Another big step forward

Today I took Gabe for his xray to monitor his diaphragm patch and then we waited to get the cd so we could take it along to his appointment with Dr. Rouse. The news really couldn't be any better. When Dr. Rouse walked into the room, he asked the routine question - how was Gabe? I replied "He's doing great, in fact we haven't used his feeding tube since February 19th". He paused, then smiled and replied, "Are you trying to tell me something?". After the usual exam and review of Gabe's weight (he has gained about 2 lbs since our last appointment, about 3 months ago) and review of the xray, Dr. Rouse agreed that there was nothing to be gained from leaving the button in and out it came! He (Dr. Rouse) told us that tubes left in 6 to 9 months (Gabe's has been in 8 months) usually close completely in about 10 days with no trouble. There is still a chance it won't and we are supposed to call if there is anything leaking from the hole in two weeks. He felt confidant enough it would heal that we aren't scheduled to see him again until late September! We will still get xrays every six months for a while yet, I am not sure how long, but I think for at least the first few years.

We also got the results of the echocardiogram we had last months and apparently it was perfect, just like the xray. Everything seems to be as it should. The inward sternum remains the only significant concern (aside from the obvious monitoring of the patch). After Gabe was undressed and we were waiting for Dr. Rouse, Josh was holding Gabe with his hands under his arms and around his ribcage. He noticed that Gabe's right ribcage seemed to jut out more than the left, or the left is more inward, depending on the correct perspective. Neither of us had noticed this before and we pointed it out to Dr. Rouse. He said it was likely related to the patch and something we would just have to watch. Down the road we may have to face some sort of surgery for that inward sternum, or the patch, but for today we are celebrating another milestone in an already incredible journey. Thanks for continuing to come along. We know you are celebrating with us.