Chest Tube Fluid Still Going Strong

Today the doctors ordered a CT of Rowan's abdomen to try to solve the mystery of the chest tube fluid that JUST WON'T STOP. They want to make sure that they understand where the source of the fluid is. It is possible that the fluid is being secreted by his abdomen and moving up through a communication (fancy word for hole) in his diaphram. If that is the case, trying to clamp the channel that secretes fluid in the chest wouldn't help Rowan and would be a surgery that was unnecessary and didn't solve the problem. If the fluid is coming from the abdomen, they would clamp a different channel in the abdomen to fix the problem.

(Medical people: we are looking at either a thorasic duct ligation or a cisterna chyli ligation)

We should hear the CT results soon. It may be a few days until they get him to surgery and a few more days before we see results and remove the drain for good.

Meanwhile, Rowan is being fed through his NG tube and they are progressing the rate of his feedings slowly to build up his digestive system. They are also lowering the support his vent provides. He will not likely be extubated for a while, but when they are ready to remove the vent, he will be more prepared.

Alot people have been asking for specifics. What specific outcome we want for things or what they should specifically pray for. Unfortunently, since we don't have any definites, here are the general guidelines for those of you who are inclined to practice faith through prayer:

1.) That the doctors examine all possibilities and find the right answer to the current problem (in this case, chest tube fluid).
2.) That all of the procedures Rowan undergoes have no complications.
3.) That Rowan doesn't throw up
4.) That Matt and I sleep well when we are at Haven House.
5.) That our daughter remains undisturbed by our absence.
6.) Safe traveling between Haven House and the hospital.

Thank you to everyone who has been providing help and support. We'd especially like to thank:
Pat and Amanda Ball
Scott, Diane, Isa, and Maya Fowler
Janis Fowler
Eric, Janell, Meredith, and Madison Millington
Sarah Hall
Tara Claussen and Jason McElyea
Lora Cotton
Dr. Sharma
The ENTIRE staff at West Intermediate and Dr. Lehman
Brenda Wilson
Paige Lindemann
Pat Millington
Other Heart Families who are always there to listen

We continue to see progress and enjoy time with our son. We feel like the last 3 weeks here in St. Louis have gone on forever - but count ourselves lucky that he is progressing and healing. Last night Matt and I went on a date and didn't allow any talk about our children. It was a nice 2 hour mental break and "battery recharge". We are coping well and remain optimistic.