They told me to expect a roller coaster…but Struthers’ first 48 hours were so smooth, we all thought we had escaped the really dangerous stuff. Until yesterday, which was filled with incredible highs and incredible lows. Our strong little man endured a pic line placement, 3 spinal taps, an echo, antibiotics, IV needing replacement 3 times, ventilator settings needing increase, then weaning off, umbilical line removal, red blood cell transfusion and THREE platelet transfusions, all while fighting a nasty blood infection and trying to grow together the little hole in his heart. AND HE’S SUCH A CHAMP! He’s feisty and lets us know when he needs to be suctioned or when something’s just not right, but he’s pretty mellow and easy going too. In fact, his physicians say he’s just like his Mommy because he really should be much sicker than he’s acting. We are waiting now for the spinal tap results that will tell us whether the infection crossed the blood-brain barrier…in other words, is it meningitis now? No one thinks it’s the case right now, simply because he’s acting so well, but they’re also not counting it out because they’ve figured out that he’s stubborn like his Mommy and Daddy and just keeps doing what he knows to do.
Add to this the fact that Eli was really sick yesterday, and needed to stay away so that we can remain healthy and visiting the NICU. But my heart hurt because I just needed him yesterday. I needed both of my men to be OK.
Now for the highs…Struthers’ color looks great now, he enjoys it when they roll him on his side or tummy. Mommy’s favorite part of the day is also Struthers’ favorite part. It’s when we swab a bit of milk onto his lips and into his mouth. He’s currently getting Mommy’s milk and an electrolyte mix through a feeding tube, but they want him to develop the taste as well. So they let me swab it to him, and it’s the best thing in the world to see him open his mouth and then smack his lips very satisfied. And yesterday just hours after getting the antibiotic that will help this raging infection, he opened both eyes and looked at us long and hard for the very first time. He was so intently watching me and following my voice, and there seemed to be so much wisdom and love he was communicating with those little eyes. He has some amazing nurses and each shift begins with a little bartering over who gets Struthers today–he really is a little heartbreaker. He’s also back up to his birthweight and is on his way to being a two-pounder!
Thanks for continued prayers– Cami, Eli & Struthers
Comments imported from CaringBridge (41 comments):
Sending prayers your way!
—Kimberly Williams, November 30, 2014
All the Dillards are praying for you and your precious family! It will be a long journey but you know very well the One who will walk with you and carry you and nudge you each step of the way!
—Susan Dillard, November 29, 2014
So glad to find your page here! This will make it so much easier to follow Struthers’ progress…we love you!
—Heather George, November 28, 2014
Praying for healing for this sweet baby. I know that God has a purpose for Struthers in this world. Cami, we don’t know each other, but Mallory and I have been good friends since high school. I believe that even though this is a bad situation to be in as a mom, you’re not going to be broken by it. Instead, you’re going to be made stronger. My family and I will continue to send prayers to you all.
—Stephanie Rushin, November 23, 2014
Continuing to pray for you, Eli and Struthers. He is such a strong boy. Small but mighty! Hope Eli is feeling better to and able to be back with you soon. Hugs!
—Lisa Lindley, November 22, 2014
Praying for you all Cami!
—Deanna O’NEAL, November 22, 2014
Cami, your little family remains in our thoughts and prayers, as well as with the Kinchafoonee Primary prayer warriors! My Mandi works as a speech pathologist in the NICU at MCG in Augusta, and says that she sees babies Strut’s age doing really well. Both Brooke and Mandi are thinking of you too! Dale Ammons daughter Amanda had preemie twins that weighed 9 oz less, and they are doing well in first grade this year! Our God and modern medicine can work miracles, and we pray that they will continue. Love you! Miss Susie
—Susie Hatfield, November 22, 2014
Keep up the hard, good work, little Struthers! We’re cheering for you…
—Lyn Chivvis, November 22, 2014
I don’t know you, but Kourtney Troili Tye is my niece in love !! Praying for all of you !!
—Julie Wood, November 22, 2014
Lots of prayers and positive thoughts coming your way. God is holding that Little One in the palm of His mighty hand.
—Terri Neff, November 21, 2014
Struthers must have a little of his Grandmother in him too! Love and prayers to all!
—Kim Conley, November 21, 2014
OH! Thank you for posting this Cami and Eli! So many people praying for you all and especially little mighty man Struthers! I even have a blanket for him made by the mother of a friend of mine for him!
—Sharon Samuelson, November 21, 2014
Hugs are being sent your way Cami, Eli and Struthers. Praying for you all.
—Adrienne Hamlin, November 21, 2014
Praying for all of always. We know that God has this in his hands and will be with you thru this. Just know we love you and will be praying for you always.
—Betty Floyd, November 21, 2014
We are always thinking about you, Struthers and Eli. We wish you all the very best. Thank you for the updates. Please let Eli know if he needs help with anything to please let us know. Stay strong and get as much rest as you
can. We miss you.
—linda lough, November 21, 2014
Cami and Eli, Billy and I are fervently praying for you both and Struthers. Love you and your family.
—Joy Breeden, November 21, 2014
Continuous prayers for you all! The NICU rollercoaster is so very challenging. We do know exactly what you’re dealing with. Hold tightly to your faith and trust – fortunately you have lots of both. Thank you for the updates. We think about your a lot, and you are awakening many memories.
—Judith Jergensen, November 21, 2014
We are praying for you all every day!
—Evania Ku, November 21, 2014
Thank you of the update. Some days it will be moment by moment. I am praying that God supplies all of you with the strength you need each moment and that He continue to surround Struthers with His healing embrace. What a special moment when he followed your voice.
—Delynn Roberts, November 21, 2014
Saying prayers every day! Happy one week birthday !
—Marie Pipkins, November 21, 2014
Praying daily for all of you! Happy one week birthday!!
—Marie Pipkins, November 21, 2014
I know this is so tough but God has you three on the path you need to be on.. I’m thinking and praying of you all
—Angela dougan, November 21, 2014
My prayers are for you, Eli and Struthers.
—Ann Alvis, November 21, 2014
So many things to say starting with telling Eli to get well quickly. So sorry. I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for him to stay away. Next…I had tears reading about Struthers watching you…awww. Fabulous that
he is tasting your milk. What a fabulous story. He is certainly holding on tight. May God give all of you the strength you need to get through these stressful days. Many hugs and prayers on your roller coaster ride.
—Catherine Rice, November 21, 2014
We are praying for you, Eli and your sweet baby boy! If there are specific needs, please post.
—Susan Hill, November 21, 2014
God bless your family!
—Theresa Myers, November 21, 2014
Your mother family was a great friend to our family. Coni,was one of my 4-H’s. I am continually lifting you and your baby up in prayer. God is good and will bless the two of you. You need your rest so take advantage of the time you have. My first grandchild (Parker ) my daughter baby. He was a preemie too. I think he weighedbetween 3 and 4 lbs. My Prayers are for you,baby, and rest of family. Love, Nancy Parker
—Nancy Parker, November 21, 2014
Thank you Cami and Eli for letting us into your heart and soul, and for letting us follow Struthers growth progress. Continuing prayers and good wishes for all of you and this tremendous journey.
—Rose Sturdevant, November 21, 2014
Good news along with the valleys. We continue to pray for all three of you!
—Sarah Brenner, November 21, 2014
Praying for you all.
—Christy Greene, November 21, 2014
We are glad we can follow the updates on you, Cami, and your little Struthers, and anything else we can pray for. We are thanking the Lord for a bit of good news and for the winsome, fighting spirit of Struthers. Keeping you in our prayers.
—Larry and Lois Showalter, November 21, 2014
Thank you for the update. I was unaware of all the hurdles you & Struthers were dealing with, and am thankful that you’re both handling these hurdles so well. We love you and are praying for you, Struthers & Eli…
—Allison Yeomans, November 21, 2014
hang in there Cami and Eli know that I have all the Friedman families praying for Struthers, I pray daily to St Anthony, the Blessed Virgin, St Rita and St Ann for Struthers. I had a manager that had a 14 oz. baby girl also, and now she is in the third grade and is completely healthy, I can’t wait until you can do the kangaroo touch with Struthers, he a tough little guy, God will protect him. God Bless.
—doreen friedman, November 21, 2014
Your family is in my prayers daily.
—bobbie powell, November 21, 2014
Praying for you all! What a precious little fighter!
—Whitney Srouji, November 21, 2014
Hi Cami……I just had to share this with you. My Daddy weighed not quite two pounds when he was born ‘back in the day’ in 1913. I have the washstand that was used to dip him in cold water….then hot water right after he was born. They kept him in front of the stove to keep him warm. He lived 80 years…..was quite an athlete and no doubt God had a plan for him just as He has for Struthers. All of you continue to be in my prayers for better health and total healing and recovery. Love you, sweet girl!! Sending you a hug…..(((0))) *** The name should have read Joan Gaines Burns 🙂
—Joan Gaines, November 21, 2014
Hey cami! Praying for your family!
—Katie Rycroft, November 21, 2014
Your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love you much
—Marie Grebel, November 21, 2014
Praying for you each step of the way!
—Becca Hinson Jones, November 21, 2014
Dear Cami, Eli, and Struthers, what a day you all had yesterday! We’ll be praying that from now on things are not so stressful and that all three of you are healing and that little bit will grow stronger with each passing hour. We love y’all and you are always in our thoughts and prayers!
—Greer Alley, November 21, 2014