Monday, April 21, 2008

A More Clear Understanding of the Process

Good Afternoon Dear Ones,

One of the specialists on Ethan's team of oncologists came in to chat this morning (this is a different doctor from yesterday), and explained the "next steps" for our Ethan. He let us know that Ethan's spleen has continued to decrease in size and his blood levels remain in good shape. This makes day two that Ethan has not needed any type of blood transfusion.... which is great. And since this was a different doctor than yesterday, I decided to ask him what the "plan" would be if Ethan happened to receive a miracle and be cured of this disease. He said that even if Ethan's blood showed signs of remission and recovery, they would still move towards the bone marrow transplant. He said the transplant will not really ever be "off the table".


This type of disease requires completion of the full treatment plan, and there's really nothing that would stop them from continuing to move forward - even if he showed great (or full) improvement. In fact, full improvement (no new cancer cells in his body) is really what they want to happen right before a bone marrow transplant anyway. I told him that we were praying and believing for a miracle and he kind of smiled at me and said that I should do whatever I need to do to stay "positive" (I'm sure he thought I was naive for believing he'd be healed outside of regular treatment).

So then I asked, if he DID get miraculously healed, then what would happen? He said we would still continue the maintenance type of chemotherapy (medicine by mouth once a day for 10 days, then take a 10 day break, then start again...that process starts this evening) and do the bone marrow transplant as soon as a donor is lined up and ready. He said that long term survival (after treatment) with this type of rare disease is really a miracle in itself.

So...

Do I still believe Ethan will be healed? Yes!
Do I still believe his healing will be a miracle of the Lord? Yes!

Since this disease is so rare, every step of the process of treatment is so risky, and you're never guaranteed a positive result.... then the very fact that Ethan could go on to live a normal, healthy life IS INDEED a miracle. And that's what I know will happen for him. That's the peace I have.

I don't want to limit how God wants to heal, and it looks like the bone marrow transplant is inevitable (which means we will have to endure the ups and downs of this process for many months to come), so just continue to pray that they find a donor match very quickly and that the Lord's healing would continue to happen in Ethan's body every step of the way.

However God wants to conduct his miracle in Ethan, I am fine with it and I'm excited that I know it's coming!

It is coming. And when that day comes, you all will be the first to know. But, it could be several months down a long, hard road... so keep the faith. Keep praying. And keep feeling our love for all of you!

Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Adam and Kasey, I'm so touched by your confidence and faith in the Lord!! It truly has challenged me to simply, yet completely trust in Him! God is so good, and I know that He will be glorified in your response to this trial in your lives. We continue to pray all the time. Please let us know what we can do to help. We love you all and pray that precious Ethan remains strong and stable. Molly

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to let you know what a true blessing it is to get to read about how the Lord is taking care of Ethan and showing His mercies on a daily basis. I have no doubt that the Lord will fully heal Ethan, in His time, in His way.

My family and friends across the country are all praying for you guys, and I'm sure many of them have spread the word as well! Keep strong in the faith!

With love,

Jimmy Smith

Moz + Pam said...

Kasey, I believe the Lord USED the doctors to heal my breast cancer through surgery, chemotherapy & radiation. I KNOW it's the Lord that directed the doctors, so it's the LORD that actually HEALED me!
The LORD will USE Ethan's doctors to heal him, too! Psalm 103:2 & 3-
"Bless the Lord O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who HEALETH all thy DISEASES."

Anonymous said...

Kasey, Adam and Ethan,
I can't tell you what a blessing your family has beed to our family! Your faith has inspired us to increase our faith and to pray like never before! Your precious son is being used mightily for God. Kasey, I can't explain it but ever since I heard about Ethan's situation, I knew God would heal him! It is so peaceful to know that God IS going to do a miracle!!!! We are praying with that kind of faith! I am so proud of you and Adam for your testimony! I know I've only met you on several occasions, but I feel like we are close sisters in Christ. If there is ever anything you need, please let us know!
Lord, please be with this precious family, and show them your marvelous hand! Give them grace, mercy and peace not just day by day, but moment by moment! Heal Ethan's body for your honor and glory!
God has used your family to show our family how God truly does answer prayers!
Fervently praying,
Zach and Cathy Lang

Linsey said...

Kasey, isn't dealing with all these doctors fun?!? That is what I ment when I said don't ride the emotional rollercoaster. Some doctors come in perky and upbeat, others come in with lots of book knowledge and little bedside manner, let alone faith. I am praying and expecting a healthy normal life for little Ethan, and I won't let any doctor sway that faith. I do have a question. How long is Ethan expected to be in the hospital? Will he be able to do some of the treatments from home, or will you need to wait until after the transplant? I love and am again blessed by your blog.

Shirley said...

GOD IS GOOD!
We read your website everyday for the update on little Ethan. Your faith is so inspiring and sincere.
We continue to pray for your family and little Ethan for the days ahead but as you say God can work miracles and we have to continue the prayers.

Carrie Comstock said...

I prayed Psalm 41:1-3 for Ethan today. Thank you for your update and your continued faith.
Love,
Carrie

FordeFam said...

Praying in expectation...
<3 Maia

Natalie Ezelle said...

You're right, God can do anything! God has given you abundant strength Kasey, and it is awesome to read about and be strengthened by. God is already using Ethan's situation for his glory. I know he has in my life to rebuke me almost daily when I complain or act discontent. And I know He is using it in others lives as well. We are all just going to keep praying, daily. Our faith can move mountains!

How is Sarah? Do you see her everyday?

Megan said...

Amen Sister! You are 100% correct. God has placed these feelings in your heart, he is telling you to trust him to heal Ethan. We will pray for God to give us a true miracle and completely heal Ethan. You are such a wonderful daughter in the Lord, you are teaching all of us to put every bit of faith we have in our Lord and believe. There is nothing to big for God. You ask, you shall recieve.
God Bless! We will keep the faith. I do believe you will be strolling Ethan in his stoller with the sun in his face.
Megan

Anonymous said...

Friends from Central Christian Academy are praying for you! Thanks for the frequent updates on the blog, and for your precious spirit of unwavering faith. We wanted to share a poem that was a blessing to us during a time of trial, hope it is a blessing to you as well.


God hath not promised
Skies always blue
Flower -strewn pathways
All our lives through
God hath not promised
Sun without rain
Joy without sorrow
Peace without pain
But God hath promised
Strength for the day
Rest for the labor
Light for the way
Grace for the trials
Help from above
Unfailing sympathy
Undying Love

I'm not sure who the author was.
His grace and strength is already witnessed in your postings! We will continue to pray for you!
~friends in Bristol

Eden said...

We're praying for Ethan and for God's will to be done.

Anonymous said...

Kasey,
I too am believing in a miracle for Ethan! We have to keep professing our faith in Him and He will lead us in the way that we should go! Love you girl! Kiss that baby for me!! Audrey

Julie Nickerson said...

We are praying for you guys.

I'm Julie Nickerson. Katie Hampton is my sister and she is married to Matt Hampton.

She told me and our church group about you and I wanted to let you know we are praying for baby Ethan.