a while now. It's been the only thing keeping him at Duke for weeks, and it looks like he's finally got it. He may be on his way home soon, and with no additional surgery for a g-tube! We are so excited for them!!! If you want to learn a bit more about the CDH journey and see the cutest little boy ever (well, until next week anyway), check out their blog: www.bradandkellie.blogspot.com

4 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and I know you have wonderful support there with Duke, Kellie and Brad and Jessica too.

Oh - and LUNG FUNCTION chants for Davis,
Elizabeth

Fer said...

I'm keeping you in my thoughts :)
Fer
Mom to Juanpa (RCDH)

Tracy Meats said...

Many prayers for Davis and your family as next week approaches. I hope Davis comes out fighting and doctors are able to stablize him quickly. ECMO is not all scary if that is what is needed. ECMO saved my son's life. Take care and you sound like you have wonderful doctors and nurses to take care of Davis. I am so excited too to see that Carter is figuring out how to take a bottle!! Stay strong and positive in the weeks to come for Davis.

Tracy - mom to Ian, born with a LCDH on 4/3/04 and WY and CO State Rep. for CHERUBS

Maxton's Mommy said...

We are thinking of you guys and are excited for Davis' arrival. Many prayers. :-)Btw.. I can't believe they asked if your insurance would cover it. People are so stupid sometimes!
Ashley