Ups and Downs
UPDATE ON ETHEN
Ethen is just beginning his battle with cancer, though he's been dealing with it for a while now. Already at this early stage we are sensing the development of a cycle of ups and downs. Yesterday was pretty rough, as you may have noticed through certain intimations in the blog. Christie and I were fairly discouraged by Ethen's inability to really wake up. The start of the day was very much the same with Ethen being in a semi-conscious state with intermittent irritable wakefulness.
Today Ethen went for his MIBG scan with the extra MRI and an aural exam. After 5 hours away from Ethen we finally heard the scan was completed and he was ready for us. He did great in the scan, and we were encouraged to find him alert and semi-playful in the recovery room. He even played some ball for 10–15 minutes back in his room. This was a refreshing and encouraging time! We are thankful for this little glimpse of Ethen's personality shining through.
We learned today from the lymph node biopsy that Ethen does have neuroblastoma. We are thankful the biopsy supplied enough tumor tissue to identify the cancer so that Ethen does not need to have another surgery to biopsy the tumor itself. Now that we know what the cancer is we are waiting for genetic results from the tumor tissue to know better where the tumor began and how to attack it. We're also waiting for results from today's scan to see where the tumor has spread so the medical team can stage the cancer and determine a treatment plan.
Tonight Ethen is receiving a blood transfusion because of low hemoglobin. The cause for low hemoglobin could be internal bleeding, but it could likewise be a result of the tumor's stealing blood. Pray the transfusion goes smoothly and helps to increase oxygenation of Ethen's body so we can take him off the oxygen. Pray also that it would strengthen him for days ahead when we start chemotherapy.
TIME WITH THE BIGS
We are very thankful to have had family help available every day so far in the hospital, but also for watching our two bigs—it's been a huge help and blessing. This morning and afternoon we had some sweet time with Hudson and Mikayla. We ate some tasty pastries from Mimi and hung around the lobby. Mikayla got to meet Elsa (from Frozen) and the staff in the lobby gave her an Anna costume. Hudson chose a stuffed animal to give to Ethen (Curious George, of course). It was a sweet time—thank you for your prayers for this time!
Ethen is just beginning his battle with cancer, though he's been dealing with it for a while now. Already at this early stage we are sensing the development of a cycle of ups and downs. Yesterday was pretty rough, as you may have noticed through certain intimations in the blog. Christie and I were fairly discouraged by Ethen's inability to really wake up. The start of the day was very much the same with Ethen being in a semi-conscious state with intermittent irritable wakefulness.
Today Ethen went for his MIBG scan with the extra MRI and an aural exam. After 5 hours away from Ethen we finally heard the scan was completed and he was ready for us. He did great in the scan, and we were encouraged to find him alert and semi-playful in the recovery room. He even played some ball for 10–15 minutes back in his room. This was a refreshing and encouraging time! We are thankful for this little glimpse of Ethen's personality shining through.
We learned today from the lymph node biopsy that Ethen does have neuroblastoma. We are thankful the biopsy supplied enough tumor tissue to identify the cancer so that Ethen does not need to have another surgery to biopsy the tumor itself. Now that we know what the cancer is we are waiting for genetic results from the tumor tissue to know better where the tumor began and how to attack it. We're also waiting for results from today's scan to see where the tumor has spread so the medical team can stage the cancer and determine a treatment plan.
Tonight Ethen is receiving a blood transfusion because of low hemoglobin. The cause for low hemoglobin could be internal bleeding, but it could likewise be a result of the tumor's stealing blood. Pray the transfusion goes smoothly and helps to increase oxygenation of Ethen's body so we can take him off the oxygen. Pray also that it would strengthen him for days ahead when we start chemotherapy.
TIME WITH THE BIGS
We are very thankful to have had family help available every day so far in the hospital, but also for watching our two bigs—it's been a huge help and blessing. This morning and afternoon we had some sweet time with Hudson and Mikayla. We ate some tasty pastries from Mimi and hung around the lobby. Mikayla got to meet Elsa (from Frozen) and the staff in the lobby gave her an Anna costume. Hudson chose a stuffed animal to give to Ethen (Curious George, of course). It was a sweet time—thank you for your prayers for this time!
I am praying for your precious little boy and for the team of doctors. Prayers for healing, comfort and strength. May God wrap his arms around your family during this time.
ReplyDeleteI am Loretta's friend, I am praying for Ethen! I am praying for you all! May God be with you all!
ReplyDeleteI am friends with Cindy. Know that our tribe from the dance camp who are spread far and wide are praying for your sweet Ethen. We serve a BIG GOD and are trusting him for health and wholeness for your little one.
ReplyDeletePraying so hard for Ethen and for you! If you need anything at all- help with Hudson and Mikayla especially, I'm here!
ReplyDelete-Mrs. Jamie
Glad there is a definite diagnosis.... praying for you all!
ReplyDeletePrayers for great response to the chemo, that Ethen's O2 levels remain good and that you all feel our Lords presence surrounding you all. I've known Carol and her family for many years and my heart is breaking for you all. Thankful we serve a mighty God!
ReplyDeleteI had not heard about Ethen! I am sorry sorry! Will be in my prayers and I will ask our church to pray for him!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry! May Jehovah Rophe give Ethan healing and envelop you all with His comfort and peace -we ask in Jesus ' Name.
ReplyDeleteThe above was from Sam and Martha Childs.
DeletePraying for you guys - obviously for Ethen and also for Hudson and Mikyala.
ReplyDeletePraying for Ethen and you all. I am long time friends with Jody and Caren Bowser. I live here in CLT and have 3 little ones too. Would love to bring a meal or help in any way needed.
ReplyDeletePrayers for Ethan and your family. A friend's child had neuroblastoma a few years ago. The child is now a cancer-free young woman! Praying for hope, peace and strength in the days ahead.
ReplyDelete