Words from mom

Today started out very well. Andrew was responding to the medications and improving even faster than the doctors had anticipated. Around noon, after much consultation, they decided he was ready for a regular ventilator. He was on the lowest settings on the oscillating ventilator and they felt he was ready for the next big step. We were all for it, because it would mean we could hold him and he could start receiving breast milk instead of an IV, basically we could start becoming more involved in his care. Also, the oscillating ventilator doesn't really allow lung tissue to develop normally because the lungs are always under positive pressure, while normal breathing uses negative pressure.

For the first hour things seemed to go very well. He was even breathing on his own occasionally. Then his stats started dropping, and when they switched to manual (bagging) breathing his lungs started bleeding. It went downhill from there. The doctors tried their best, using as many (if not more) medications than they did after his surgery, but his oxygen remained low. An x-ray showed that he had lost function in his left lung (the same one that had collapsed shortly after he was born). The doctors tried to compensate by making his heart work harder (it was in excellent shape thanks to Dr. Fox's wonderful repair job), but it just wasn't enough. His oxygen levels were down in the mid-30s, and although he stabilized long enough for family and our parish priest to arrive, after a five hour struggle he let go.

I appreciate all of the care and dedication that the doctors and nurses showed during the course of Andrew's care, he couldn't have been in better hands. I also thank all of you for your prayers. Although the outcome was not as we hoped, I know your prayers were not in vain. We were able to spend a wonderful week with our son, and I will treasure the memory of looking into his eyes and holding his hand. We love you Andrew, and we will miss you.