Sunday, November 2, 2008

11/2 Update-22 weeks

The neonatologist came and talked with us last night and she was really great. Very warm and compassionate, unlike some of the peris here. She explained a lot and gave us realistic expectations. She did say she has never seen a 22 weeker survive, but that it does happen but said they usually do live for a few weeks. She said she personally knows a 15 year old girl that is completely healthy and was born at exactly 23 weeks. Once we get to 24 weeks, she said the survival rate goes from practically nothing up to 70%! That is way better than what I read. She also said the steroid shots do help significantly but are best at 24 weeks. I can get them at 23, but they don't have quite the same benefits, so if I seem stable at 23 weeks, I should consider going a little longer. We'll just have to wait and see on that.

Shesaid we also need to understand the risks and that we could have children with serious disabilities, and sometimes they won't even show up until 5 years or so. That's a risk we're going to take though. Rob got to tour the NICU last night and said it was really cool and full of tiny babies! He was really encouraged by what he saw.

Well, lastly, my temp does seem to be creeping up, which is a sign of infection, but not in the danger zone. My nurse said they aren't alarmed until around 100.4 (I think). I've always been in the 98's, but lately am in the 99's. They are checking my white blood cell count daily, which was fine this morning, and that is more definitive sign. We are just praying all the time for God to protect me and these girls and that infection stays away.

Oh, I promised early that I would post a pic. This is actually from a few days ago, but now I have my own room. What a difference that makes!

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20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jenell,
I'm so glad things seem stable today. Congrats on 22 wks - 2 or more to go! Those digs are certainly something to be envious of. My family and I continue to pray for you and your girls...
-Edna

Anonymous said...

You look beautiful momma! And doing so good, I am so proud of you! Thinking about you, Rob and the girls like crazy and praying 24 weeks will just hurry up and get here already! You just stay as comfy as possible. Love you!!

Pam said...

Wow Jenell! You're doing great! We are so proud of you. We are praying for you and Rob and your precious babies. We are very glad your doctors are getting better and better. The longer you're there the better they get :)

Zil said...

Never has 2 weeks seemed so short - yet so long.

Every day you get closer!

Keep doing well.

Jenny said...

Only two more weeks to go! I love you and praying for you like crazy. Keep you chin up rob and jenell!! You truly amaze me! I sent your blog to Pastor Lito and they are all praying for you guys :)

Love ya.

Anonymous said...

You are truly an inspiration. I am a lurker but have been follwing your story. I along with so many people are praying for you. Your story is amazing and I just know that you will bring home two healthy babies. God bless.

Sara said...

look at you - still looking beautiful all strapped down to a hospital bed! I'm so proud of you! Thank you for the daily posts. I am checking constantly. Love you.

Liz said...

I linked to your blog through a couple of others...forget exactly how I got here. I showed it to my husband, and we are both pulling for you! Will be reading, and thinking of you:)

Allison (Dashiell's Mom) said...

Jenell,

You'd never know by looking at your picture all that you're going through. I'm so glad to hear that things are holding steady for now and that you were able to speak with a compassionate & positive doctor. My husband, friends and I are all pulling for you. Keep up the great work!

Allison

Melinda Turansky said...

Jenell, Aloha from Kauai,
I am so glad to see you beautiful smiling face in your picture today. I am also so glad to hear the news from the doctor about making it to 23-24 weeks and the % that goes up. I am thrilled and praying. We are in this with you, all of us... Melinda T.

Amy, queen of the world. said...

This may sound weird coming from a complete stranger, but I am so proud of you for choosing the "do nothing but wait" option! I am still praying hard that everything is going to turn out great!

Anonymous said...

Yeah Jenell!!!! You made it to 22 weeks! That is sooo freakin' awesome! I have so much faith that you'll make it another 2 weeks so those statistics shoot up! You keep resting and staying optomistic and the rest of us will keep praying! You look lovely too, bye the way. I wouldn't look half that great if I didn't wash my hair for even 2 days!!!!

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and the girls. You are doing great and you should be so proud of what you are doing by giving these babies a chance.

Unknown said...

sweet Jenell, we love you. i am so sorry we can't be there in person. you are in our hearts and thoughts every day and we will keep your babies high in our consciousness and daily blessings. you are brave and courageous and amazing. with love, karen, aron and sasha

~K said...

Jenell, been stalking your blog all day yesterday to get an update....I am glad that the Neonatolgist was so compationate with you....you look somewhat comfy in that bed I hope and pray all goes well
Kristine

Kami said...

I'm so happy that you are hanging in there! Keep your spirits up! Sending love from Durango and the BBC board!

Anonymous said...

Jenell,
You are doing great - hang in there, girls. You are getting there!! Sending positive thoughts your way everyday!
Cee - BBC

Anonymous said...

Jenell and Rob,
You two keep hanging in there and My family will say a prayer for you tonight at bedtime. We had a boy he was born on the 2nd of october. One thing I know, you can't worry about things you have know control over, it makes things worse when you do. One thing you can do is pray and good things will come and I pray two good things come to you. Everything will workout.
Chris Pate and Family

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi,

I just found your blog this morning and read through a bit. I will be praying for you and for your girls to stay put and continue to grow. I have twin sons who are 37 now, older than you for sure. I live in Capo Beach down here in So. California and want you to know my prayers are with you daily.

Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

Jenell - I am thinking of you and Rob and praying for your family everyday. You are doing so well hanging in there despite all of the stress that is on you. I just know these two little girls are going to hang on for a little while longer until they can get here safely. We will continue to pray often.

- Nicole