The Real Transfer Post

So today was a very big day.  Julia had been feeling a bit under the weather and when she woke up this morning she had pink eye and a pretty nasty cough. Zeb had planned to be here to help me pack up my room so I could transfer hospitals but he took Julia to the doctor instead. Since they had some time to kill they stopped at the store for a treat. Thank goodness Hostess was purchased out of bankruptcy. 

Since it's Monday it was time for another ultrasound. I wish I had better news to report, and I was really expecting my fluid levels to be at least the same, but the ultrasound indicated that I have just 2 cm of fluid left. Caleb is measuring 24 weeks which is great! After the ultrasound it was time to focus on transferring hospitals. The two hospitals that we had decided on were Baylor and Dallas Presbyterian.  Baylor is closer to Zeb's work so we were hoping for a transfer there for the sake of convenience. Unfortunately they were full and since my fluids were so low we decided not to wait for an opening at Baylor and go straight to Dallas Presbyterian. 

Around 11:45 we got the call that the transfer team would be there in 15 minutes!  Thankfully two sweet friends friends showed up just in time to help pack up the room and get me on my way. Onto the gurney I went and off in the ambulance I rode.

Once we arrived at Dallas Presbyterian the real fun began. They couldn't find the antepardem department so they wheeled me around the hospital for probably thirty minutes. I couldn't see where we were going and we kept going around corners.  Pretty soon I was nauseous  and just wanted to stop.  

Eventually I arrived safely in my room and got settled. The OB came and talked to me and we discussed some of the scenarios that we may be facing. While I'm glad that I'm now at a hospital with a NICU I'm not so excited about all the decisions that we're now facing. After speaking with the OB we went to another ultrasound with the maternal fetal medicine specialist. She confirmed that the fluid was at 2 cm and then we proceeded to have another conversation with scenarios that I realize are now part of reality, but I'd rather not discuss. Instead I will say that we have a short term plan and we will be working on our long term plan after speaking with the pediatrician tomorrow. The short term plan is to try to build up as much fluid as possible over the next few days. I'm 23 weeks today and on Saturday I can get a steroid shot to help Caleb's lungs to develop. If we can get to that point we will have made some great progress. Where we go from there will largely depend on the amount of fluid Caleb has and the risks he is facing from being premature.  

I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who are showing their love and support for us. The prayers, meals, help with the kids, visits and every other service has been is such a blessing to our family. 

As we left the hospital in rockwall I was overcome with emotion. The emotion I felt was an intense gratitude for SO many people. My doctor, who rushed to see me when I was leaving and cried with me as we said goodbye, the sweet and caring nurses who took such good care of me, and the friends and family that have been so amazing. Gratitude for the countless prayers said on our behalf, the endless service given every day, and the love we feel from so many people.  

(Dr. Gillean was in her office in Rockwall when she got word that I was transferring in 15 minutes. She rushed into the room and made it just before they got me on the stretcher. I'm so glad Angie took a picture.)

Elder Uchtdorf (a leader in our church) said, "We acknowledge that your path will at times be difficult. But I give you this promise in the name of The Lord: Rise up and follow in the footsteps of our Redeemer and Savior, and one day you will look back and be filled with eternal grattitude that you chose to trust the Atonement and it's power to lift you up and give you strength." My Brother in law sent that to me on Monday and I find comfort in those words.

Another day down. 

Xoxo

Me (and Zeb, we both typed this one)