As mentioned in my last post, there were discussions around sending Norah back to South Davis Community Hospital. We had a care conference on Tuesday, where we discussed her current progress, ideas for treatments, goals both long-term and mid-term, as well as potentially sending her back to South Davis.The great news is that Norah is thriving. She is stronger than she was the last time she was at South Davis. She isn't quite so fragile, and is a happy, active, ray of sunshine. They've been running trials of lighter support on the vent, and she's been doing fantastic. Though her pulmonologist had originally guessed that she would only need the vent for a year, he thinks it could possibly take her until age two (give or take) until she could be free of the trach and vent. However, that doesn't mean it will take that long to get her home. We will continue to encourage growth and strength building, which is what needs to happen before she could come home. I honestly don't know when that will be.
It was with much discussion that we have decided Norah will transfer back to South Davis in two weeks, on May 29th. This is going to be emotionally challenging for us. Well, "emotionally challenging" may be an understatement. The PCMC staff have become our family. Of the nine months of Norah's life, she's probably spent eight there in the PICU. There will be lots of tears, but it does feel like the right thing to do. There will be many milestones to hit before Norah can come home, and going to South Davis seems to be one of them. We're feeling nervous and cautious, so please wish us all luck.
Could this face be any sweeter? She is my strong, beautiful girl.
Enough hair for a little pigtail... can you see it on the side?
Jeff was trying to have some cuddle time, but I distracted Norah with her first knitting lesson.
How wonderful that she is closer to coming home than ever and that she will be more local to your home. This is AMAZING news but I understand how you feel sad about leaving behind the original team that's looked after her. Norah has done so well under thier care that they all deserve medals (maybe big brother could make some as a parting gift to the nurses) and I mean that in the way they have been so sympathetic and helpful to you too. Nurses are severely overlooked far too often and you all had a good relationship with them over this time. Didn't you say that Norah had a favourite nurse? That will be a sad goodbye too but the bigger picture is that things are looking up! Big hugs to you all. xxx
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