Benjamin Chance is here!

As many of you know, Sherri and I recently had a new addition to our family. Benjamin Chance was born September 17, 2009 at 6:16 am. He was only 24 weeks old and weighed in at 1 pound, 5 ounces and was 12.25 inches long. Needless to say, he was extremely premature and very small. After 5 long months in the NICU, Benjamin was able to come home on February 10, 2010. Benjamin is doing great now and is moving on from his stay at the NICU. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers; we really appreciate it.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Matthew 21:22

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Ecclesiastes 11:5

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Day 10 - Infection Update

We figured out what was causing Benjamin's infection - e. coli. Obviously, this is a pretty serious infection, but Benjamin has been on general antibiotics for a few days and now on specific e. coli antibiotics, so hopefully he can beat it. It appears the source of his infection was from the lines going into his stomach for blood transfusions, i.v.'s, etc. These lines were going to be coming out in the next few days anyway, but since they were harboring the infection, they had to come out a little sooner than planned. These lines were removed today and he now has three lines going in him - one on both arms and one in his left leg.

The doctors have also been watching Benjamin's breathing; he was having difficulty maintaing a proper oxygen supply. It turns out an air sac in his right lung was punctured and this is caused by too much pressure going into the lungs. The doctors are treating this and we should know more tomorrow. Hopefully this will heal with minimal treatment. The doctors mentioned this happens with babies this small.

Benjamin has had a rough few days, but he is fighting. Everyone keeps saying be prepared, it's a roller coaster and we now know what they mean. Please keep us in your thoughts and say a prayer for Benjamin.

8 comments:

  1. He's beautiful! I love the hat. And I'll be here for whatever ya'll need. Just say the word. We've got alot of people on this end praying very hard for him. God bless ya'll.

    Hugs and kisses.
    Amy

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  2. He is beautiful! It is a bad roller coaster ride, the beginning and the end were the worst....the beginning you have no clue whats going on but after about 2 weeks or so you get into a routine and just go with it, then the end seems to drag on because you just want to get out of there! But as I said in my email please to hesitate to contact me if you need anything! But I will definitely read his blog often! AND pray our little hearts out! Lots of kisses and hugs from Pa.
    Mere

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  3. What a sweet boy. It is so hard to adjust to this life, but you'll soon know more than you ever realized you could know. If Benjamin's PDA is closed this soon that is fantastic! Rhys had so many problems with his lungs because it took an incredibly long time for his to close on its own, and the doctors kept putting surgery off. Hopefully that will keep the fluid off his lungs and help him get off the vent sooner. I'm so glad you decided to start a blog. It is very helpful for you guys, but it is also Rhys's baby book more or less. We still go back and read what we went through and are amazed our little guy was such a fighter. Don't doubt these kids, they do amazing things. God bless! Candice, Cody & Rhys

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  4. I found your blog through another preemie blog. My son was born at 26 weeks and was at Women's. Your baby is in good hands there, the doctors and nurses are wonderful.
    My son is now a happy, healthy 4 year old. These tiny babies are fighters. I am praying for your family.

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  5. Thinking of you and your family!! Praying Benjamin gets stronger every day! - STamatina Waltz

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  6. Hi Sherri,
    I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for Benjamin and you and Todd. Please know that you will continually be in my prayers. Our Lord is at work in Benjamin little life. Keep on keeping on in your faith.
    Michelle (Amy's Mom)

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  7. Sherri and Todd - you and Benjamin are in my thoughts and prayers. He's precious, beautiful and I know he's one tough cookie. Sending lots of love y'alls way.
    Sara U

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  8. We love you and are praying for you and Ben!

    Love, Tim and Christina

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