Tuesday, April 15, 2008

More Information

It's 10:15 on Tuesday night and I'm sitting here in a darkened hospital room curled up on my little bed and reading all the emails and comments that have been left for us by all of you kind and wonderful people. It's in the quiet moments like this (sweet Ethan is sleeping) that I can reflect and be encouraged... thank you for that. I certainly need re-fueling and your words do that for me.

Though I did post a message this morning, a doctor came in just now and further explained to me - in words I can understand - more of what's going on with Ethan. I'd like to share with you a more detailed explanation so that you can know how to pray.

Based on my below message, you understand what type of terrible situation is going on with Ethan's blood. I had mentioned that he was responding well to the chemo. That is a very good thing; however, that simply means the chemo is doing its job. The REAL test comes in the next few days. If Ethan's white blood cells sky-rocket while he's off of the chemo these next few days, then his body/blood isn't truly "responding" to the treatment. If the white blood cells (cancer cells) only respond (die/decrease in size) while he's on the chemo treatment, but go back to their higher levels while he's off of the chemo... then it's considered that he's not really responding well to this type of treatment. Because that would mean that he's only "okay" while the chemo is pumping through his blood. The true test is whether or not the chemo has killed whatever cells it needs to and stops them from reproducing. So the next couple of days are critical in us knowing whether or not this type of treatment really is helpful to him.

I also now understand that the chemo is killing off the white cells (the cancer), but it also attacks his red cells (the good cells) and his plasma. So while on chemo, he will still need the blood and plasma transfusions (on a day to day basis) to replenish the good cells.


All of the treatment he's going through right now is just to keep him stable at this point. The chemotherapy and the blood transfusions are not treating him to "heal" him right now. They are simply keeping him from getting any worse until they can determine a proper overall treatment plan for Ethan's rare condition. They are waiting for a specialist out of state to send his final opinion/diagnosis before they begin a more aggressive treatment plan with the goal of a cure. Right now they are just trying to keep Ethan's cancer from getting any worse.

My prayer tonight is that over the next couple of days Ethan's white cells remain in a "safe zone" while off of the chemo... that would indicate a true, positive response. And, that the doctors have wisdom as they determine exactly what type of intense treatment Ethan will go through over the next many weeks as they get him ready for a bone marrow transplant. I'm also asking for prayer for the sores that have developed in Ethan's mouth, throat and esophagus - a side effect from the chemo. It has been very painful for him to eat today as a result. They've put him on morphine for the pain and that seems to have helped him for now.

Well, this is long enough so I'll end here... and will now try to get some sleep before my little one wakes up wanting to be fed.

Continue to pray for healing. Continue to pray for a miracle. I'm believing. My husband has hope. And together, with you, we know the Great Physician, the all-power God can do ALL things.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kasey,
My name is Robin Bouton and I work with Amanda at Kiddie Kampus in Watertown, WI. I have prayed so much for your family in the past few days since I found out. I know this has been so difficult for Amandabut she continues to be faithful. I will continue to pray especially the next few days.
Robin Bouton

Linsey said...

Thank you for the specifics. I love you and am praying! I will be praying hard for the next few days and send the word out.

Anonymous said...

In a constant state of prayer for our sweet little boy.....I love you sis.

Moz + Pam said...

"For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end."
Jeremiah 29:11

Unknown said...

I found your site through a girl on a Christian board on babycenter. Please know that lots of us are praying for you, your family, and your little baby boy. I just can't imagine what you're going through.
With Prayers,
Courtney from Oklahoma

FordeFam said...

Praying for you guys!!! Thanks for keeping us updated! I'll be checking frequently so I know how to pray!!!

Anonymous said...

Adam and Kasey,

I am sure that Ethan has the strength to take a lot, just like any Red Sox fan. It will take more than this to keep him down!! We are praying for you guys. Keep us updated.

Jeff and Amber

Anonymous said...

Sweet Kasey I just wanted to let you know that we are continuing to pray for a miracle!! We have passed on the prayer request to so many others, and they have all agreed to join together with us in prayer for your precious baby, Ethan! Thanks so much for the updates!
Love-Love,
Sarah Hickey

Anonymous said...

you are in our prayers again today, sweet ethan! Praying for a miracle, wisdom, healing, stability, strength, encouragment, and good news.
michelle from portland michigan.
(prnmk@hotmail.com)
my husband and i are on deputation for church planting in the usa.

shelly said...

I came across your blog by way of another blog .....I am a believer and I am definitely praying for you, your husband and your sweet little baby!

Anonymous said...

Kasey,
I have been praying for Ethan everyday and I think about him often during the day. I am praying for you and Adam to have physical strength through this. Your spritiual strength is so evident in your blog. I will keep praying for a miracle.
Debbie Leonard
DBU

Lesli said...

Kasey--we have been in much prayer since Mary told me of your situation. We wish we could be up in CT to be a physical support system for you, but do know that we will continue to be a spiritual support with our prayers for you, Adam, and Ethan. I know that when God has put us through our various trials in the last several years, He taught us things about Himself that we never would have known had we not gone through traumatic circumstances. God is good and His strength will carry you through those times when you have no strength of your own. Please know that you all are in our fervent prayers and thoughts. We miss you guys!
Love to all of you!
Lesli and Scott

Janelle and Ella said...

Kasey, I am heart broken for you and have shed many tears for your sweet son! I am begging God daily for mercy and complete healing for Ethan. Oh Jesus, please keep Ethan's white blood cells stable these next few days. I pray for the doctor that is analyzing his condition, please give him wisdom, a clear answer and direction on how best to treat your precious child's condition! We are believe that You can do this!

Love you Kasey!

Anonymous said...

Kasey & Adam,
We are continuing to pray for you and little Ethan, and also for the medical team in charge of his care. God is always faithful, and His mercies are new every morning.
"Doth not He see my ways, and count all my steps?" Job 31:4

Love,
Lucinda

Anonymous said...

Adam and Kasey,

I was at Maranatha the last few days and saw Amanda. She updated me on Ethan's condition. Just want you to know that our family is praying for you through this difficult time.
Mark and Adrienne Farnham and kids

Moz + Pam said...

Kasey & Adam,
Here are the words to an old hymn that helped us immensely during my own battle with cancer...

DAY BY DAY

"Day by day and with each passing moment
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best-
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Power.
The protection of His child and treasure,
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in ev’ry tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land."

Anonymous said...

My name is Melinda Reed and I am friends of Tim and Amy Corbin in Seattle. I am praying for little Ethan, that his body would fight this battle to victory and that God's manifest presence will penetrate every part of your lives. Blessings.