Sunday, April 13, 2008

Praise Report

Friends and Family,

It is very clear to Adam and I that the Lord's mercies are new every morning. Today makes 48 hours that Ethan has been on his chemotherapy treatment to help get his spleen under control and to help attack the white blood cells. As of this afternoon, Ethan's blood labs came back and show that he is responding very well to the treatment. All of the areas of his blood that have been tested today show a stable condition... meaning, no transfusions are necessary today, AND the chemo is doing its job! In light of such gloomy news each day, this piece of "good news" has certainly sparked our hope. It is still a long road for our little chief, but the fact that his body is responding to (and not rejecting) this chemotherapy (so far) brings big smiles to our faces.

The overall prayer request continues to be for a miracle healing in our sweet child. But the more specific and immediate prayer requests are as follows:

1. That Ethan's spleen starts to go down in size, since the chemo is treating the white blood cells. This would take Ethan out of danger of a ruptured spleen - which has been a more immediate concern at this point.

2. That the process for finding a bone marrow donor goes smoothly and quickly. We are starting the registration process tomorrow and the doctor seem positive that we will find a match within the National Bone Marrow Donor Bank. The faster that happens, the faster we can move towards a transplant.

3. That Ethan continues to respond to his chemo treatments so that his body can "accept" the bone marrow transplant in a couple of months. If his body doesn't respond to the current treatments, then his body would not be ready for a transplant.

4. That the Lord continues to provide His strength, peace and provision to me and Adam. I've stopped working to stay with Ethan day/night in the hospital and we pray for God's protection of Adam's job and that there'd be no complications with our insurance.

As always, thank you so much for all your care and prayers. You have been such a blessing to us during this surreal time... the widespread knowlegdge and prayers of Ethan's situation all over the nation truly has us humbled.

36 comments:

Unknown said...

Kasey and Adam,

What a testimony you are of God's grace during the most difficult of times. We have been praying fervently since we learned of Ethan's struggle, and our entire church in St. Louis is, too.

Giant hugs, much love, and prayers,
Eric and Jennifer Keifer (Adam's former coach and teacher)

Anonymous said...

That is very good news!! We love you and will be praying everyday!

Love you
Alicia B

Carrie Comstock said...

Thank you so much for starting this blog. We were out of town this weekend, but prayed for you all each day--several times a day. Be assured of our prayers.
Standing in faith with you,
Carrie Comstock

Becky said...

Praying for you all...

Anonymous said...

We are so thankful to hear of the good report on Ethan today! We, and our church, are continuing to pray for him and for you guys.

Love and prayers,
Amy and Mich

Greg, Alissa, Luke and Jack said...

We are friends of Jason & Kari, and we are praying fervently for your sweet little guy. Praise God on one answered prayer already!

Linsey said...

We will be praying for those specific areas.

Kasey, I know you might not want to do this, but will you add a donation area to your blog? I would love to help and some other people might want to as well. I am sure others may feel the same way...we don't know how to help right now and financially seems to be the easiest way...especially with you not working. Please work on that! Love you!

Janelle and Ella said...

Kasey, Linsey told me about Ethan a few days ago. Heath and I are so sorry! I have been praying and will continue to do so, especially for the specific requests you've listed. Ethan is precious! Your sidebar pictures are adorable. You are so strong! I will be praying for renewed strength for each day. I'm going to link you from my blog, so all of my readers will be praying as well. We believe! I love you!
Janelle

Kim said...

Kasey, Adam and Ethan - I am Linsey's step-mom and she has been keeping me up to date with Ethan's progress. We live in Canada, so know that prayers are being said in the country to the North as well! I am very happy to hear that Ethan is responding so well to his current treatment. You all are in our prayers each and every day. God Bless you and keep you strong - Kim and Dennis Gage

Anonymous said...

We love you guys and are praying fervently for you and sweet baby Ethan. Already God's awesome power is being shown through your precious family's faith at this time. We praise you Lord, for this victory today, and we are believing it is the first of many to come! May the Lord bless you and give you His grace at this time.

Lots of Love,
Terry and Jessica Locklear

Bill said...

Kasey and Adam,

Psalm 34:4 says, : I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

This verse reminds us that you are His children and He will deliver you as He sees fit.

Please know that we are praying for you both, and for little Ethan.

Mrs. Roach and Bill

Anonymous said...

Prayers and thoughts are coming to you from Fort Smith, AR.
Grant and Jennifer Glover
(Jason and Kari's friends)

RL said...

Adam & Kasey,

We are happy to hear that the chemo is going well. Please know that you have our prayers for little Ethan.

Roy & Emily

Moz + Pam said...

Praise the Lord for answered prayer! God is faithful! Our church & Sunday School class prayed for little Ethen today. I've sent your blog out to as many Christians as I have an email for. You can be assured of their prayers as well! We will continue to pray & to expect answers. We love you!

Heather said...

Kasey, I have had you and your beautiful baby, Ethan, on my mind constantly since I heard about his illness. I have been praying a lot and I am thrilled to hear this praise report. I will keep praying!

Anonymous said...

Lifting your sweet baby boy to the Throne of Grace. We have been praying for Ethan through the PRAISE ministry of Mrs. Antonis in Maine. What a wonderful Christ-honoring testimony your blog is. PRAISE THE LORD! Ethan is one blessed boy to have you as his parents. God makes NO mistakes. His mercies are new every morning and sometimes we just need to be reminded of His perfect plan moment by moment. It's ok to weep when the sorrow of it all overwhelms you, but remember to CHOOSE JOY as this is the fruit of the Spirit and you will be glorifying the Loving Saviour in your Joy.

Each of our children are lent to us for but a season. Our third son, Josiah, was only with us here on earth for just about 2 hours. We found out at 19 weeks that our baby was not expected to live. My husband and I were new Christians of about 1 1/2 years. We decided to CHOOSE JOY and allow the Loving Saviour to have control throughout the pregnancy. Oh the miracles we witnessed as we watched the Lord handle every detail. Believers prayed for us all over the world. We met folks we never would have had opportunity to meet otherwise. I am confident that when we get to Heaven and are reunited with our precious Josiah, we also will meet those whose lives were touched by the Lord because of Josiah and now have a home in Heaven because of a tiny baby. No, our Josiah didn't live here long on earth, but oh the Glory of seeing God's work in our lives and the lives around us. I wouldn't change the Lord's perfect plan a bit.

Your poem was so beautiful and honoring to the Lord. We are praying for a miracle for Ethan. Our God is able. We are also praying for the Grace for you and Adam to stay faithful through this journey moment by moment.

Abundant blessings of JOY! Jesus is our JOY!
Dawn Morrison
Josiah's Blessings Ministry
Woodstock, CT

Unknown said...

So pleased to hear the chemo is working. I have to remark that your spirit truly comes through your emails and posts and it is an encouragement to my own heart of the strength you and Adam are finding in the Lord. Our prayers are contiually with you.

Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble and knoweth them that trust in him."

Anonymous said...

We are faithfully praying for a miracle for your beautiful little boy! God is so amazing and we know that He hears our prayers.Praise the Lord for the recent good news!! Your strength and love for our Lord is truly a beautiful testimony.
All our love and prayers,
Jennifer, Cory, and Lainey Jaetzold
(friends of Kari and Jason)

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I have asked everyone I know to pray. My sunday school class is praying! I want you to know, that your words and strength has been an encouragement to me. I know God is using this to further his kingdom.

Praise God that Ethan has responded so far to the chemo! I will continue to pray daily that this continues. Thank you for setting up the blog.

Love you Kase,
Nat

Anonymous said...

Kasey and Adam,
We are praying for Ethan. Praise God that he is doing so well with the chemo. We'll be up there soon and want to help in any way that we can.
~Lori, Dave, Landon and Logan

Anonymous said...

Kasey, Adam, and Ethan;
I want you all to know that we are all praying for you. We are praying that God gives you all strength and for Ethan to get better and get all the treatment he needs. My family and coworkers have joined in our prayers. We wish you all the best and please let us know how we can help.

Desira, Olivia, and Jim Chapdelaine

For Over 29 Years... said...

I just wanted to share that I prayed for Ethan just now. I was directed here by another web site and I will bookmark it to continue to pray. God heals!

Someone Being Me said...

I am so sorry. I found you through the Bargain Shopper Lady blog. It just breaks my heart. I will be praying for your sweet baby.

Lori said...

Came her by way of Lori. I am so sorry for little Ethan, I will keep him in my prayers. May the Lord heal him and strength you as parents.

amberking said...

What great news! How wonderful for him not to have to be transfused! I am glad to hear you are continuing to stand firm and believe! You are just showing how miracles still come true everday! Give that sweet baby a kiss for me!
Still sending lots of prayers your way from Texas!
amber

Anonymous said...

Hi Kasey and Adam,

I am Matt Hampton's wife (Mary's sister-in-law). You and your family our in our prayers daily. We added you guys to our church prayer chain too. Our pastor's son had luekemia years ago, so our pastor will also be praying for you and your family, too.
Many thoughts and prayers for you both and little Ethan!
Katie Hampton and Family

Keryn said...

You don't know me--Bargain Lady Shopper linked and your story really touches me. My prayers are with you and your precious family. Your faith really inspires me.

FordeFam said...

I'm sooo glad that you got some good news and that he's responding well to the treatments!!! Praying that God would let his little body do the things it needs to do to get better with these treatments and for His peace to continue through this time!!! Blessings on you guys!
<3 Maia

Windy said...

I am praying for your family and your precious baby Ethan. ((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

you don't know me but i am just reading this news about your sweet ethan. i have 3 small children of my own and my heart, tears, and prayers go out to you. i will tell my sunday school class (young married couples) to pray also. we do have an all-powerful, all-knowing God who promises us that He will not give us more than we can bear. Psalm 121:1+2
Keeping your family in our prayers,
Michelle

elaine@bloginmyeye said...

Bargain Shopper Lady sent me. "We believe." I love that! God knew that you could handle this challenge, and He is faithful. I will continue to pray. May you continue to be a light to all you come into contact with.

"He gently leads those that have young." ~Is. 40:11

Heather said...

Sending up prayers for you all. I can't imagine the pain or feelings you must have.

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

Praying for you right this minute in Indiana...

Anonymous said...

Ethan's response to the treatment is great news! Keep sharing your love and positive energy with him - its contagious! Know that you have a growing community of people sending out an abundance of heartfelt thoughts, and thoughts do become things!

Matt, Andrea, Luke and Halle said...

thinking of you and praying for your sweet little Ethan daily! may the Lord be your strength!

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for Ethan and for you and his Daddy. I'm going to add you all to our prayer list at church too.

May God continue to show Himself to you and your family daily and to comfort you.

In Christ,
Nikki