<div>a post I never wanted to make - or ever thought I would be making. 

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<div>Caden Nicholas was born last Tuesday 9/23 - the perfect little smiley boy to turn our family of three to a family of four. His brothers and I were so happy he was finally here. 

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<div>Doctors and I noticed some delays with his bowel movements, but eventually he got things moving. We then noticed he wasn’t eating as much as he should - and what he was taking in he was puking up. We had an OT consult where I was informed his tongue was flat which was causing trouble swallowing but this could be corrected with some position changes and a bottle. We tried the changes - and he was still not able to eat much or keep anything down. He had stopped using the bathroom at this time as well. 

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<div>The doctors decided a tube for feedings would help at least get him some nutrients and help with dehydration. Sadly the puking did not stop and he was still not using the bathroom. 

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<div>Yesterday, after two days of the tube not helping they ran some additional tests including X-rays, this is where they noticed he had some bands around his bowel as well as some free floating air in his bowel. The doctors decided to reach out to the NICU team at Mass Gen for advice. They asked for some blood to be drawn and some fluids with a repeat Xray and to stop feedings completely. A couple hours later we did the xray - the bands and bubbles are still there. It was at this time they decided to transfer him to Mass Gen NICU via Mediflight. We got down here around 9PM last night and since then have seen a team of doctors and surgeons. He is being treated for NEC, this will include an intense dose of different antibiotics with repeat X-rays to watch the condition. 

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<div>Upon coming here I also learned that his blood culture was positive for an infection. He is on antibiotics for a blood infection awaiting a spinal tap to make sure it hasn’t traveled. Once they can pin point the blood infection he’ll be on antibiotics for that for 48 hours. They will then start a PIC line to get in the antibiotics and nutrients for the NEC.

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<div>He has an amazing team of doctors and nurses, as well as a surgical team on standby. 

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<div>As of right now he is looking at a ten day stay in Boston. 

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<div>This has been the most emotional - confusing week of my life. I am currently out on an unpaid maternity leave and while I did save up for it I did not expect the expense of traveling - being out of the house but making sure it’s still running. Making sure my older boys are taken care of and able to see their brother and I. Making sure my fur babies are taken care of. 

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<div>Luckily our village is big and most is under control - just looking for some help with making sure I’m able to get back and forth and be there for all three of my babies and stay on top of bills for the foreseeable future. 

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Crystallyn Castonguay

Caden Nicholas’ NICU Stay

Still $1,100 to go. Help us build momentum.