6th Update

I know that many have been waiting for another update and I’m sorry that it has taken 4 days to send this one. We received a call from the Ronald McDonald House that they had a room for us. So Tuesday I moved into the house that was about 3 miles from the hospital. Wednesday I received a call that the house across the street from Cardinal Glennon had a vacancy, so I moved out of the one and into the other. During that process, my brakes went out on the van and I had to get them fixed – Just some of the excuses for not sending an update sooner…

Evette is healing well, but still tires easily…

I want to sincerely thank everyone for their prayers, God is graciously answering. Much has happened since my last update. Everyone knows that Samuel stopped breathing on his second day of life, but I have not updated you on the results of his MRI. The MRI was completed on day 3 and we reviewed that evening. The doctor painted a very bleak picture. They stated that all major areas of the brain was affected including the brain stem. The results of the MRI, the no breathing issues and the fact that the initial EEG (brain wave test) was basically flat with the exception of when he breathed; I believe this is what prompted them to discuss the subject of “pulling the plug.” Their assessment included: Samuel blood flow to the brain would not be sufficient, causing further problems, he probably would not be aware of his surroundings (wouldn’t feel anything), he would probably not be able to see, hear or speak. Without saying it, they were telling us that he would be a vegetable. We told them we understood their reasoning and respected their knowledge of the situation; however, we did not agree with their opinion and that “pulling the plug” was not an option.

Today is Samuel’s 10th day of life and we are praising God for the miracles He is working each day. I believe that has a lot to do with our prayers. We thank you for them and ask that you continue and continue to ask others also. We know that God already has Samuel’s days numbered, whether that is 10 days or 100 years and we thank Him for each one of those days. We truly believe that children are a blessing, no matter how God gives them to us.

Samuel is breathing well on his own (something they said he would not do) and they have the ventilator settings as low as they can without removing the tube. He had an ultrasound of his head to check the blood flow to the brain. Surprising to the doctors, Samuel has normal blood flow to his brain (something they said would not be sufficient). He had another EEG (brain wave test); the initial one had flat waves, but the second one surprisingly showed Samuel’s brain wave activity is now that of a 24 week (5 ½ month) premature baby and he can feel touch and pain (they said he probably would not be aware of his surroundings). My last update I specifically ask for prayer for Samuel to develop his “Gag Reflex” (another function they didn’t think would happen). Well on the doctor’s exam this morning, he still didn’t have a gag reflex, but started moving his body when she would put her finger down his throat; something he has not done before… ARE WE STARTING TO SEE A PATTERN HERE???

We are thankful for his new doctor. She is another blessing and supportive of our decisions.

Samuel’s blood pressure has been elevated and last night they put him on meds to lower it to an acceptable level. He has a small hole in his heart, which is normal and will probably heal on its own. He had 8 tests yesterday and all revealed normal results or nothing major. They removed his urinary catheter again and we hope they don’t have to put it back in. He is being fed Mom’s milk (though a tube) every three hours and is up to 1 ½ ounces each feeding. He is digesting it well. He is no longer being warmed because he is maintaining his own body temp. He is getting daily physical therapy to keep his body from becoming stiff. All systems seem to be operating in the normal range with the exception of the following:

Please pray that his breathing would continue to remain strong. We would like to see him taking deeper breaths. Pray that God would continue the normal blood flow to the brain and for increased brain activity. That God would heal the damaged areas of the brain. His gag reflex is still the next big miracle we need, without that, they cannot remove the ventilator (unless we do a tracheotomy and G-tube). We need his blood pressure to come down and his bladder to consistently empty on its own.

On a similar subject, I ask that everyone pray for all the children who are hear in the neonatal ICU. There are approximately 40 babies here with us, who I’m not sure are being prayed for. Babies as small as one pound to babies who have been here over a year. Thru this email list I know of a boy who was born two days after Samuel and was air transported to Children’s Hospital. His name is Austin Timothy Groat and he is in serious condition with breathing problems and pneumonia.

Our friends, Anita and her daughter Erin have created a blog for Samuel. They will post all the updates and I will be sending them pictures to put on the site in the next couple of days. I continue to ask that you send to anyone who will sincerely and earnestly pray for him. They can send me an email and I will add them to the list – yemery2009@hotmail.com

We have seen many miracles and we expect to see many more. Thank you, we are exceedingly grateful to you all.

Yancy