Tomorrow, Nicholas will probably be given his first dose of Decadron (dexamethasone). Dr. Harlan and Dr. Cox will come to a conclusion as to what steroid and what method to use for Nicholas but more than likely it will be Decardon. Unfortunately, Nicholas is still on the ventilator and Monday he will be 7 weeks old. Dr. Cox and the other doctors have told us that studies show it's not good to have a person on a ventilator for long periods of time. Decadron is the steroid we didn't want Nicholas to have to take because it can slow down his brain growth but sometimes in life we only have 1 option. His brain and other organs, if they are slowed down at all, will catch up in time. Decadron is 10 times as powerful as the Hydrocortisone he's already been given and its sole purpose is to get babies off of ventilators. Dr. Cox also stated that Nicholas is big enough now that if he were to get off of the ventilator he would be able to breathe on his own. The reason why they're considering Decadron or any type of steroid is that Nicholas' oxygen needs have gone up in the last couple of days. Up until recently he was slowly being weaned down on his support but like before his needs have increased.
Like the title says this was a very tough decision to make but there aren't any other logical options at this time. I just pray God does not allow any further damage to my son.
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