Since I said a mouth full on Friday, I will keep it short and sweet today....
Thank you so much for praying for Ethan. This past round of chemo (his 4th round overall) was the best round as far as side effects go. No mouth sores, no nerve or muscle pain (judging by his lack of inconsolable crying), no eye swelling, and no new rectal sores. AND, as an added bonus, Ethan slept through the night each night we were at the hospital - even with all the poking and prodding they have to do every couple of hours during the night - which means mommy slept through the night, too (I'm talking 8 to 9 hours)! What a difference sleep can make.... even if it is in a hospital bed. Ethan's fissures (the rectal tears) did get aggravated again and began to bleed, and the skin around his bottom got burned by the chemo (coming out in wet/dirty diapers), but once I clean him up (carefully, since it hurts him) and soothe the area with cream, he seems to be fine and dandy. Just pray that the fissures don't get infected and that that the burn clears up quickly.
I just can't fully express how thrilled I am with how well he did. They discharged us last night and we got home around 9:30, and even this morning, Ethan is so active and happy. It's amazing! Nothing short of God's mercy, protection and grace... so thank you so so so so so so much for praying for him. Your prayers have certainly been answered along the way. His central line still has the large scab over the insertion site (place where the tube enters his chest), but the nurses/doctors didn't seem too concerned about it. It is a rather large scab, but it doesn't seem to be affecting the actual line itself (meaning the tube is still open and active, which is good!). The spongy medical patch that stuck to it a couple of weeks ago has almost completely come off with each cleaning and bandage change we have to do each week. Continue to keep his central line a part of your prayers for him as we want it to always remain "infection-free".
No new update on his transplant date, but we will find out more later this week. Please continue to pray about his spleen. I really don't want him to have to go through surgery right before his body has to go through transplant. It is a little bit smaller and softer today - after the chemo - so I'm praying it will stay that way and we don't have to be faced with a decision to take it out.
You're prayers are a wonderful part of our lives. Thank you so much for that!
9 comments:
That's fantastic news Kasey. Isn't a baby that sleeps through the night the most wonderful thing? Just wanted you to know that Tara & I continue to think of and pray for you & Adam. I even have people at church asking me for updates on Ethan inbetween prayer meetings. Thanks for keeping us updated on what's going on. Have a great week.
Good news!! Enjoy your time at home. :)
Praise the Lord!
We love to hear about those good days and nights!!! We all of yall at the family reunion this weekend, but we know that all of you were there in spirit. Give Ethan big hugs and kisses from us. Much love from Texas..
This thought came to me as I looked at his smiling face on your web page. Isn't little Ethan such a testimony of how we ourselves should behave? "Be anxious for nothing", "Do all things without murmuring or complaining". I'm sure it's because he can't comprehend all that he's going thru, but still...Thru this all there's still a smile on his face and joy in his heart. He trust his mommy and daddy completely. There's no fear.
Maybe I'm wrong, but looking at his smile all I can think is "If only I could have that same attitude when I go thru my trials, which don't even come close to what he must endure on a daily basis!"
If we only had faith "as a little child"...
Many Blessing,
Jennifer
praise the Lord that mommy got sleep! that is important. we will pray for ethan's bottom and his central line. keep up the good work being a great and loving mom.
Psalm 138:8
"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
michelle from michigan
though I have been praying for you all daily, I have not commented in a week because I can't find the words. I am one who likes to articulate cleary---I don't like babbling. But the goodness and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ sometimes leaves me without words. His mercy and grace to your family is ---as they say in the vernacular---off the hook.
Howdy, friends!
You're always missed when you aren't updating daily! Sometimes our prayers for you can almost seem routine, but the Lord's sure and sweet answers remind us repeatedly that He hears and He cares and He loads us with His benefits. With thankful and praising hearts for your good results. love, the Hunts
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!
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