Back in Bend!

On Thursday, April 23rd, Phoenix and Lisa flew back to Bend, thanks to the generosity of Doernbecher's Children's Hospital who covered the cost, since our insurance did not. This was very exciting, although, Lisa has informed Steph that if there is ever another life-flight situation, Steph will be Phoenix's flying companion... way too much air turbulence for Lisa! Phoenix is back at the Bend NICU, in an open bed, but in his own room (so he has a quiet place to grow)! He has a nasal cannula with a low flow of oxygen due to his need to adjust from the Portland area (near sea level) to Bend (high desert) with a higher altitude, making breathing just a bit more difficult for preemies. Phoenix will be at "full feeds" (42 ml of breast milk, every 3 hours) by Sunday (4/26) afternoon. He has been getting bottle fed every other feeding time... taking the others by gavage (feeding tube, through his nose and in to his stomach). On Saturday night, he actually successfully (first time try) breast fed... like he knew what he was doing! But, to make sure he's getting the right amount, we will continue to bottle feed until he is gaining weight (20+ grams per day). As long as he takes his feedings well, for the next day or so, he will get his PICC line removed from his leg. This was allowing him to get IV supplements until he got to full feeds. He is still being closely monitored for NEC and so far has shown no symptoms. Phoenix has already had 2 xrays since being back in Bend. One showed that his bowels still look good and the other showed he still has signs of lung disease. However, a second film (xray) has shown improvement in his lungs since being on a higher dose of oxygen, since being back. Although we appreciated being able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Portland, Phoenix's moms are quite happy to be back home -- to be able to sleep in our own bed and shower in our own bathroom! And, of course our "furry babies" (Nacho, Lucky, Sable, Princess, Pookie, and Speedy) are all very happy we are home, too! Thankfully, we had great help from Ellen who came to pet-sit while we were away. This included lots of clean up, feeding / watering, dog walking, and dog holding!