Thursday, September 11, 2008

Ethan's counts are at 400 today!!

I should most certainly be sleeping, since it's 4:44 in the morning.... HOWEVER, Ethan woke up about an hour ago wanting to eat and during that time, his nurse came in to hook him up for a blood transfusion... she told me the excellent news that his ANC counts are up to 400 today! (they draw and test his blood every night around midnight). I couldn't believe they made such a jump in one day! Monday they were at 130. Tuesday they were at 120. Yesterday they were at 180. And today, 400!

I was just too excited to go back to sleep until I posted the wonderful news!

They are very careful to explain that the numbers can fluctuate from day to day, and to not be discouraged if he falls back down a little. His little cells are just adjusting and growing and it's a process before they are stabilized. That's why they do not let you go home until the counts are 500 or more for 3 days in a row. I'm just so happy (and relieved) to see this new life starting to grow inside of him.

As for his rash....

They are convinced that the rash he has developed is associated with Graft-versus-host-disease. This is extremely normal, and even expected.... but no less itchy or uncomfortable for Ethan. It tends to be a good sign when transplant patients show indications of GVHD within the first 100 days after transplant, because it's likely that it will only be an acute case and not turn into a chronic problem (GVHD that develops after 100 days can tend to be more problematic, long-term and life-threatening). And they remind us that a little GVHD is a good thing. It shows that the body is reacting to the new cells.

Right now, the GVHD is only surfacing in the form of a rash. We need prayer that it does not start affecting Ethan internally... as this "disease" can take on many different forms and can cause many complications. Specifically, we do not want GVHD showing up in his lungs, liver or intestines. And overall not turn so serious/complicated that Ethan's body starts to reject the newly engrafted donor cells.

Thank you for your help in praying for our specific needs. I continue to be blown away at the Lord's goodness to us through answered prayer... and I know Ethan could not have done so well up to this point without you pleading on our behalf. I do not at all take the kindness you've shown in that way to us and our son lightly. My heart is full of thanksgiving to you for your prayers and to the Lord for His gracious mercy...

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me
in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an encouraement! I'm sure you're thankful for that good news especially after the rough past few days. God is good. We'll pray that things keep progressing.

Elaine said...

Whoa!!!! I don't usually get on the computer this early but I'm going to another ultrasound this morning and decided to check your blog. I am so glad I did. The way God is continuously answering the prayers you have asked people to pray is just such a testimony to me, especially in this time in my life. I will keep praying those numbers go up and stay up. And I am praying for the rash itchiness to go away.

The Drama Mama said...

Praise God for His faithfulness!! HE is so wonderful! I am praying everything continues to improve each new day! WAY TO GO ETHAN!!!

Benetta said...

To GOD be the GLORY! For Great things He has DONE!

Anonymous said...

Praise God! What awesome news! He is in our daily prayers and will pray for those numbers to keep going up and staying that way!
Tabitha

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! What WONDERFUL news! I've been praying that you see some results soon. What a blessing to see the hand of the Lord at work!

Oh, I'm so excited for you!
Have a wonderful day, Kasey!

Continually Praying,
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord!

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord!! I am doing a major happy dance here (well as major as possible when trying to keep young ones asleep). Still praying and trusting for Ethan's amazing future.

Hugs,
Shera

Anonymous said...

Kasey,

I'm SO happy and excited to see this post...Praise God that those counts are getting higher!!! :)

Also, I wanted to let you know that I got your e-mail. This week has been crazy-busy for our family, and I wasn't sure when I would be able to respond - so I just thought I would add that! Thank you for being such a blessing.

I hope y'all have an AWESOME day!

In Christ,
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

"This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." Psalm 118:23

Lucinda

Linsey said...

That is so wonderful!!!!

Elyse said...

This is WONDERFUL news! I am so glad his numbers went up! Praying for his rash to go away! Yay Ethan!!!
~Elyse~

Anonymous said...

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!
Ethan's life sure is exciting!!!
Have you tried an oatmeal bath--sure works well for chicken pox!
We'll keep praying for you three!
Love, the Hunts

Kelly Benjamin said...

We can't wait to see yall tomorrow!!! It is such a blessing that we can get to come see him at the hospital....We come bearing gifts.....We will call you when we get to the hotel.....We love you

Megan said...

I have the chills! Oh my gosh, I want to scream for joy. I am so happy to hear the numbers are going up. God never stops. Why am I always amazed by God's answers to our prayers, I shouldn't be especialy now with Ethan. I hope you can take a nap today and get some rest. I just want to celebrate, this is awesome news. We will never stop praying for the needs of your beautiful family.
Love,
Megan

Janelle and Ella said...

Yea, yea, yea!!! Kasey, this is the best news!! Wow! I am in awe. Thank You Lord!

Jennifer said...

Awesome news! I'm so excited to hear this news. Praise God! I will continue to pray for Ethan and your sweet family. And for the GVHD.

Jennifer

Amy said...

Yay!!!!! We're so excited with you about his high counts. We'll continue to pray that they rise more each day.
Ryan & Amy

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! We're praying for all of you!
Hugs and sloppy kisses,
Mary P

Anonymous said...

Yes! Kasey, This is the excited news!! WOW! Praise GOD! I will continue to pray for all of you!!!
Love,
Elizabeth & Family

Anonymous said...

Hey Kasey, that is sooo awesome that Ethans counts are up, I'm praising the Lord with you. Psalm 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Know that we are praying for you continually. Love, Megan Pitts

Anonymous said...

Great is our God and greatly to be praised!
SKC

Anonymous said...

This is such great news!!! We will pray the GVHD goes away quickly and is only acute and that the itching stops. Ethan is such a little fighter. We love you all

The Chapdelaines

Heather said...

So excited that your faith is being given sight!! I will keep praying!