Seriously people...she's NEGATIVE AGAIN! I can't believe it. To help put this into perspective, when she was on ecmo, the team "scuffed" off (manually drained) fluid and was able to get large amounts like the 174 number she lost last night! I remember being told that they were scuffing off a lot the night before she came off ecmo to help get her down to fighting weight, if you will. It's absolutely incredible that she is doing this on her own now. She's shrinking right before our eyes. The past 2 mornings - today especially - have been incredible to walk in and see my old Char Char staring back at me. I might remind you that she has been on diuretics on and off this whole time, to no avail.
She will have a chest ultrasound tomorrow to determine if the fluid has decreased around her lungs. PRAY PRAY PRAY that it has. If not, she will need the pig tail catheters. And if once drained, she continues to have fluid build up in her chest, then the thoracic duct is the culprit with surgery being the fix. We pray that once drained, her chest stays so! Additionally, it will give her lungs a better chance not having to fight against that fluid build up when she is extubated again. All of this is married together.
I continue to struggle with just how to thank all of you for your constant prayers for my darling daughter. Truly, we are forever grateful to each and every person who has lifted her up in prayer. There aren't words to express our deep gratitude, as it's the most precious gift you could ever give us. From the bottom of my heart...thank you. God is shining not just through Charlotte but also in each of your hearts.
CHARLOTTE STATS:
Weight: 5 lbs 7 oz
Diaper Size: Preemie size Small (the diaper is folded in half and the tabs overlap when fastened!)
