Thursday, December 21, 2006

Two steps forward, one step back

Yesterday Quinn had a tube snaked through his stomach, past the swollen duodenum, and into his intestine so the nurses can start trying to give him milk. He was given morphine and a breathing tube for this procedure. He now has a tube going up his nose and directly into his intestine for feeding purposes. So good news is he gets to eat, bad news is he only gets milk up the nose. Sorry little buddy. I thought about complaining about the tape job on his face, but I know that is the least of Quinns problems.


They also took the opportunity under sedation to put another line into his arm.


I've decided to show a video that I had previously decided against. It's not any fun to watch, but it is a glimpse of what he is going through. I took this one back before his heart surgery and it shows him trying to cry with a breathing tube in. He was less than two weeks old. If only he was just acting.


I want friends and family to know that we will not be coming home for the holidays, in case anyone was praying for that. Last night at about 2am, Quinns heart rate dropped pretty significantly and started skipping beats more frequently. It went from about 140-160 beats per minute, to between 70 and 80 and has stayed there. Doctors are concerned of course, but the plan is to give him time in this controlled environment, and hope for improvement. Remaining indifferent about having another operation is a challenge. I flat out don't want him to have one. But if he does, I know it will be because that's what is best.

The doctors agree that exhausting all other options before surgery is the way to go, and they talk to us frequently about his situation. They are not setting a time limit on his recovery, so he will be hospitalized for quite a while to come. There will always be another holiday season, and I'm happy he won't remember his first one. Baby's first Christmas is usually over rated anyway and it's more for the parents.

I will say that this setback takes nothing away from how far he has come. He's already been through worse, as this concern is not life threatening. Doctors kept the leads in place from a pacemaker going into his heart that will keep it pumping should it stop. He's still a handsome and tenacious little man. Like so many of you, I really enjoy rooting for him. Thank you to everyone who is behind us. There are many blessings for us to count and Steph and I remain conscious of that.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Dan & Steph: Our prayers have and will continue for Quinn to heal as soon as possible. He really puts the Christ back into Christmas for all of us. Yeah that he's now getting milk--that's got to help him heal faster! And feel much more comfortable!

I'm reminded of 'footsteps in the sand' just now--He will carry you whenever you feel it's just too hard to walk yourselves--try to remember that.

Mighty Quinn's just too tenacious not to come through all of this with flying colors, it's just got to be in His time.

All our love, Robin & Steve

Anonymous said...

I almost got the day off tomorrow to visit with Quinn...but work I must do. I hope to come with Karra on a weekend. Quinn will come through this with flying colors and you are right there is always another holiday.

Love
Erin

Anonymous said...

Dan,

You are an impressive father. I'm not sure I would have held up as well watching one of you kids go through this. Quinn will come through ok, but it sure makes each of us look at life's "problems" a little differently. Hang in there. Steph and Quinn need you. You have all the support you could ever imagine. I pray for Quinn to continue to have strength to get stronger. I believe in the power of prayer Son. Place your faith in God and He will watch over you and your family.

Love,
Pop and Kim

Anonymous said...

My dear Steph and Dan,
Each "set-back" has to make you breathe more deeply, and worry a bit more. I cling to the fact that Quinn has already shown how strong he is, and how God is working here to take care of him. my prayers are for all of you. Parents take on their children's concerns; it's just the way it is. So God has to take care of the parents. I'm praying that you feel Him holding all three of you close to His heart.

With love,
Mrs. Cherry

Anonymous said...

Quinn has proven time and time again how strong he is, and this time will prove to be no exception. When I get up each morning, I remind myself that you are all one day closer to going home. No one knows when that day is, but each day until then moves you one day closer.

I continue to pray for you all. Keep your chins up and celebrate the strength of your son!

Anonymous said...

I've tried unsuccessfully to post to your blog several times with no luck, but that sure doesn't mean I'm not thinking of you through all of this. I did send cookies, after all!! What more could you ask for?!? Daniel, if you don't publish this blog as an honest to goodness, buy at Borders book sometime in the future, I will be SO disappointed. It has best seller written all over it. And the proceeds can go to pay Quinn's medical bills, or to the NICU at the hospital of your choice, or to the March of Dimes.... but you have both written so eloquently and your words can bring hope and strength to others who find themselves in the same situation. Okay, enough "mom"ing! Peter and I love you all and you are always on our hearts and minds. Merry Christmas and may the new year bring you nothing but joy! Love, Joanne and Pete

Anonymous said...

We know one more hurdle is not what you wanted right now, but just picture next Christmas and the thought of a chubby Quinn sitting on Santa's lap. It's gonna happen. Our thoughts are with you this holiday and our prayers continue. Onward and upward always!
Stephen and Lou

Anonymous said...

Dan and Steph! You are in our hearts and our prayers! And Master Quinn, he will get thru this again! It seems like he knows it's just another step he needs to take to get to where he needs to be; no big thing!

Each day with your child is a special and unique day; cherish it! May God give you strength and grace as you meet each new day.

Love you all, aunt Nik

Anonymous said...

Okay Quinn . . . I've got my green and red pom, poms, my faded sneakers and an outdated, but ever so lovely cheerleading outfit on. Here goes:
GO QUINN, GO QUINN
YOU'RE HERE TO WIN
SISBOOMSHEBOOM RAH, RAH, RAH
GIVE ME A "Q"
GIVE ME A "U"
GIVE ME A "I"
GIVE ME A "N"
WHAT DOES IT SPELL? CUTIE PIE
WE LOVE YOU
WE LOVE YOU
SO GO GO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Hugs, and Smooshy Kisses,
Aunt Justine

Anonymous said...

Give me another "N"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More love, hugs, and smooshy kisses!
Aunt Justine

Anonymous said...

FOR QUINN AND HIS LOVING FAMILY AND EXTENDED FAMILY FOR HIS FRIEND S WHO HE KNOWS AND FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HE DOESE NOT KNOW LETS ALL TAKE A MINUTE JUST TO THANK THE GOOD LORD FOR LETTING US KNOW THAT QUINN IS IN GOD S HAND S AND THE HE HAS GIVEN EVERYONE WHO SEE S THIS SITE THE COURAGE , STRENTH TO CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE CHRIST MAS MIRACLE

Anonymous said...

GOD BLESS YOU ALL QUINN THE FRENCH ARE PRAYING ALL THERE NIGHTLY PRAYERS FOR YOUR INTENTIONS HAVE A MIRACLE CHRIST MAS AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Anonymous said...

Hi Dan, Steph, and Quinn. I hope this evening brings you peace. Love you guys so much and think of you 100 times a day. Love you Mighty Quinn and want you home soon.

Love,

Grandpa Al and Grammie Kim

Anonymous said...

okay my sweet treasures,
the technologically backward grandma is trying one more time to post a comment. belief in God,determination and strength are quinn's inheritance from all of his families. it is so wonderful that so many people are praying daily for you little mighty quinn. we are so blessed and fortunate.
i love you and am proud of you. i love dan and stephanie so much and am ever so proud of them.
love,
grandma barbara xoxoxoxoxo