Tuesday, April 17, 2007

April 17, 2007












"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first." Hebrews 3:13-14

Another quiet day for Kyle...which is always a good thing! Kyle's oxygen is still higher than we'd like, at around 48% for pretty much the whole day. The doctors have decided that they are going to go ahead and start him on the steroids in the next couple of`days, rather than wait until his antibiotics are complete. At the rate we are going now, I have to wonder if his antibiotics will ever be complete! I am excited for him to try the steroids and am praying this is the boost he needs to get off the ventilator.

Yesterday, when I mentioned that I hoped Kyle's blood transfusion would help his platelet count, I misunderstood the doctors reason for the transfusion. As it turns out, Kyle was receiving a blood transfusion for the same reason he has always had transfusions...his red blood cells were low. I didn't realize that donated blood (in this case Joe's blood) is separated into three components: red blood cells (which Kyle receives), platelets and plasma. I thought that Kyle was receiving the transfusion to give his platelet count a boost, but unfortunately, they are two entirely separate issues. Anyways, Kyle's platelet count dropped again, and the doctors are becoming increasingly concerned. They have ruled out the most common causes for a low platelet count, which are certain infections or a viral infection. They are going to give Kyle another day or so for his platelet count to rise, but if it doesn't, he will be referred to a hematologist (blood doctor). Please pray that Kyle's platelet count rises!!!

Kyle is two months old today! He is being fed 10 cc's every hour (8 ounces a day). Kyle also graduated to bigger diapers, they are a little baggy, but I hear that's the style. He has sustained his weight, and is 3 lbs 4 oz. He looks so big to me! The two bottom pictures of Kyle were taken when he was one month old, the others were taken today at 2 months. He has gained nearly two pounds and has doubled in size just over this past month! All in all, we are so very encouraged, and we marvel at what a strong, stubborn little guy we have :)

You are all in my prayers. We are so grateful to have such good friends and family. I know that God sends his love to us through all of you.

In Christs Love,

Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Jennifer.
The pictures continue to amaze me. Kyle just looks so healthy other than the appearance of the tubes. He is definitely a fighter.
I wonder if there is a relationship between the blood/platelet and red cell levels and the oxygen issues.
One thing is for sure, he is blessed to have you for a mom. Yor devotion and faith obviously help sustain him. Laura

Angela Kupiec said...

Hi Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle
Sorry it has been so long since I have responded to the blog. Rest assured that I read it every day and think of you all more often than you will ever know. I agree Kyle looks so big and so cute. It is amazing to see his growth over the last few weeks. We will be praying for the platlet count to rise and the steriod treatments to work so that the two of you can go home soon. I was reading through something today called the book of hope and this piece made me think of all of you as you have faced every challenge with such grace.

Deep inside us, we have a spirit of energy and determination, a spirit that refuses to be broken - and we call this hope. Even when life's challenges overwhelm us our hope inspires us to rise to new heights.

You all have certainly done this and then some. It is truly a miracle to see such a large spirit in such a little person, that means Kyle of course.

We love you and miss you all very much!

Angela, Dad, Katie
Grandma Mary and Grandpa Ted

Anonymous said...

Jen, sorry if this is a repeat, not sure if my last one got through. We continue to be amazed by baby Kyle. We all think and talk about him daily. We cannot even imagine the roller coaster you and Joe have endured for this time. We are inspired by your positive spirit, patience and love. We will continue to pray for more progress. We remember with our babies that the peditrician's focus was always on growth and weight gain and Kyle has done so well with both. His pictures are beautiful and so telling of his progress.
Hang in there and take care of yourselves. Madison is such a brave big sis.
Love and prayers to all,
Your cousins, The Beebe's

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, Joe, Madison & Kyle,

What an encouragement your faith is to me as I read your comments. Please know that I am and have been praying for all four of you.
Nancy Chiles