Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Bump in the road

Hey, guys!  

Again, this will need to be short because I've only got 15 minutes before shift change to see sweet Becca.  (We aren't allowed to  visit during shift change so that the nurses can give report, etc.)  Becca's had a rough day or so.  She started looking really puny last night, and some of her indicators of infection were looking suspicious (including one that they are looking at as a part of a study - one of the advantages of being in a cutting-edge research hospital), so they started her on some antibiotics.  The kicker in making the decision whether or not to give her the meds (because they carry some risks) really seemed to be the fact that she just wasn't acting like Becca - no flailing, no stretching, so funny faces...I swear last night she just laid there and looked at me as if to say, "I don't feel good, Mama."  It was so pitiful.  So it looks like we're dealing with our first complication.  The good news, though, is that she is already looking better, and they were able to avoid putting her back on the ventilator (which they often have to do when they get sick just because it takes so much effort to breathe, and who wants to work like that when they are sick?).  Also good news (in a way) is that they don't think this infection is NEC, which stands for something long and technical, but refers to a dangerous infection related to the feedings.  NEC is really bad news and can lead to a perforation in the bowels, which means immediate surgery.  So we're really glad that if she is going to have an infection, it's not NEC.  It may be something with her PICC line, which would be unfortunate b/c they'd likely have to remove it and replace it after a few days (which is difficult and a bit dangerous), but it may just be something in her blood.  Anyway you slice it, it's a bit scary, but she does seem to be bouncing back already.  They have stopped her feeds indefinitely, again because it's just another activity that takes up energy that she just doesn't have right now.  She needs all that energy for getting better - and for flailing around like the little champ she is!  She'll continue to get her nourishment through her IV's, and once the infection clears up, they'll start her back on tiny amounts of milk again.  Let's just hope that it happens soon!

17 comments:

  1. Hang in there little Becca! We are all pulling for you!!

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  2. John, Nancy and Becca, I am cheering for you from afar but know God's healing hands are near. We're eager to hear how things go over the next couple of days. Would you mind posting your new address? Joy

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  3. Hi. Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of sweet Becca and sending positive vibes her way...we enjoyed seeing the Powell, TN group, and now they have headed off to MI. Much love to you all!

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  4. Love you all and thinking of you always.

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  5. Flail, Becca, Flail! You can do it! (And hang in there Mom and Dad!)

    Hugs,
    Rachel

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  6. Just wanted you to know lots of prayers are being lifted up on precious Becca's account. We love you and will not cease praying. Love. Moma D

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  7. Lisal & Don GormanJuly 8, 2008 at 9:51 PM

    Dearest Ones, We are thinking about you three every day. God bless you! xoxo Lisal & Don Gorman

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  8. praying for you guys and little becca. (and i am so glad it isn't nec. i have taken care of babies, at vandy, who had nec, and it is a long recovery.) so i will pray that she doesn't ever get that and that anything she might get is something easy to take care of. hang in there. this is only a tiny little rock in the road.

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  9. BECCA,WE ARE PRAYING SO HARD FOR YOU,YOUR MOMMY AND DADDY!!!GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

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  10. We are thinking about sweet baby Becca and hope you all are doing well. Mom and Dana have been keeping us updated. Blow her a kiss from us. She is just amazing and she could not ask for a better mommy and daddy. You all are in our prayers.

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  11. Hey!
    I am glad that Becca is recovering already and that she is in such good hands. Lots of prayers are going your way. She's quite a spunky little gal! Love, Pam McCormick

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  12. Go Becca Go ... and John and Nancy too! All my work folks are now praying too and ask me daily if I've heard anything. I think you might enjoy this story. Carrie McClure was a morning news anchor here until several years ago. She had her little boy at 31 weeks. There was a story last night on the news and I just thought you might enjoy reading it.
    http://www.9news.com/life/programming/shows/evenings/article.aspx?storyid=93211&catid=510

    I think about you guys all the time. Grace and peace and rest and healing for you all. Denise

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  13. Think about you guys all the time, especially when I'm with my own NICU babies. I am so hopeful and love Baby Becca so much and know that she will continue to awe and amaze. Love to all three of you and miss you lots and lots!

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  14. Hey y'all!! I've missed you guys and hope I get to see sweet Becca and you both soon! I've been thinking of y'all and praying for her. I'm glad to hear that she is doing ok. Have a great weekend-- see you next week hopefully!! :-)

    Love,
    Leigh <

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  15. Dear Nancy, John, Becca, Prayers come your way always! I just still think of you all three as miracle people!!! Hope this finds everyone healing (and Becca flailing :)!!. Nancy, sometime I'll try to dig out the old picture of my freezer packed with hundreds of bags of pumped milk waiting for my preemie to get big enough :). And yes - the bags got used!!!! And - so will yours :).

    Love, Patsy

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  16. hey girl i just saw for the first time that you had the baby. Gosh baby becca is so cute!! so tiny.. i hope you are all doing well. and you will be in my prayers. Sending love from IL. Jen

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  17. This morning at Sunday School Rosemary and Tom Blose brought their twin granddaughters not only for show and tell, but as a thanks to all who prayed for them while they spent 3 monthes in the NICU at Vanderbilt. They are a sweet reminder of the countless miracles happening daily and we know that Becca will one day be taking her curtain calls as we all applaud her sweet presence among us. Our prayers are with each of you and all who are caring for Becca day and night!Special love from you BUMC cheering section!! Susie & Alex Bonner

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