3.3.06: not RSV, but ...

Mason was admitted to Sutter Memorial late this afternoon for some sort of virus yet to be determined. Yes, Mason! Our big boy, the one that looks so strong and healthy on the outside. Those preemie lungs are still in there. Even with all the precautions we've taken to keep our guys from being exposed to germs, something has apparently found it's way in.

Avery is home and currently doing really well. We truly hope he's avoided this, whatever it is. If it took over Mason's body as rapidly as it did, I can only imagine what this would do to poor Avery's little lungs.

Mason's chest xray at the pediatrician's office this morning reavealed no sign of infection or pneumonia, and a nasal swab showed negative for RSV. After he was admitted and settled in this evening, he had some blood drawn and another chest xray. We hope to learn more soon. Meanwhile, he's on an antibiotic as a precaution, as well as a steroid. He's also receiving fluid through an IV to rehydrate his body. He didn't eat anything at all today and dropped a lot of weight already. He is also getting blow-by oxygen (notice the high-tech Dixie cup?) to help keep his O2 saturation levels up. We tried a nasal cannula, but he didn't want to have anything to do with it.

It's a little scary, but we believe Mason will bounce back quickly. Mary's staying with him tonight, while I'm home with Avery.

We're very fortunate to be getting some extra nursing support at home which is allowing us to both be with Mason for a while as we get things figured out. We know Mason will be there for at least the weekend.

more later ...