Support Registry Update

12.17 - The NICU Rollercoaster

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The Hassey Family
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It’s been a few days without an update, and honestly…it’s because I’ve been struggling for words. We’ve been riding the NICU rollercoaster. 

Dottie had an amazing weekend. She was able to leave her oxygen support behind and move to room air. To top it off, she crushed 8 full bottles in a row at feeds and was able to have her tube removed. By Sunday, her face was completely freed and it was very exciting. She was doing so well that we were actually starting to talk about discharge as early as Wednesday (today). And then early Monday morning she had 5 desat events between 1:30am and 6:50am, 3 of which dropped into the 30s. I felt like I could have punched a hole through a wall. 

We have been reset to day 1 of 5 for “spell watch”…twice now. Dottie girl has to go 5 days without any desat events lower than 80 that last 10 seconds or more in order to go home. 

We are so close, and we have started doing all of the things in preparation to bring Dottie home maybe early next week, but it still feels so far away. I don’t trust it. I don’t want to keep getting my hopes up only to have them shot back down again. But oh how I pray that she’ll be home for Christmas. 

If I’m being honest, I’m also terrified to bring Dottie home. She doesn’t just come home like a normal baby. She will be coming home with oxygen and a monitor in order to be safe during sleep, 2 seizure meds, 1 subcutaneous injection med for her sodium levels, a special bottle for her cleft lip and palate, countless scheduled follow-up appointments and two scheduled surgeries, along with instructions on what a clinical seizure can look like and when to call 911. It is overwhelming to think that when she comes home this is all our responsibility. 

Oh, the rollercoaster. The emotions I cycle through on a daily basis. I’m ready but I’m not ready. I want her home but under different circumstances. When I hoped and prayed for that pregnancy test to be positive, this is not what I hoped and prayed for. Now I hope and pray our girl can make it through 4 more days without any desat events. Now I pray our family can all be together for Christmas. 

Kara Hassey
about 2 months ago

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Comments

Liz Cone

Praying that God will graciously orchestrate Dottie’s discharge from the hospital before Christmas and that His Spirit will fill you with courage, peace, and unity as you navigate meeting all of Dottie’s unique needs at home! He has blessed her with the best parents ❤️
  • about 2 months ago

Karen Rugg-Klapheke

I am praying with you❤️
  • about 2 months ago

Aleasha Amos

Praying for all of you constantly!! Gods plans and timing do not always make sense, and sometimes faith and patience are challenging, but we have to trust him!
  • about 2 months ago

Sara Mendez

Praying the Lord will show you His Grace and mercy and give you the peace that only He can. His timing is always perfect, even when we cannot see it in the moment. Praying for Dottie girl to be strong and for you both to feel ready and prepared for her homecoming. ❤️
  • about 2 months ago

Valerie D

Praying with you that Dottie will have no events and that she can come home for Christmas. Regardless of when she does get released, she will be coming to a home filled with love. You’ve already shown what great parents you are and I’m confident that Charlie will make sure you take care of Dottie the right way. 🙂
  • about 2 months ago

Carol Gaertner

Oh My Kara, Mike, Charlie, Chuck and Kelly, I cannot fathom or imagine the emotional, spiritual and physical roller coaster. God alone knows. Please know you are all in our prayers. We pray she will maintain and stop the yo-yo ride as it's obvious she's trying. You all be strengthened knowing God is in control. Love ❤️ and prayers and hugs and kisses all around.
  • about 2 months ago

Jane Porter

Kara, I bet if you think about it you were a little "terrified" when you first brought Charlie home. Most new mothers are at the prospect of being solely responsible for a new baby. God did not leave you with Charlie and he will NOT leave you with little Dottie. She is exactly where she needs to be for God's plan. I am praying for Dottie, her doctors, nurses and care team. I am also praying for you, Mike and Charlie.
  • about 2 months ago

Lorraine Smith

May the Lord give you the strength and wisdom needed to navigate this journey with Baby Dottie. I'm praying for a sweet Homecoming and a very Merry Christmas.
  • about 2 months ago

Linda Hassey

Oh Kara what a beautiful testimony of the work the Holy Spirit is doing in your lives. Your strength and grace is amazing. Praying daily for all of you.
  • about 2 months ago
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