Thursday, May 8, 2008

On a roll

Well, we're back in the hospital now. And oddly enough, it feels comforting to be back in a familiar place. Of course, I have LOVED being at home. But being here at the hospital again has a comfortable feel about it. I know the nurses and doctors and they know Ethan. I know the "lay of the land" and feel more prepared this time around. Ethan's good blood cell counts have dropped and his spleen is slightly bigger than it was before, but nothing that the doctor didn't expect. He will start his round of IV chemo later today and will be on it continuously for 6 days. If all goes well, we'd be able to go home shortly after that to continue his other medication by mouth. Pray he will be "side effect" free!

I was thinking today how thankful I am that God is guiding every step of this process. He brought us here to these doctors and have guided them in the best ways for Ethan. I am also very happy with this children's hospital and very thankful that they care so much about us and Ethan. And more importantly, I'm thankful that Ethan is under the Lord's care. I found out today that overall Ethan has responded better than all of the pediatric oncology specialists thought he would. Because JMML doesn't have a lot of concrete evidence or specific treatment procedures, a lot of the treatment is somewhat experimental. I mean, they do know what general steps to take, but the specific direction a doctor chooses is sometimes up to his own best judgement simply because there's not enough data to pull from. And so far, the path of treatment they've chosen for Ethan has responded well. Continue to pray for that! And for the Lord's wisdom to be with Ethan's doctors.

On a side note, I want to share some "mommy fun" with you! You might be wondering why I chose "on a roll" for this post's title. Well... Ethan rolled over for the first time last night! The first time was on the floor in the living room. Adam, Ethan and I were watching TV and Ethan started moving toward his side... after a few minutes his whole bottom half had turned over but he struggled with his head and one of his arms. It was adorable and we were excited to see him having fun with "the fight". THEN, this morning when he woke up, I went to get him and he was completely on his tummy! We always put him to sleep on his back... and this morning he had turned his head all the way down to where his feet were when I laid him down, AND he had rolled over all the way!! I was so excited that I had to take pictures!

The "before" shot I took after the fact, just so you'd have a point of reference. But, the "after" is how I found him this morning. What a joy to have his first roll at home and at only 3 1/2 month old!

Before...

After...

12 comments:

Curt Dunn said...

Hey! I just wanted you to know that I have been thinking about the three of you and praying for you often. Just because you are out of my sight doesn't mean that you are out of my mind and heart. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help...

CWD

Linsey said...

Congrats on the roll! That is so fun. When I first found Gage on his tummy when he was a baby I freaked out. They always say "back to sleep" but once they start rolling there isn't anything else you can do!

I had a feeling the hospital would be a bit of a comfort zone. There is an ease about that place, once you are over the inital shock, that is somewhat safe. Like a haven, even though tough things go on there. Good luck with the chemo and keep us posted!

Judy said...

Kasey,
I heard about your family from a Pastor's wife in Maine where my son who is a Missionary lives. She sends out a devotional. I have been praying for you and your husband and darling little boy. He is so precious. I pray God will heal him. Praying he has little side effects from the chemo. Keep the faith. Love in Christ,
Judy in North Carolina

Marge said...

Kasey,
It sure is great that you found out about Parker. I can just imagine how excited you were to hear he is doing well.
Kasey after I read your Post for Tuesday may 6, the Lord brought to memory the parable where the woman went to the king many time and ask him for something and then to get her to stop asking,he finally gave her what she asks fore. I don’t remember where in the Bible it is but it there. Now that was only one person. With as many people that praying for Ethan and his wonderful parents. I just think you are going to see him healed.

And now that you have seen your precious boy turn over in bed by himself.
I’m sure praying that it won’t be long until you have the new as Parker’s family.
Marge

carleigh said...

hey kasey, i just got the power of a praying parent, and i really want you to go out and get it if you don't already. the first chapter totally reminded me of your post about letting go- all of us as parents have to do that if we want to see God's will for their lives! anyways, i know it would be an encouragement to you. i wanted to share a couple of the verses at the end of the chapter with you:
Matthew 7:11, "if you then, being evil, nkow how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father who is in heaven give good tihngs to those who ask him!"
Psalm 103:17-18,"the mercy of the lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children. to such as keep his covenant, and to those who remember his commandments to do them."
Isaiah 65:23, "they shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the lord and their offspring with them."

carleigh said...

oh, and the roll is the first major milestone! don't forget to write it down!! sorry about all those misspellings in the last post, i was typing so fast and forgot to spell check!

Anonymous said...

how precious the first roll is! look out! he'll be walking before you know it! praying for no side affects.
michelle

Anonymous said...

Happy rolling, Ethan. At least he was in bed! David first rolled over at 4 months, right off the bed while we were on vacation in a rustic cabin. There he was, stuck between open wall studs and the bed! You have a much smarter little guy.(with smarter parents!) He read the safety manual. We will be praying for you as you are back together with your hospital family. Love to you all, the Hunts

Rebekah said...

Hi, my name is Rebekah and I saw your blog through another blog I read (Mrs.MK's Musings). I just wanted you to know that I am crying out to God to heal your son. We have a great God who does wonderously miraculous things and I am pleading for total healing. My son also has a very rare cancer so it really hits home for me. God is good whatever the outcome for our children. I just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for you and your husband and little Ethan. Trusting the Lamb, Rebekah

Anonymous said...

Yeah, go Ethan! Can we come see you soon?
~Lori

Anonymous said...

Great job Ethan!!!!!
keep on rollin
We continue to pray daily for your speedy recovery
love
the chapdelaines

Megan said...

How exciting!!! I can appreciate all these milestones since I have a litte girl about to turn one. She just took her first steps and I was jumping for joy. We will keep Ethan in our prayer and we will pray for no side effects. God Bless you all. Ethan is adorable. I love the pics.
Megan