Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

We just got home from U of M after a long day of tests. To quote our cardiologist, "It looks like two steps forward and one step back." The positives are that Grant's veins do not seem to be narrowing (this happens sometimes after surgery and then another surgery is required), and his heart seems to be working great! So, he can come off oxygen all together. No more tape on his face and no more wrestling him at night to put on his oxygen canula.

The not so great news is that his lungs look worse than last time. The doctor put us on two medications in hopes that they help his lungs dry up. I guess that means that they are wet, but I didn't ask enough questions... So, he's giving us 12 weeks on these new meds to give his lungs a chance to heal on their own. If they don't, then we see a lung specialist. The major challenge with the medications is that they are diuretics, which means they drain the fluid from his body. As a result, it is easier to get dehydrated. That can be somewhat of a challenge for us because of Grant's eating issues.

The doctor did give us the go-ahead to fly to Florida. Grant will have to be on oxygen on the airplane because his lungs can't adapt to the altitude yet. I have also purchased seat covers, clothing covers, face masks and various other germ protectors. :) We'll be sure to take a picture of the germ patrol and put it on the blog so you can all have a laugh or two.

Specific things to pray for:
1. That Grant's lungs would heal completely.
2. That Grant would learn how to eat while awake.
3. That Grant would be protected from germs and lung problems while on the airplane.
4. That Jim and I would hear God, so that if He tells us not to go to Florida for some reason that He can see and we cannot, we would listen instead of getting to the beach at any cost...(which is very tempting at this point :) )

Despite all the poking and prodding, Grant smiled and laughed all day (and drank both his bottles) and brought smiles to all his old nurses who said that he is why they do what they do. We're feeling thankful.