Liz called me specifically and wanted to send an update out tonight thanking everyone for all their prayers. Carson has done AWESOME all day long. He continues to pee and hasn't had any problems with fluid build up. He is still doing great on his ventilator settings. The bleeding has also stopped except for on the dressing where they took out his cannulas for the ECMO machine. He has been such a great little man through this whole process. Kellen also had a great day and has not had any problems with stopping his caffeine. Liz and Mom just wanted me to say thank you to everyone who has been praying and hopefully in a couple days we can report that Carson is getting some food too. :)
Have a wonderful evening and we will have a lot to be thankful for next Thursday!
Posted by Sarah
Thursday, November 17, 2011
update #1 for today
Many, many things have happened since yesterday and clearly the prayers for God's guidance of the doctors in their care of Carson continue to be answered in abundance...
Last night after the family had supper the doctors said that two clots were already forming in the tubes of the ECMO machine. As of yesterday morning Carson's lung X-rays were still white due to the vast amount of fluid in his lungs which meant he absolutely had to have the ECMO machine to survive but his evening scan around 8:30 showed great improvement, not perfect but certainly not as bad. So Dr. Yang discussed with Liz and Preston the idea of weaning him off ECMO machine rapidly and let his body take over with the blood issues. He underscored that this was not a conventional treatment method but after discussion Liz, Preston and Francie agreed nothing about Carson has been conventional (what 3 day old preemie baby, survives major surgery against all odds) so they decided to move forward with weaning Carson from ECMO around 10pm. This occurred in 3 steps and then finally completely off the machine. During all of this Dr. Yang, despite having other patients, remained by Carson's side from 7:30 last night until 2:30 in the morning and was back again 6:30 this morning. They closely monitored Carson's progress through each of the steps and he did well, his blood gas stats were good and they had even backed him off the ventilator.
This morning at 7:30 they removed the cannulas, which means no returning to the ECMO machine. Carson is on 100% ventilation just due to all this trauma to his body. Dr. Yang feels that his body should take over now on all his blood issues. So the biggest prayer request is that Carson continues to pee, pee and more pee. We need that isolet covered in quarters. We also need to pray that he continues on the path of recovery in all areas. If he continues to improve Dr. Yang feels in a couple days he could have Liz's milk in order to improve his Jaundice condition (he is quite dark right now).
Again THANK YOU for all your prayers!
Posted by Carolyn
Last night after the family had supper the doctors said that two clots were already forming in the tubes of the ECMO machine. As of yesterday morning Carson's lung X-rays were still white due to the vast amount of fluid in his lungs which meant he absolutely had to have the ECMO machine to survive but his evening scan around 8:30 showed great improvement, not perfect but certainly not as bad. So Dr. Yang discussed with Liz and Preston the idea of weaning him off ECMO machine rapidly and let his body take over with the blood issues. He underscored that this was not a conventional treatment method but after discussion Liz, Preston and Francie agreed nothing about Carson has been conventional (what 3 day old preemie baby, survives major surgery against all odds) so they decided to move forward with weaning Carson from ECMO around 10pm. This occurred in 3 steps and then finally completely off the machine. During all of this Dr. Yang, despite having other patients, remained by Carson's side from 7:30 last night until 2:30 in the morning and was back again 6:30 this morning. They closely monitored Carson's progress through each of the steps and he did well, his blood gas stats were good and they had even backed him off the ventilator.
This morning at 7:30 they removed the cannulas, which means no returning to the ECMO machine. Carson is on 100% ventilation just due to all this trauma to his body. Dr. Yang feels that his body should take over now on all his blood issues. So the biggest prayer request is that Carson continues to pee, pee and more pee. We need that isolet covered in quarters. We also need to pray that he continues on the path of recovery in all areas. If he continues to improve Dr. Yang feels in a couple days he could have Liz's milk in order to improve his Jaundice condition (he is quite dark right now).
Again THANK YOU for all your prayers!
Posted by Carolyn
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
update #3 for today
The procedure to change the tubes/circuits for ECMO machine is complete. There were a couple of close calls. His heart had an abnormal rhythm and before they were forced to shock it he got back into a normal rhythm on his own. The family had to wait in the hall because of the number of staff in the room.
The prayer requests remain the same:
1. Stop the clotting, so they can stop the heparin
2. Stop the bleeding, so that exploratory surgery can be prevented
3. Pee, pee and more pee to get fluids out of Carson
4. That Carson would improve enough to be able to take in Elizabeth's milk in order to improve the jaundice condition
5. Kellen to continue build strength and grow
6. God's wisdom and guidance for the hospital staff taking care the family
7. Strength and peace for Liz and Preston as they continue to do everything they can for their boys
Thanks for all your prayers!
Posted by Carolyn
The prayer requests remain the same:
1. Stop the clotting, so they can stop the heparin
2. Stop the bleeding, so that exploratory surgery can be prevented
3. Pee, pee and more pee to get fluids out of Carson
4. That Carson would improve enough to be able to take in Elizabeth's milk in order to improve the jaundice condition
5. Kellen to continue build strength and grow
6. God's wisdom and guidance for the hospital staff taking care the family
7. Strength and peace for Liz and Preston as they continue to do everything they can for their boys
Thanks for all your prayers!
Posted by Carolyn
update #2 for today
Okay I just got an update to share with everyone.
The bleeding and clotting are the biggest issues that Carson is facing. Because of the clotting they are using heparine to thin the blood but this of course causes more bleeding. Dr. Yang continues to balance the risks as best he can but we truly need Gods hands on Carson to stop the clotting so they can stop the heparine and stop the bleeding. They are going to change the tubing again on the ECMO machine within the hour. Please pray for this procedure as it is rather risky since Carson will not have use of the machine during the procedure. I asked how long it takes and she said seconds but Dr. Yang's response was I'll go as fast as I can and you pray. Dr. Yang has said that if the bleeding does not get under control they may have to do exploratory surgery to find the cause. No timeline has been given as to when he feels this would be necessary, so continued prayers for God's wisdom and guidance for the doctors and nurses is appreciated.
The praise is that Carson's kidneys are working better than before (per Dr. Yang) but we still need continued prayers more pee to reduce the fluid in his body.
Thank you again for all your prayers!
Posted by Carolyn
The bleeding and clotting are the biggest issues that Carson is facing. Because of the clotting they are using heparine to thin the blood but this of course causes more bleeding. Dr. Yang continues to balance the risks as best he can but we truly need Gods hands on Carson to stop the clotting so they can stop the heparine and stop the bleeding. They are going to change the tubing again on the ECMO machine within the hour. Please pray for this procedure as it is rather risky since Carson will not have use of the machine during the procedure. I asked how long it takes and she said seconds but Dr. Yang's response was I'll go as fast as I can and you pray. Dr. Yang has said that if the bleeding does not get under control they may have to do exploratory surgery to find the cause. No timeline has been given as to when he feels this would be necessary, so continued prayers for God's wisdom and guidance for the doctors and nurses is appreciated.
The praise is that Carson's kidneys are working better than before (per Dr. Yang) but we still need continued prayers more pee to reduce the fluid in his body.
Thank you again for all your prayers!
Posted by Carolyn
update #1 for today
I got to go visit last night and loved seeing Carson and Kellen.
For the good news first, Kellen is in clothes!!! :) Yeah...it was a blast getting to see him dwarfed in an itty bitty outfit but looking so handsome. He is taking the full feeding for his weight so no IVs or anything other than his tube to his tummy. Elizabeth and my mom have both been able to get him to eat his full feeding from the bottle (35 ml). That is wonderful. If he is awake he does great. I also got to hold him for the first time on his 1 week birthday yesterday. I tried to feed him a bottle but I didn't have the touch. He definitely decided his mommy was better at feeding. :) Kellen thinks both his parents are the best b/c he is happiest when they are holding him. He has the cutest facial expressions and just will sleep for hours in your arms.
Liz and Preston continue to be such strong people as they go through the ups and downs. They are amazing.
Your prayers are so wonderful and we so appreciate it. Carson's bleeding stopped last night and he continues to pee incredibly well. Unfortunately, to stop his bleeding they had to give him a medicine to help him clot which was good for him, but caused the machine to get more clots in it. One of the clots is on the arterial line after the oxygenator. It is very scary for all of us, because it seems awfully easy for that to transfer on to Carson and potentially cause devastating results. The neonatologist, pediatric surgeon, perfusionist, and others are trying to figure out the best way to address this. I want so badly for him to be off the ECMO machine, but they still feel his lungs are filled with fluid. Right now, we need to pray for wisdom for the doctors and for them to make the best decision for Carson and to be able to work together. Continued prayers for protection for his little body. On a happier note, he is moving more and is really using all his extremities and will really grab your hand if you touch him. It is such a sweet sight.
Prayer Points:
First, in thanksgiving for all the miracles and answered prayers thus far, for Liz and Kellen's amazing recovery, for Liz and Preston's ability to take it one day at a time
Requests:
For the good news first, Kellen is in clothes!!! :) Yeah...it was a blast getting to see him dwarfed in an itty bitty outfit but looking so handsome. He is taking the full feeding for his weight so no IVs or anything other than his tube to his tummy. Elizabeth and my mom have both been able to get him to eat his full feeding from the bottle (35 ml). That is wonderful. If he is awake he does great. I also got to hold him for the first time on his 1 week birthday yesterday. I tried to feed him a bottle but I didn't have the touch. He definitely decided his mommy was better at feeding. :) Kellen thinks both his parents are the best b/c he is happiest when they are holding him. He has the cutest facial expressions and just will sleep for hours in your arms.
Liz and Preston continue to be such strong people as they go through the ups and downs. They are amazing.
Your prayers are so wonderful and we so appreciate it. Carson's bleeding stopped last night and he continues to pee incredibly well. Unfortunately, to stop his bleeding they had to give him a medicine to help him clot which was good for him, but caused the machine to get more clots in it. One of the clots is on the arterial line after the oxygenator. It is very scary for all of us, because it seems awfully easy for that to transfer on to Carson and potentially cause devastating results. The neonatologist, pediatric surgeon, perfusionist, and others are trying to figure out the best way to address this. I want so badly for him to be off the ECMO machine, but they still feel his lungs are filled with fluid. Right now, we need to pray for wisdom for the doctors and for them to make the best decision for Carson and to be able to work together. Continued prayers for protection for his little body. On a happier note, he is moving more and is really using all his extremities and will really grab your hand if you touch him. It is such a sweet sight.
Prayer Points:
First, in thanksgiving for all the miracles and answered prayers thus far, for Liz and Kellen's amazing recovery, for Liz and Preston's ability to take it one day at a time
Requests:
1) For the doctors to be able to come together to make the best decision for Carson, wisdom for their decision making process
2) The clots will not move and God will hold his Hand over Carson protecting him from any of the scary side effects
3) Thanksgiving and continued prayer for Carson to pee pee pee so we can get fluid off his lungs and he can come off the ECMO machine.
Posted by Sarah
2) The clots will not move and God will hold his Hand over Carson protecting him from any of the scary side effects
3) Thanksgiving and continued prayer for Carson to pee pee pee so we can get fluid off his lungs and he can come off the ECMO machine.
Posted by Sarah
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
update #6 for today
Francie knew many would be waiting for an update given the urgent prayer request earlier this evening. Well, we certainly know that Carson is learning from his brother in how to be a tough little hombre. It is completely a miracle that Carson is still with us - as he has already surpassed the doctors expectations on multiple occasions - but we feel that God is truly continuing to bless all of us beyond measure by holding Carson's hand and pulling him through each challenge.
Francie just called saying that the bleeding from the cannula has slowed, not stopped. He has had to receive several blood products but the imminent danger has indeed lessened - not gone totally. He is still putting out a fair amount of urine so that is certainly good. He's just receiving so many different things that he continues to be challenged with the fluid overload issue.
We continue to pray so that God will help to heal his organs so he can improve enough to get him off the ECMO. The family is really praying so he can get strong enough to start receiving breast milk. Kellen just absolutely took off once he was able to get more of that miracle juice from Miss Elizabeth. She must be eating her Wheaties and sharing it with Kellen. Now we just need to pray so she can share that with Carson very soon!
I have had the pleasure to get to hear some wonderful stories and blessings through this journey but I want to share one with all of you. Some of you have heard this already but it bears repeating. Elizabeth Tomilary is a dear friend of the Bunches (and many in this email list). When she was praying for Elizabeth Clark and the twins on one occasion she very clearly heard God tell her that these twins were going to be OK and were going to be missionaries for him.... Now 'missionary' can be defined in many ways to each and every individual but I think it is pretty clear that God is already putting little Carson to work on this front. I personally have never witnessed such a concerted prayer effort by such a large, diverse group and so many comments of how this has touched people personally. I have enjoyed praying together with my three men - something we just don't do often enough...
So everyone - lets help Carson continue to be a missionary to God. Let raise the roof with prayers for this little man! And Maresa, tell Matthias he'll have to buy a fire extinguisher! :) Maresa was a foreign exchange student from Germany who lived with the Bunch family several years ago. Her husband, Matthias told her he was worried she would burn their house down with all the candles she was lighting for little Carson... :)
Thank you so much again to all and keep those prayers coming!
Posted by Alice
Francie just called saying that the bleeding from the cannula has slowed, not stopped. He has had to receive several blood products but the imminent danger has indeed lessened - not gone totally. He is still putting out a fair amount of urine so that is certainly good. He's just receiving so many different things that he continues to be challenged with the fluid overload issue.
We continue to pray so that God will help to heal his organs so he can improve enough to get him off the ECMO. The family is really praying so he can get strong enough to start receiving breast milk. Kellen just absolutely took off once he was able to get more of that miracle juice from Miss Elizabeth. She must be eating her Wheaties and sharing it with Kellen. Now we just need to pray so she can share that with Carson very soon!
I have had the pleasure to get to hear some wonderful stories and blessings through this journey but I want to share one with all of you. Some of you have heard this already but it bears repeating. Elizabeth Tomilary is a dear friend of the Bunches (and many in this email list). When she was praying for Elizabeth Clark and the twins on one occasion she very clearly heard God tell her that these twins were going to be OK and were going to be missionaries for him.... Now 'missionary' can be defined in many ways to each and every individual but I think it is pretty clear that God is already putting little Carson to work on this front. I personally have never witnessed such a concerted prayer effort by such a large, diverse group and so many comments of how this has touched people personally. I have enjoyed praying together with my three men - something we just don't do often enough...
So everyone - lets help Carson continue to be a missionary to God. Let raise the roof with prayers for this little man! And Maresa, tell Matthias he'll have to buy a fire extinguisher! :) Maresa was a foreign exchange student from Germany who lived with the Bunch family several years ago. Her husband, Matthias told her he was worried she would burn their house down with all the candles she was lighting for little Carson... :)
Thank you so much again to all and keep those prayers coming!
Posted by Alice
update #5 for today
Okay I'm going to get right to it. Francie is on her knees in the chapel praying for the following; please join her.
1. Carson is bleeding again from the canula. This needs to stop. The bleeding and clotting need to get under control.
2. More pee from Carson. The procedure to the abdomen went well today but they visually couldn't tell because he just still has so much fluid on him.
3. Carson needs to get to a point that he can eat normally. He needs to take in Liz's milk. His jaundice is not responding to the UV light treatment because his organs are not functioning normally (i.e. digesting food). The billirubin is building up and that's not good for any baby.
Thanks again prayer warriors!
Posted by Carolyn
1. Carson is bleeding again from the canula. This needs to stop. The bleeding and clotting need to get under control.
2. More pee from Carson. The procedure to the abdomen went well today but they visually couldn't tell because he just still has so much fluid on him.
3. Carson needs to get to a point that he can eat normally. He needs to take in Liz's milk. His jaundice is not responding to the UV light treatment because his organs are not functioning normally (i.e. digesting food). The billirubin is building up and that's not good for any baby.
Thanks again prayer warriors!
Posted by Carolyn
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