Hunter sits in the Stanley Cup

I am just walking in the door from another long day at U of M.

First off, I like to start with exciting news....Hunter got to meet Chris Draper and sit in the Stanley Cup. That was pretty cool being the Red Wing fanatic that I am...I mean that Hunter is....:-)



Hunter had his second echocardiogram today. He also had an EKG of his heart. The echo didn't show much improvement, but there was a slight improvement from the viagra. I thought he was going to have to stay for awhile. But, the cardiologist discussed his care plan. HE IS BEING DISCHARGED TOMORROW!!! YAY!!! Hunter had to be followed by an expert in Pulmonary Hypertension. His appointment will be in a month from now. They will reassess his heart and see if they need to take more measures to treat him for the Pulmonary Hypertension. They are hoping that with a month of growth and lung development it will make a huge difference with the Pulmonary Hypertension and the pressures on his heart.

If, after a month, he is rechecked and his condition doesn't change they will have to do a cardiac catherization. This procedure requires them to go into his arteries to get an accurate read of the pressures in his heart and lung. He will have to be put to sleep and on a vent for this procedure. This will also determine if they need to add more medication to treat his condition. I will be praying he continues to grow, develop, and outgrow it.

From a lung perspective, they will be following Hunter in the BPD clinic. BPD is the same thing as Chronic Lung Disease. BPD stands for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. It's all associated with his extreme prematurity.

Hunter's oxygen needs have to be increased. He needs oxygen for his BPD and Pulmonary Hypertension. But, they don't foresee this lasting longer than one year, possibly less. Again, a crystal ball would really come in handy to answer ALOT of my questions...

Thanks for your prayers.