January 30th

Another day... another disease! We found out this morning that Casen's blood culture from our Longview hospital is growing a specific type of bacteria that they assume to be Group B Strep (GBS). GBS is a bacteria normally found in certain places in the body of adults, but can cause serious (even deadly) infections in newborns. So Casen is now being treated for 4 different infections - RSV, type A flu, type B flu, & now Group B Strep. What a tough little man... he got hit pretty hard! The good news is, he's doing very well. He is actually much more alert today - Bryan caught him with his eyes open this morning.

The doctor is hopeful that he'll be strong enough for his breathing tube to come out tomorrow morning. As long as his labs remain stable, that's the plan. More good news... he got to eat today! Not very much - they started a very slow trickle feed, but at least it's something in his tummy! They also started him on a diuretic to remove excess fluid, & his swelling is improving.
Because we don't want Collins exposed to any germs at the hospital, she stays at the Ronald McDonald house with myself &/or Bryan's mom. At night, Bryan has been staying with Casen at the hospital. In the pediatric ICU, we have to "scrub in" each time we enter Case's room - gown, gloves, & mask. This helps to keep us from bringing germs to Case and from spreading his germs to others. The bad news is you also have to sleep scrubbed in, too... poor Bryan!

Bryan & I are both very touched by the outpouring of love, support, & prayers we have received for Casen & our family. From the Facebook messages and phone calls to the hospital visits & care packages - we feel very loved! Thank you for interceding on our behalf - we couldn't ask for more!