Update #4 - March 10, 2003
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Dear Friends,
I have great news to report!
Over the weekend, the doctors became concerned that Alexander might have hydrocephalus, which is an excess of fluid in the brain, and that Zachary might have suffered from bleeding in his brain. My good news is that ultrasounds performed today show that neither of these conditions is present! Every day these little boys provide another testimony to the power of prayer. Thank you for remembering our boys, and praise God for watching over them.
Ready for more good news? The boys had their first eye exams today, and their still-developing eyes are off to a great start. Alexander's eyes are in excellent condition, and Zachary's eyes are in good condition. Zachary showed some less-than-perfect areas that could develop into problems later on, but the doctors are on top of it and ready to treat any abnormality that may arise.
In general, Alexander looks better with each day. He was the sicker of the two, and will be recovering from lung disease for the next 1-2 years (yes, YEARS). He's still on pain medication and will be on the ventilator for another couple of weeks. He started taking breast milk this week (via a stomach tube) and eats almost 2 oz a day.
Zachary was off the ventilator for most of last week, but was put back on after coming down with an intestinal infection on Friday. A test for meningitis produced mixed results, leaving a question as to whether he also has meningitis. To be safe, the doctors are treating him as if he has meningitis, but they aren't too concerned. Regardless, meningitis can be very serious and we ask that you remember this in your prayers. Zachary should be feeling well enough by the end of the week to resume breast milk and come off the ventilator once more.
Both boys weigh 2 pounds, 5 ounces. The goal for this week is for them to start eating more and to put on some weight! We are hopeful the boys will come home in about two months.
Several photographs are posted at our website, and we post new pictures there at least once a week. The website is located at the following address:
http://www.rathjengroup.com/personal.htm
Please continue to lift up these boys in your prayers.
Tom and Nicole