today's update ...

first of all, I want you all to be aware of some very important words from the doctor today: "she's stable". We asked, basically, how she'd describe Zoey and her words (for today) were - "she's stable ... not immediately critical ... she's sick" she also said she's "optimistic, but we have a rocky road ahead of us"! Now, with all that said - she also told us (it was my mom and I) that Zoey is, indeed, into congestive heart failure ... or, as she prefers to say, "fluid overload". Congestive heart failure sounds a little more scary, but basically Zoey is retaining a lot of fluid, it's a bit complex - that's the easiest way to put it ... her heart isn't pumping down hard enough to get all the fluid off, which is why they give her diuretics. Her lungs are filling with fluid and all the fluid in her body can affect other organs too. With all that fluid, it's harder for Zoey to do simple things ... which is why she gets so tuckered out just trying to drink her bottle and why her breathing is now faster, raspier, and you can see the pulling in under her chest. Zoey is having more and more feeds via her tube, they're really trying to conserve her energy. She has gained weight, but they believe it's not true weight gain - but rather just the fluid.

The plan now is that they're going to give her some sodium chloride (her levels were down, but her potassium was good! They tested her electrolytes as that's a side affect of the lasix, it not only gets rid of fluid but electrolytes too!) They're also going to give her a diuretic, probably the lasix tonight - but the doctor was going to get in contact with the cardiologist and talk about another diuretic. In the morning, they'll have an echocardiogram done on her to check things out. And, the doctor may talk to the cardiologist about medication, too.

I have to admit, things are getting harder. I've been a little more emotional. We keep seeing all these babies going home and my little Zoey just has to stay there - it's difficult. She's such a precious blessing and I just want her to be alright! Today was hard, but we got to sit with the doctor and other lady (all these titles, I have not a good memory) today for over an hour and a half and we left feeling grateful for the time they spent with us and the questions they answered! Keep praying for our precious baby girl and this path we're all on with her!

on a more fun note, here's some pics of Zoey with Nana and then with Granddaddy!