January follow up

The good news: 

1. There doesn't seem to be much growth in the portion of the hygroma in Sutton's neck that his ENT red flagged at our last visit.

2. The cold that landed us in the ER just before Christmas seems to have resolved with the exception of a mild cough and nasal congestion. 

3. He is growing well (15# 8oz today) and has gotten his first dose of the flu shot and second dose of Synagis. 

The not-so-good news: 

1. The area of the hygroma pushing up under his tongue is noticeably larger. We were only aware of it previously because of his MRI, it was never noticeable just by looking at him. This seems to be related to his slightly swollen tongue and the gagging noises (as though there is too much "stuff" in his mouth and he needs to spit something out) he occasionally makes when eating or taking a pacifier. 

2. As long as he remains in his typical condition without anymore illness, we will follow up as usual in a month. At that time she will scope him and see what things look like internally. It couldn't be done today because of the lingering cold symptoms. 

3. Based on what the scope shows, surgery could be moved up to happen as soon as possible rather than continuing to wait until spring/summer. Our ENT will confer with her colleagues, one of which has been following Sutton's case since we were anticipating surgery in the NICU, and give us what they feel to be the best plan of care and other options at our next appointment. 

We have been on such an uneventful path with his health that I was completely surprised by today's visit. As we were leaving SLCH I started thinking of all that I could do to beef him up in case he has surgery next month. Ideally, his docs would like to see him at 20# before surgery. And then I realized, it's not my decision what happens with surgery and putting on weight really won't change the surgical outcome in the next month. We've been doing everything we can to aid in postponing surgery, the rest is up to God.

After reflecting on the summer, prayer is the only reason we got out of surgery then. He had a failed extubation and then, miracle of miracles, it worked. He was supposed to have surgery and at the last minute it was cancelled. And if we have to send him in to surgery next month we know things will be okay. On the bright side, it would be over. No more lingering concerns over the impact that every little germ has on his airway. No more fights with COBRA over medication and coverage. 

And if we can wait a few more months...we'd certainly be okay with that, too.