Owen is currently sleeping peacefully, for just about the first time in two weeks. He went to the OR this morning for a VATS procedure. The surgeon used a video camera to guide him as he put his instruments through small incisions in Owen's side and cleared out the "gunk". He described it as hard cheese. There was also a mucoid layer covering the side of Owen's right lung, and the doctor was also able to remove that layer. Owen seems MUCH more comfortable, and has been sleeping since he got back from surgery about 6 hours ago.
At this point, we are back to where we were a couple of weeks ago. Owen has a chest tube to drain the remaining fluid (and any more that may build up). The first step toward home is for this drainage to dry up and for x-rays to confirm that he looks clear. Then the tube can be removed. The next step is for him to get converted to oral antibiotics. Somewhere in there he also has to tolerate coming off oxygen. Then we can go home.
We're back to not knowing how long any of this is going to take, and while that's frustrating, it's also so nice to know that, for the moment, Owen is in recovery mode again. We hope and pray this will continue and that he can come home very soon! We miss being home as a family... Plus, I keep having somewhat startling reminders that Baby Girl is coming in less than 6 weeks and we are sooo not ready!
-Adrienne
I am so glad they were able to remove the gunk!! I hope he wakes up with big smiles for you!!
ReplyDeleteGet a list together for when I come up - I'll help you guys out with whatever you need for #3 :o)