It appears Ruby might be ready to come off ECMO. They are still conditioning her lungs and trying to get them as open as possible. Then tonight they will start weaning down her ECMO support. If everything goes well she will be taken off tomorrow. They won't take her off if she's not ready, it's all up to Ruby. The one catch is once she's off she can't go back on. Once the cannulea are out they can't be put back in. While we are excited to be moving forward, this is a very scary step. Ruby has been on life support for 25 days and we've grown accustomed to it. We've been warned that the 1st 48 hours off will be touch and go. Not unlike the first 2 days after she was born only this time we don't have the ECMO security blanket.
I am either going to have the best Mother's day ever or the worst.
Ok Ruby, time to show off
Ok Ruby, time to show off all the amazing things your right lung can do. Sweetheart - you can do this - and you and your momma are going to have the best Mother's Day ever!!! Show little Gabriela what she can do, too!
((HUGS)) and love from St. Louis,
Tami, Chuck, and Aisling
We're all rooting for her.
We're all rooting for her. You have the best team of doctors and nurses in the world...they won't take her off ecmo unless they are absolutely sure, just like you said. one step at a time, one moment at a time, one day at a time. We're all here with you, rooting for Ruby and keeping you in our thoughts. Love and hugs from IA.
I'm betting your mother's
I'm betting your mother's day will be the best. Ruby is strong and while ecmo is scary, the doctor's wouldn't let her come off it if she wasn't ready. This is the next step to Ruby healing and you are absolutely in our prayers.
I have been following Ruby's
I have been following Ruby's journey, and praying for you all. I will pray pray pray for the best mother's day ever for you...know that Ruby has a lot of followers and people pulling for you all...God Bless...
That's pretty scary, Holly
That's pretty scary, Holly but hopefully, you'll all know if she's really ready.
I love what Pam said about the triathlon. I'm pretty much doing the same thing with finishing my masters. I keep telling myself that if Ruby can make it this far, then my work is doable, too. I fly off to Michigan on Tuesday and I'll be thinking about you guys the entire time I'm gone.
I, too, really, really hope this is the best Mother's Day ever. :)
Lots of love!
Missy, Larry and Anthony
will beef up on all the
will beef up on all the positive thoughts!
Ruby will let ya know if she's ready!
Here's to a positive happy mother's day! You deserve it!
Sending you love and
Sending you love and COURAGE, Holly-- I think about you daily.
That's great news that she's
That's great news that she's doing well enough for this! It makes sense that you're feeling both excited and scared. I will be praying extra hard for Ruby, and for you two. You can do this little one!
I have been training for my first triathlon for a couple of months, and learning to really swim for the first time in my life. Every time I've practiced swimming since she's been born, I have thought of Ruby as I've worked on my breathing technique. I always tell myself that I'm "breathing for Ruby" and I send positive energy her way. And, when I think of Ruby, I gain strength from her also.
The Triathlon is on Sunday, and I'm going to do it in honor of Ruby. It may sound silly and meaningless, but I will use that time to meditate on Ruby and focus on her in thought and prayer as her little body takes on this challenge.
Sending all my positive energy and prayers your way,
Pam
Wow. I hope this weekend is
Wow. I hope this weekend is a turning point in the really, really good way.
Go Ruby go! I really hope
Go Ruby go!
I really hope you have the best Mothers Day ever!!! Keeping you in my thoughts!