Cat and Mouse

It looks like it is going be a long game of cat and mouse over the next few weeks as the doctors continue to diagnose the exact problems that are causing the fluid build up. The doctors want to be as 'conservative' as possible in their approach toward fixing this leaking chyle. Over the past week, they have sat back and simply monitored the amount of fluid that has been drained from Harper's chest and had hoped to see the amount significantly reduce. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Even though they did see some decrease, it was not enough for them to be confident that she would be able to heal herself without any other intervention. So, today they administered a drug that would restrict the amount of chyle that her body will produce. This will, hopefully, give the 'leak' a little alleviation and will give it a rest to heal. With consistent fluid draining, they do not feel like it will be able to heal and wanted to take this next step toward helping Harper along. Hopefully, there will be some response within 48 hours and we can start feeding her small amounts of formula and see how she responds to that. But, that is only going to happen based on how Harper responds to the small doses of meds they are giving her now. So, it is really a game of cat and mouse... Seeing how Harper responds and then making the next move from there to catch up with her body to help aid it in healing properly. They know the issue, but don't want to be too aggressive when it isn't necessary. For example, there are surgeries that could heal it, but the less invasive the better. They could give higher doses of the meds but that could come with larger risks involving her blood sugar and possible diabetes. So... Playing this slow game of cat and mouse is where we are now and will be over the next week or two... And we are just fine with that. We are so happy to still see her small improvements daily and to see Harper grow right before our eyes. She already looks stronger with more color in her skin and arm and leg movements. The nurses and doctors laugh because compared to the other preemies in the NICU, Harper is the size of a full term baby! Her legs hang out of her little snuggle bed and she is very aware as she opens her eyes and looks around her little incubator. We are very proud of her strength and have no doubt that she will continue to fight just as much as we have and as the doctors have. ... Every little thing gonna be all right. =W=