[Mrs_Crystal_K]

Hi ladies,

Thank you all for thinking about me... Things are calming down a little bit around here... I had some SEVERE depression going on for the first week or so, but I am starting to feel a little better now... My OB has me on Ativan for when my anxiety gets really bad, but I'm trying to come off that as well... At least I'm not bawling 10 times a day anymore and having to gather all my strength just to get out of bed... I'm maybe crying once every-other-day now; I'll take that

My sweet Isaac is doing great, and he's made up the 3 ounces he originally lost, and is up to 2 pounds and 11 ounces now.. He's averaging about an ounce a day now (more or less)... He is already starting to fill out a little in his cheeks and his ears... He's learned how to suck on his binkie (which he loves) so we are trying to teach him to associate "sucking" with feeding time and a full belly (he'll be on a feeding tube for a few more weeks)... He sometimes has difficulties keeping his breathing up while he's sucking on a binkie, but he's learning He's also off the ventilator and CPAP and just on a very low flow oxygen. He had an ultrasound on his brain last week to look for any bleeding (common in pre-32 week preemies) but he was all clear. He is amazing

As for me, I started back and work this week (worked at home this week), but I'll be back in the office next week. I want to save all of my FMLA for when my sweet boy comes home. My office is also 5 minutes from the hospital so I can pop over and check on Isaac at lunch and then go over after work for his 5PM feeding and my normal "cuddle time."

I have my PET scan next week to see if there are any signs of the cancer left and to determine if I have to get radiation. They are leaning towards doing the radiation since I didn't get my last chemo treatment and due to the size of the original tumor they removed. The good thing is, if I have to get radiation I should be all done by the time Isaac comes home. And I'll do whatever they think I need to get this cancer gone for good.

Here are some more pictures of my sweet Isaac

7/16/12


7/19/12 (1 week old - first time being held by daddy)


7/20/12


7/24/12


7/25/12 (skin-to-skin)


7/26/12 (2 weeks old - 31 weeks gestational age)

[Blessed Mommy Of 5]

Crystal, thank you so much for updating us. I am so glad to hear that Isaac is doing wonderful and growing strong each day!! I can't believe you are already back working; but I don't blame you for wanting to save all of your FMLA for sweet baby Isaac!! I'm glad to hear when you go back to your office you will be so close to the hospital; that is comforting. You and Isaac and your family will stay in my thoughts and prayers. I am glad you are feeling better from your depression. You have gone through so much, and you have remained so strong through it all! You are truly an inspiration! I truly hope that your cancer is all gone and for good. Please continue to keep us updated.

I love those pictures!! Isaac is such an adorable and handsome baby boy You look beautiful, Mama!!

[MJTKNT]

So glad you and Isaac are doing well. He is so precious!

[LuxRuin]

OMG I am going to cry. He is so sweet!!!! And I am glad to hear you are both doing well. Keep on truckin' girl! He'll be home soon! Good idea about saving that FMLA for when he comes home!

[Lyz]

he's such a cutie!! Glad you are feeling better! My friend did the same as you (she delivered a 25 weeker) with going back to work and as hard as it was, it was worth it in the end so she could have lots of time with her son at home.

I have been thinking of you two so I'm happy you updated us. Keep us posted and you guys will be in my thoughts and prayers

[3Sapphires]

sounds like you are doing wonderfully! I can't beleive you are back to working already! Woman of STEAL!

I'm so happy to hear from you!!!

[sexypepsi25]

I'm glad your doing so well and he is soooo handsome! I was showing my dh your pictures and he said he is a fighter to be be this little and only on low oxygen. Please continue to update us when you have a chance I love looking at your pictures

[OatmealKisses]

I had horrible DDP after I had my son. Depression is one of the worst feelings in the world!!! I'm so glad they have found something to help you. I'm terrified about DDP after having Ayla, because I already have depression now with my husband being gone.

Your son is beautiful. He must be a real fighter.

[morethanamom4]

I'm so glad you've checked in. We've all been thinking about you. Isaac looks great! I know he's tiny but he looks like a strong little man. It's great that he's gaining

I hope you don't need the radiation, but at least it'll be done before he comes home.

[RunningMommyTo3]

Thank you so much for updating, Crystal!!! I'm crying looking at all the sweet pics. Isaac is such an amazing blessing and you are an incredibly strong mommy.

[Panda]

You and your baby boy are fighters!! He looks sooo amazing!! I will continue to pray for you and your son in the weeks ahead. I hope he will be able to come home soon and have real quality mommy baby time!

[momma_d]

Crystal you are SO awesome! You are totally justified to have crying spells whenever you want, you have been through so much these last 9 months and have stayed strong for so long!

He is soooooo gosh darned precious! I'm so glad he is doing well and I know he will just continue to grow big & strong!

Thank you for updating us and sharing your pictures!

[lovemyleah]

What an incredible baby boy you have, he is absolutely adorable and you look great! I hope you don't need the radiation, but whatever they need to do to make you healthy again. Thank you so much for the update!

[hotjai21]

aww look at those sweet beautiful lips!!

He looks so great! My baby brother was born at 32wks and weighed just under 4lbs, he was so tiny like that, though obviously not quite that tiny hehe.

I'm glad your doing better, feel free to vent to us anytime! I hope your PET scans are good! KUP on that! I hope he gets continues to grow and can come home soon!

[smashley8]

Crystal, I just have to say that you are amazing! And so is your baby boy!

[aquariussweety21]

Thank you for your update! I am so glad things are going well with you and your handsome little man. He is sooo cute. I cannot believe you are already going back to work, but I totally understand. It is nice that it is so close to the hospital so you can go see Mr. Isaac

[amazing_love]

I'm so glad you came to check in Crystal That's good that the meds are helping with the depression. PPD is the worst! It sounds like Isaac is doing well!! That's so great that you'll be able to use your time off with you sweet boy once he's home! I hope if you need the radiation that it will be as short and easy as possible for you.

For some reason i can only see 2 pictures but he is soooooo precious!!!

[karenwalter]

Thanks for the update! Issac is absolutely beautiful! I love all the pictures.

You are amazing for being back to work already. I'm glad that means you'll get some time with Issac after he gets home. KUP on how things are going.

[Kierasmom]

I'm glad you're both doing well! Love the pictures!

[alicenwonderland]

Hugs! I'm so glad to hear he's doing so well! Good luck with upcoming scans and please keep us posted on any progress.

I'm sorry you've been depressed, i really can't imagine not being. you've been through so much