Monday, October 27, 2008

Morgan Kate had another chest x-ray this morning and Dr. B said it was not good. Her lungs are very cloudy and puffy and just don't seem to be getting any better. She is on the CPAP and her oxygen is still around 43%. Morgan Kate has been diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a type of chronic lung disease. A preemie is typically diagnosed with this if he/she has been on supplemental oxygen for more than 28 days or still on oxygen at 36 weeks. Morgan Kate has been on oxygen for over 60 days and will be 36 weeks on Thursday. Today they started her on lasix again to get rid of any fluid that might be in her lungs. We are praying that this helps her some. Another alternative is to try a low dose, short course of steroids. The steroids are used only when all other options have been exhausted due to some of their possible short term and long term side effects. We talked with several doctors, nurses, and pharmacists today about the steroids and will continue talking with the doctors tomorrow before making any decisions. Everyone that we have talked with so far is in favor of the steroids. Please pray that God will help Travis and I make the right decision for our little girl. 

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Keeping you in our prayers.

Keith, Melinda, and Megan

Kimberly (Anthony's Mom) said...

Just wanted to let you know that Anthony had to get the steriods about 2 weeks before he came home. I think they gave him dexamethosone. How our NICU did it was a few days of small doses. They use to give it in just 1 big dose and this is when they saw issues. The only issue our dr said to us was he might not grow as tall as he might of been. Well, I think of it this way. I rather have my son be a little shorter and be able to breathe then a tall son that has trouble breathing.... But so far Anthony is considered quiet tall! He was on oxygen for 8 months but I know this helped him grow and not waste so much energy breathing.

I sent you an email. Feel free to pick my brain and I will help you any way I can.

Anonymous said...

Hey Heather,

We are praying God's wisdom in your decision. Love and blessings! Aunt Terry

Hollie Heming said...

You are both in my prayers. You will make the right decision for Morgan Kate because you're leaning on God and He will help you decide. Love you!

Anonymous said...

I know that this may seem like a step back but I know that Morgan Kate's "fight" to improve and your faith will get y'all through this! We are continuing to pray! This will get better I feel sure of it! :)
Wendy H.

Anonymous said...

Heather- Hear my prayer:
Dear Lord,
You are a gracious and giving Father and we thank you for the precious life of Morgan Kate Callahan, who is a work of grace created by You and with you Lord. God, we ask that you hear our plea and petitions as we cry out to you-trusting only in You. Lord, I pray specifically for the needs of your child, Morgan Kate. I pray Heavenly Father for Morgan Kate's lungs to become mature and for her breathing to become natural by your hands. I pray for peace of mind for her parents as they are faced with upcoming decisions. I ask you Lord for mercy and love upon Morgan Kate. I thank you Lord for this child and her continued efforts to simply be. God, you have given Morgan Kate as a light of your Spirit and for that we thank you. God, please continue to walk daily with the Callahan family, always offering peace, hope, faith, love and comfort. For with God nothing shall be impossible Luke 1:37
Please oh Lord hear this prayer,
In Christ Name I pray these things,
amen

Heather just imagine how many times a day the Lord hears Morgan Kate Callahan in prayer requests by many in honor of you and your child. And remember,
Isaiah 43: 1-3
Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God.
Much love and prayers,
Chi

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to see you able to hold her!!!
In no time at all these hard days will be passed and she will have grown and her lungs will function well!!
I pray for you all every day.
She looks beautiful!!!

Shery

Anonymous said...

Heather, I have been reading about Morgan Kate and praying for her and of course you and Travis. My Sunday School Class is also praying. I cannot imagine the decisions you are having to make, but I know a scripture that comforts me is Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding."

Love to your family,
Robin Cox

Anonymous said...

Dear Heather and Travis,

HI! I am sorry I haven't kept in touch, but don't think for one minute that I have stopped praying for you, Travis, and little Morgan Kate. I lift you all up daily asking GOD to go before, to be with, and to walk behind you all showering you with HIS everlasting love, peace, comfort, and wisdom. May you feel HIS presence. May you find rest in HIM. May you trust and obey. If I can do anything above and beyond prayer, please let me know.

From Kentucky to SC, thank GOD prayers have no boundaries and neither do friendships.

In HIM,
Laura H.