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.