Closing on 1100 Grams
Hello to everyone.
Xavier is at 1090 grams today, that is about 2 pounds and 5 ounces! He had four Bradys overnight, but most of the babies in the NICU had higher than normal Bradys as well. In spite of the Bradys (all self-correcting and none severe) he is doing well.
We had a chance to speak at length with Dr Liz, the neonatologist this week. This is a rare event as our schedules don't often align. She is pleased with Xavier's development. That said, however, she has told us to prepare ourselves for a late July or early August date to bring Xavier home.
We did learn that when Xavier comes home, he will need oxygen for a while. This is something most NICU babies going home in Denver require. It's the altitude that makes this necessary. The nurse also told us it's good he is going home in the Summer rather than Fall or Winter because of a virus called RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). There is a monthly inoculation at $1500.00 a poke and premies need one a month through their first winter. The good news is that many insurance companies have learned that it is cheaper to pay the monthly costs to inoculate rather than treat an infection. Xavier may still qualify to get the inoculations because of his late summer release.
Always, we thank you for your prayers.
This is a wonderful and touching scene. Mom is praying over her son, asking Father to heal Xavier's liver and digestive issues.