"Stay the Course"

That's the theme of progress toward the surgery for Mason. Bill ran into the surgeon this morning in the hallway and that's what he had to say -- Stay the Course. So, we are still on the schedule for Dec. 9th (next Tuesday) for the surgery. The surgeon also mentioned that it is likely going to be a rough road after surgery because of the steroids and Mason's very fragile lungs. We are getting ourselves prepared for this rough road and are praying daily that Mason gets strong enough to minimize the potential for complications after surgery.

Today was another status quo day for Mason. He's been up and down with his oxygen need and is now on 1.5 liters as he goes to sleep for the night. I think that's where he ended up last night as well, but I can't remember anymore. He seems to have tolerated his first day of weaning well and we continue to be hopeful for a good second day. We found out from the resident this morning that their plan was/is to do this one decrease in the steroid dose and then monitor Mason in the hospital for 48 hours after they started weaning. That means the earliest we will be going home is on Friday morning. When I asked if they would consider a 2nd wean if this one went well, she didn't know. They hadn't thought that far yet because he hasn't had a successful wean to this point. So, we'll just have to see what Friday morning brings. I am very thankful, though, that they are doing the wean while in the hospital. It is good for them to be able to chronical the changes and make sure that he will still be safe enough for the surgery.

Well, I need to mix up some milk and formula for the nurses to give Mason tonight, so I'd better get to it. Besides, I need some sleep, too.