The Most Challenging Week of Our Lives

Last week Caleb got RSV, which is a respiratory virus.  Many of us get it every year, but it usually just manifests as a cold.  For Caleb, though, since his muscles are so weak he was unable to clear his lungs.  On Friday I took him into the ER because after four days he was still presenting with a chronic dry, hacking cough, a fever, fatigue and a total loss of appetite.  At the ER they admitted him into Children's Hospital with pneumonia, a partially collapsed lung and a severe weight loss - over 15% of his body weight.  After 5 days in the hospital it became clear that he was not going to be able to rid his lungs of the secretions on his own, so he underwent a bronchoscopy to get rid of all the secretions.  He also had a feeding tube placed to help him gain some weight back.

There were a lot of ups and downs during our week-long stay in the hospital.  However, what we are walking with is an overwhelming sense of love and support from our family and friends.

We were able to make it home in time to celebrate Christmas.  But our journey is not over.  Caleb is scheduled for surgery on the 30th for the placement of a g-tube.  This is a permanent feeding tube that will allow us to supplement his calories to help him gain and maintain a more healthy weight.  After the surgery he will need to recover in the hospital for 3-5 days.  We would appreciate some continued prayers and good thoughts sent his way for a speedy recovery, and a peaceful stay in the hospital.

Thank you so much for all the love and support for our family.  We are eternally grateful.