Day 40: The numbers

Lily's requiring a bit more oxygen today than yesterday. Although docs weaned her down to 24% this morning - just a couple percent above room air - she's now requiring about 40% oxygen, up from 35% late this afternoon. The attending referred to something like this as a 'rebound', which occurs in some preemies that receive steroids. A rebound is when the lungs do very well while the betamethasone is administered, but then regress when the injections are complete. We try not to get too wrapped up in the numbers, but it's hard not to. The ups and downs... all the while, 21% is the goal. Lily just has very premature lungs, and they're having a tough time adapting, and a tough time pulling oxygen out of the air we breathe. Hopefully the 40% is just a fluke, and they've weaned her back down by tomorrow morning. After all... that's what Lily's story is all about - hope! It's worked out pretty well so far, so we're running with it.

Otherwise, Lily is still packing it on - she gained 50 grams last night! She weights 2lbs, 14oz - just a couple ounces away from 3 pounds!

We have a lot to be thankful for - Lily's still fighting, she's gaining, and she is still on the CPAP without added pressures! Thank you everyone for the prayers and well wishes - they continue to work miracles. Hopefully she's back down on the oxygen tomorrow morning!