Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Last bag of chemo for this round

Ethan will get his last bag of chemotherapy, for this round, in about an hour. It will run for 24 hours, so it will end around this time tomorrow afternoon. Afterwards, we'll probably stay one more day to observe him for side effects, but then we'll be released to go back home.

Last night was a rough night. They gave him a stronger pain medication and that worked great and put him right to sleep. In the middle of the night he woke up crying and again wouldn't eat. I wanted to avoid the pain meds until I could determine that it wasn't just gas or something. But the crying and screaming continued. The nurse brought the pain medication (the name of it is Dilaudid - same concept of morphine, but just a different kind of similar medication), he was screaming as she pushed the medication through his tubes. Then slowly, he quieted and calmed right down into sleep. I have to admit I had very mixed feelings after the whole experience. To see your baby go from extreme crying to a coma like sleep in a matter of a minute is a bit unnerving. But I just said a prayer over Ethan's body and tried to go back to sleep myself. The pain medication allowed both of us some much needed sleep (we both slept until 9:30! that NEVER happens!) and so far, he's had a better day today than yesterday.

He's still throwing up, but it's probably nausea from the chemo. He gets an anti-nausea medication, but as soon as it wears off the vomit comes! He was also vomiting earlier in the week from the antibiotic I mentioned before, so tomorrow he starts a new antibiotic. Be in prayer that it works with his system better. And pray that the vomiting subsides.

He does have a little ulcer type of growth at the roof of his mouth that we think has been causing him the pain, and it's possible that there may be more in his GI tract. However, there are no other visible sores on his tongue or other areas of his mouth. His bottom actually looks better, too. His eyes are slightly puffy, but not too much of a concern right now... we just keep watching to see if they get more swollen before starting any steroid drops. I'm just so happy he's calm today and has had a better appetite. Be in prayer that all goes well as we prepare to go home in a couple of days. Pray that once the chemo stops, we start to see his spleen shrink and that he doesn't need the same amount of transfusions he needed the last time we went home. We need his white cells to stay low in number and his red cells and platelets to stay high in number.

Also be in prayer that we have some kind of good news when I hear from Boston on Friday. I realize it could be too early to tell anything since it's only been a week since I found out they had 12 preliminary matches, but who's to say they couldn't have found something out already!

Thank you for praying for Ethan and for me and Adam. Every single one of your prayers mean so very much. More than you know.


Deuteronomy 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

11 comments:

Linsey said...

Those nights are so hard. Last night Jillian woke up screaming at 11pm, Gage woke up screaming at midnight, and Jillian woke up screaming again at 1am, then I woke up at 2am to pee! They are just teething, so I know what you're going through is even harder. You hang in there. Have comfort in knowing that he won't remember any of this in a year...or even a few months!

Anonymous said...

Kasey,
I know it was hard for you yesterday but thank you for everything you did. It meant alot to the kids and family.
Hang in there.
We will continue to keep Ethan in our prayers. Enjoy your weekend hopefully at home.

Love Sharan

Anonymous said...

we will definitely be in prayer for his ulcer and other pains. bless his little heart! i'm sure there are a whole lot of people that want to give him a hug! TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART...AND HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS.
MICHELLE from michigan

Megan said...

I can only imagine how hard it must be seeing your baby in pain. I am sure you have begged God to trade places with Ethan many times. I am so glad he gets a break from these heavy doses of chemo after today. My heart just hurts for what he is going through. I know adult who have gone through chemo and know how sick they felt during treatments so I can not even begin to imagine how Ethan feels. I know God will take his pain away and give him much comfort, I pray for that every day for Ethan.
We are with you in thought and prayer always. I hope you and Ethan have a much better night tonight.
Love,
Megan

Janelle and Ella said...

Father, we pray specifically that Ethan's vomiting will subside! We pray for a good report on Friday regarding the transplant match. We praise you in advance for already knowing who that perfect match is! Thank you for a better day today with sweet Ethan.

Anonymous said...

Dear Adam and Kasey,
Every time we pray, we try to remember you all. We know that this is all hard for your families, too. Hang in there. Lean hard on Jesus. He can bear the entire load of care, since He knows your heartache better even than you do. Praise Him that He is so good and has carefully led you along. This is a time that will impact many of our lives for eternity. Thank you for being faithful. We all love you. .... I Samuel 14:6b ...it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

Ashley said...

Keep on, girl. I'm still praying for you. He will NOT leave you comfortless.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Just wanted to let you know we are praying that this round of chemo will finish with few complications and that God will continue to ease any pain and discomfort that Ethan may be experiencing. Hopefully, the meds will help him be more comfortable and get some rest for the next few days. Looking forward to hearing about any good news regarding the bone marrow search on friday. praying for rest, peace, strength, and comfort in the days ahead.

hugs and prayers from michigan,
jennifer wiser

Jennifer said...

New to your blog. You have such a cute little boy. I'm praying daily for healing for your sweetie.

Prayers from Oklahoma!

Jennifer

The Drama Mama said...

Still praying in Texas! I am praying for Ethan's pain to go away completely and for amazing news tomorrow when you hear about the transplant (isn't it amazing to know that God already has all of these details laid out!!...such comfort during a stressful time!!)