Caroline's Z-max has obviously kicked in. I haven't heard her cough once today. Her right ear drained Saturday night (thank God for PE tubes) and her nasal d/c is gone. Still waiting on some labwork but think she's over the hump! Just in time for Spring Break! It's hard to believe we were in TX this time last year. Wow, another year. Time sure does fly by. I've yet to schedule the appt. with the Cardiologist. I want to finish these meds, including the diurectic, before we see him. That way we'll have a better idea of what's going on in there. Caroline had been coming off the O2 for long periods of time before this illness struck and I believe all the resp. stuff is what caused her heart to enlarge. Also, could it be that's she's due for an expansion next month? We'll see what he says and I'll update then!

Caroline had a follow up appt. with her Pulmonologist yesterday. He said he could hear "junk" in her left side. He also said that her heart is enlarged and wants her to go back to the Cardiologist. He wants her to start a different antibiotic and another round of steroids--and continue the diuretic. She napped yesterday and slept about 11 hr's last night without coughing. Her sats stayed up without extra O2. She's coughing today but doesn't sound tight. I think things are moving around in there and we'll continue the recommended CPT three times a day in hopes of breaking that stuff up. She's still fever free and isn't complaining of anything bothering her & says she's breathing easier.

Tate's baseball game was cancelled--again-- due to rain. He'll play tomorrow at 1:00.

Doug's getting or taxes done and we're headed to Hobby Lobby for a rainy day craft!

We are going to enjoy laying low this weekend...

Caroline returned to school today. She was slow movin' this morning but quickly came around. She had another follow up with her Ped. this am and there aren't any treatment changes. Caroline's trach culture was positive and the meds she's taking are the one's she should be on to cover this infection. She'll see her Pulm. on Friday.

"Bravo," Sydney, for a wonderful job in the Music Man tonight. We're so proud of you! You sang beautifully.

Caroline is feeling good this morning. Her bloodwork was better yesterday and she's still fever free. She was able to help her friend, Emily, celebrate her 9th birthday last night and got an awesome makeover. Who doesn't feel better after having their nails done, right?! She was whipped by the time she got to the Carroll's St. Patty's party, but managed to hang in there long enough to find some gold coins! Actually, I think Patrick shared his, but she got some nonetheless. Thanks, Patrick!

Dr. Stephanie Hassel and nurse Stephanie at my Saturday f/u visit.

I think she's dodged a bullett and avoided an admission. Caroline did great last night and hasn't required an increase in her O2. She's tolerating her antibiotics and steroids and hasn't complained about anything other than a headache. I'm thinking her CO2 levels were elevated and that's what's causing her headaches but could be this "junk" in her head, too. Her nose is pouring. She's resting comfortably in her bed and reading today. I know she's growing up when she'd rather read than watch movies! As always, she hasn't complained once. What a su-pa-pa-troop-pa-pa. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Fever

Caroline went to the ER at CHOA yest. via ambulance for hypoxia and fever. Her chest x-ray and flu test were negative. The Ped. thinks she may have atelectasis/pneumonia. Her white count was higher today and she started coughing. Her secretions are thick and blood tinged so they did a trach culture as well. She got IM Rocephin at the office this morning and started oral steroids and another antibiotic. I think we caught it early! She slept all day today but managed to get in a game of Uno, and you guessed it, she won! ;-)

Thank you, Dr. Hassel, for the excellent care you give Caroline. And thank you, Stephanie, for staying an extra two hours, not because you "had" to, but because wanted to.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Many blessings!

My sister's (Aunt T) surgery was successful and the kids are doing well. We'll have them until Sunday when Granna takes over. It's going to be a beautiful weekend for some sunny outside playtime with cousins and friends!

Caroline's electric wheelchair stopped working on Wednesday so she's been in her manual chair--and wearing her parapro out. Thank you Mrs. Wallace! She wasn't able to go to dance tonight w/o her chair though and that stinks. The part should be delivered on Monday. Caroline was proud she made three laps in gym in her chair but her arms are sore. I bet they're sore. Ouch!

Caroline enjoyed Scouts on Thursday and Doug took her on a dinner date. She loves her Daddy so! Tate starts T-ball tomorrow. He's a "Grasshopper!" Go Tate!!

TARGET

Caroline started Target last week and loved it! She got off the bus with the biggest smile on her face! I could tell she had a great day! What an accomplishment, Caroline! We're so proud of you!