transferrus interruptus

We were definitely on the schedule for transfer back to Elmira sometime this week.

Then, Ella had her eyes tested again on Tuesday - the results will keep us here for at least another week for re-testing. Ella was diagnosed with Stage 2, Zone 2 ROP (Retinopothy of Prematurity) and depending on how her eyes are progressing, she may need laser surgery. Another roadblock, but not derailled.

Other than her eyes, Ella has been doing very well with her feedings. She has now totally switched over to breast milk at about 2 ounces (52ccs) every four hours mostly through her feeding tube. We gave her a first taste of breast milk (a tiny 10ccs) in a bottle on Monday also, and she seems to like it. It will take her a while of practicing to coordinate the sucking and swallowing before she can take her full feeds by bottle or breast. As of today, we are up to 15cc bottles three times per day with the rest of her meal by tube.

They removed her final main IV line on Monday (that had been in place for 3 months), which is confirmation that her belly is working well and will not need further surgery. Relief. She still gets medications, but all of them are now given orally with her feeds. Much easier on the nurses also.

We are still not totally sure how long before we can take her home, but the end is in sight.

Her latest weight is 4lbs 12oz.

Love - Bill Denise Ella T