Update on Ethan

As many of you probably know, early last week Ethan was admitted to Children’s Hospital and was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia; a rare disease in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells.  For example, a biopsy of a healthy child Ethan’s age would indicate about 80-90% healthy cells in the bone marrow.  Ethan’s biopsy showed only about 5%.  Additionally, his body is producing so few new blood cells that his last transfusion lasted less than a week.  And so not only is the condition rare, in Ethan’s case, it is severe.

The best treatment option for Ethan clearly seemed to be a bone marrow transplant from a related, matched donor: his sister, Addison.  But Monday afternoon we learned that her lab work had come back and that she is not a suitable match for a transplant.  This, of course, was very disappointing news, but we quickly moved on to the next treatment option, Immunosuppressant Therapy.  Although there is much we don’t understand about this treatment, we do know that it involves a combination of several strong medicines that may allow his bone marrow to begin producing stem cells once again.  Ethan has been moved to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and began the therapy this morning.  If all goes well, the inpatient treatment will last 8 days and then continue at home along with several follow-up visits each week to the hospital clinic.

And so for the moment we are praying that this treatment would be successful.  Although it’s not thought to be a cure for the disease, it could help bring Ethan’s blood counts to more acceptable levels.  If unsuccessful, doctors would either attempt it one more time or move on to an ‘unrelated, matched donor’ from a Donor Registry.  We’re also praying that Ethan would handle the treatment well.  There are many side-effects related to each medication, including allergic reactions, short-term effects (i.e. flu-like symptoms) and long-term effects (i.e. kidney problems, vulnerability to other blood-related diseases).  One of the doctor’s main concerns is the effect this therapy could have on his preexisting hypertension.  Finally, we’re praying that he would be able to keep his PICC line (a type of IV access) throughout his hospital stay and be spared the surgery necessary to place a central-line port.

So as you can tell, there is much happening at the moment with our Little Man.  And as you can imagine, there is much happening in the hearts and minds of Mom and Dad (Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, etc…).  But through it all, God keeps giving grace.  He gives peace, strength, rest and even joy.  And I am convinced that He has given much on your behalf.  We cannot thank you enough for your encouragement, your support and especially your prayers.  You are faithful friends.

Blessings,
Jared and Sara

(1) Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! (2) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, (3) who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, (4) who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, (5) who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. - Psalm 103:1-5