Wednesday afternoon

Both the viral panels came back negative and Seth's belly seems to be softer and more comfortable for him today, thank God (and thank you for praying). His belly X-ray also came back clear - a relief! However, the repeat chest X-ray shows there are some areas of collapsed, inflamed lung tissue, so the CPT (chest-thumping therapy) will be continued, as will the nebulizer treatments. The three days of steroids has been increased to five days. The pneumonia infection area i his right lower lung appears to be shrinking, so that's an answer to prayer.

Seth is perkier and more like himself each day, but the steroids are making him pretty cantankerous. The lack of sleep (due to blood draw and X-ray between midnight and one a.m.) is no doubt contributing to his irritability. 

Speaking of irritability, the very nice pulmonologist was unhappy about (1) Seth not being put on the pulmonary floor, and (2) the hospital not contacting him until yesterday, letting him know his patient was here. Oops. 

The next step he wants to try to get Seth off of oxygen is mucolytics (mucus-dissolving drugs). Unlike the hospital pediatrician, he doesn't want to send Seth home on any oxygen if at all possible, which is probably just as well since David and Will both have fevers again today. They seem to be getting one virus after another! I don't really want Seth around them, as much as we'd REALLY like to be done with juggling hospital and home. Again, thank God for all the help we're getting; I'd hate to leave Seth here alone! 

Love and gratitude,

Carrie