Andrew was diagnosed with Erythroid (M6) Acute Myeloid Leukemia on November 4th, 2010 when he was almost 5 months old. Andrew is currently in remission from his cancer, after finishing his 5 rounds of chemotherapy. He is a healthy, happy toddler.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Time to breathe a little easier

In the PICU the respiration specialists put Andrew on a special machine. It is nasal canula (no intubation needed) which humidifies the air a bit. This allows them to bump up the liters per minute oxygen he gets by about 4 fold. Basically it pushes a little bit of extra oxygen in the lungs so that he has to use less energy to inhale. His breathing is much less labored and and his respiration went from 11o to now around 70. This is a very good thing!!! Rather than just needing to be held all the time he actually sat up (with a little help) and played with the stuff around him for a few minutes. We aren't out of the danger zone yet, but we are breathing a little easier. :)

9 comments:

  1. I'm glad he is improving. He has been on my mind all day and in my prayers!

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  2. We are thinking of you guys. I hope he keeps doing better! Thank you for keeping us updated.

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  3. Thanks so much for posting so quickly! We've been so worried for little Andrew! So glad to hear that he is making progress. I'm sure you are grateful that you're in a place where they handle things like this all the time. We will keep praying for a quick return to ICS! We love you guys!
    --Marie

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  4. So glad you posted tonight...have been praying with you. April, by the way, had neupogen shots because of her low white count, and remembers the aching pain they caused in her bones, so she empathizes with Andrew! ~KB
    PS: Hope you found the lemons, and can look forward to a glass of lemonade, or slices in your water as you relax and recover from this difficult time.

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  5. thanks for all the updates! andrew (and you guys!) have been constantly in our thoughts and prayers. i'm glad to hear some positive news. i'm sure each step forward helps you guys breathe a little easier, too!

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  6. I'm so so sorry that he had to go down there, but it does sound like a good thing, and that they can do more for him down there than up in ICS. We pray that it will pass soon and you will return to familiar faces. I'll be up tomorrow.

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  7. Lizzie & Stew,
    I have been following Andrew's fight these many months and am constantly amazed by you two. What an impossible struggle...yet you have remained (outwardly at least) stalwart and brave. You sound like you have your doctorates in Oncology AND Parenting.
    If you would like a visitor, I would love to come see you. I have time tomorrow afternoon. I could bring you some food, or just come and sit. I'm not sure how to get ahold of you, so if you'll send me a message on FB I can get int ouch that way.

    My prayers will coninue to be with you and precious little Andrew. He really is so beautiful!

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  8. I am glad he is doing better. I hope he bouces back fast so you can keep your room with the view. Im praying for you guys!!
    Tabitha

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  9. I love the name of your blog. I believe it was a talk by President Uchdorf.? Our prayers are with your family and son. My niece has cancer so we read Rachels blog. Many prayers

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