let's get a second opinion, Lindsay's bday, and Halloween

The weekend started out with a visit to a new GI doctor at TCH. What an experience it was! I had to go alone this time because Greg has a job to hold up :) I knew Luke had a stinky diaper when we got there, so I thought I would change it quickly before we were called back. Right when I got everything out to do the change, his name was called. I scooped everything up in my arms, including Luke and headed toward the door when I felt some nasty warmth on my arm. Oh dear. Luke had a mega blowout...the biggest one ever. It was soaked through the entire leg and back of his outfit. (which was super cute and weather appropriate) Thank goodness the nurse was sweet and helped clean him up (an entire pack of wipes - no lie), rinsed out his clothes and put them in a plastic bag to go! I knew I had a onesie in his diaper bag, but little did I know it was entirely too small. I was super sad that our new doc. was going to have to meet Luke looking like this..seriously who would dress there baby in a cheapy short sleeved onesie (it was cold outside) that barely snaps...it pulled down so far you could almost see his full chest. Oh well...there was no other option.

Dr. L was very prompt in seeing us. We had a nice long conversation about Luke's condition. Basically he made me feel a whole lot better about doing the scope. He said that TCH is one of the only hospitals that has neonatal scopes. They are super tiny. He seemed rather confident that he could do this procedure without blistering Luke and that he would not biopsy his insides. He said that out ENT doc. still wanted to be in the OR to take a look in Luke's airways since he would already be under anestethia. I left the appointment feeling a little more at peace with the decision to go ahead and scope Luke. THAT WAS FRIDAY... I don't feel that way anymore.

On Monday, our nurse Susie was babysitting Luke. She said that there was red blood in Luke's spit up. I texted our pedi. Dr. J telling him about the blood and asked if I should be concerned. He texted back saying no and that he would call soon. While waiting on Dr. J to call, the GI doc called. I ended up telling him about the spit up. Without any questions, he immediately said the blood was probably coming from an ulcer or blister. He seemed more aggressive in wanting to book the OR. He also said that he was not convinced Luke even had reflux! WHAT!? I SAW the reflux myself on the upper GI!!! LONG STORY short, when Dr. J called be back about the blood in the spit up, his first question was, "has Luke happened to have a cold?" ME: yes
Dr. J: have you been bulb suctioning a lot
ME: yes
Dr. J: oh I bet the blood is from doing that too much. It is probably coming from above his esophagus. Bright red blood would not be coming from his stomach.
ME: THANK YOU FOR ASKING THAT!
After talking with Dr. J about the GI doc ... we decided to get a second opinion from an older, more experienced GI at TCH. Dr. J reminded me that our one goal is for Luke to eat better and continue to gain weight. He doesn't think that doing the scope tomorrow or in a few months makes a difference. We all know it will have to be done...but I just want Luke to grow a little before putting him through all of that!

Friday night, Julie and Mandi GRACIOUSLY offered to babysit Luke and James Thomas so we could celebrate Lindsay's birthday! THANK YOU THANK YOU Mandi and Julie for taking time away from your own families to watch our little boys! We had a wonderful evening eating LOTS of food at Maggiano's! Happy Birthday Lindsay...I am so THANKFUL for you!
Saturday night we went to a Halloween party at the Chambers house! It was hosted by the Chambers and the Garretts. It was so fun to see all of the kiddos dressed in their costumes. Next year will be more fun for Luke...we can trick or treat!

One more update...Luke has gotten 2 new blisters on his toes, 2 new ones are forming on his fingers, and UNFORTUNATELY, there are 2 on his precious CHIN!. I have been so hopeful for no blisters on his face. I pray no more form near it!

I am so thankful for our precious baby! I still am praying for a miracle of complete healing...thanks for praying with us!