Day 31

Day 31

We had a chat with Jack’s primary doctor today and he had some encouraging news. First, if all goes well, Jack may be able to come home even before his due date (June 13th)! This is the first time a doctor mentioned him going home. And late next week, he may even be off his ventilator, so that means no more tube down Jack’s throat and we’ll be able to hear his first cry.

Once again, the doctor reiterated that we won’t know exactly how well Jack will do until he actually reaches the points where his developmental milestones should be…breathing completely on his own, sucking and swallowing reflexes, and ultimately muscular control. There aren’t many tests that can accurately predict how he will be. We just have to take the wait and see approach.

The doctor also said that he is seeing signs that the area of the bleed is starting to clear up. This doesn’t mean that the damage will go away, but instead something called a porencephalic cyst is starting to form. This isn’t necessarily bad news, but just something that happens after an IVH. The cyst basically takes up the space where the bleed occurred.

We left feeling pretty good and optimistic after our talk. We got more assurance that he’s progressing well. His lungs are developing well, he’s taking his food well, and he is growing and getting stronger.

Angie got to hold Jack again and as usual he fell asleep in her arms.