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Day 11 :)

It has been awhile since I have written. To the individuals that use our blog as an update I am sorry it is not getting updated super quickly. One thing we did to streamline information about Oscar is we created Oscar his own Facebook Group Page. You can find it on FB as: Oscar’s Odyssey - #TeamOscar #OscarStrong

 So what you really want to know is how is Oscar? In my opinion he is doing well. He is 11 days old currently breathing room air with no oxygen support or significant apnea episodes in the last 36 hours. He is continuing to get his full feeds 53ml (just under 2oz) every 3 hours. He is not on an IV hook up and has been keeping his sugar levels right about 50. The only medicine he is taking is Caffeine Citrate to help with the apnea episodes and Phenobarbital and Actigall to prepare for his HIDA scan tomorrow. Oscar enjoys being swaddled and laying on his side. He also is starting to fuss a little bit which is good because all baby’s fuss. His “voice” is almost here too. I was told it can take a few days for it to come after being intubated.

 Day to day NICU life is getting more normal, but it will be so nice when we can finally go home. I think that is the hardest part is not being together as a family. I am getting better at not crying when Theodore ask, “Mommy are you coming home with me tonight?” Both my son’s are tough and although this isn’t easy when we are finally all together I am not sure there will be anything sweeter in the world. I have always thought myself to be someone that cherishes quality time with their spouse and child, but each day forward I am going to strive to soak those minutes up because every minute you have with people you love is a true gift from above.

 Moving forward Oscar has a few items on his plate. It is not unusual for doctors to say Trisomy babies have problems with every organ system. Well I did some figuring and out of the 11 organ system I believe Oscar only has concerns with seven of them :).

 11 Organ Systems
  1. Circulatory - Oscar’s heart DORV or TOF
  2. Digestive - Oscar’s liver, pancreas, gall bladder
  3. Endocrine - Oscar’s testosterone level
  4. Excretory - Oscar’s kidneys
  5. Integumentary - 
  6. Lymphatic/Immune -
  7. Muscular - 
  8. Nervous - Oscar’s Dandy Walker Malformation
  9. Reproductive - 
  10. Respiratory - Oscar’s cleft lip/palate and airway
  11. Skeletal - Oscar’s club feet
Looking at the seven systems that are affected the most concerning right now are the Digestive System and Excretory System. These two systems deal with his liver and kidneys and the doctors just aren’t real sure on the functioning level of either.
Hopefully through the HIDA scan today we will get some answers.
Praises and Prayer Request
Praise:
  • I had a recheck yesterday at the OB for my blood pressure. It came back fine, so I won’t return until January for my 6 week check.
  • Theodore was up to visit last night and had fun playing in his baby brother’s room.
  • The staff at Toledo Hospital has been wonderful especially the NICU staff. As a parent this is hard and these individuals not only care deeply for your child, but also about you as the child’s parent.
  • We have felt your prayers not only for Oscar, but also for Brian, Theodore, and I. 
Prayer Request:
  • Oscar’s liver would process the radiation from the HIDA scan today. The radiation did not seem to be moving during the hour long test. 
  • Oscar would continue to have sugar levels above 50.
  • Brian and I would keep communicating well and work as a team to do what is best for our sons. Oscar in medical decisions and day to day happenings with Theodore.
As I end today some of my favorite verses came to mind.
“I have told you all these things, so that you may have peace in me. In this world you will have trials and sorrow, but take heart I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33~
“Do not be afraid of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” ~2 Chronicles 20:15~

 Lord, I thank you for our sons and the miracle of our youngest Oscar Graham Kaser. He has been here 11 days and I don’t believe you plan to take him home anytime soon. We praise you for the progress he has made and ask that as the great physician you touch our son and heal him according to your will. You blessed us to be Oscar’s parents help us to provide him with everything he deserves and needs. We thank you for being a God that meets us daily where we are. We love you Lord.

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