I find it depressing to post here these days. Last week Case went home for two nights and one full day. Then we were transported by ambulance to Children's in Dallas to have another chest tube put in. His leaking lymph system (no better way to put it) just won't heal.
On Thursday or Friday he will have a catheter (a huge central line coming out of the skin) placed on his right chest side in preparation for stem cell collection. He will be hooked up to a machine that takes his blood out, separates the stem cells, then puts the blood back in.
After several days of that, he will be done and he will start another round of chemo. Only this time the chemo is so strong it will destroy his bone marrow... Hence the need for his own stem cell transplant as a way for his body to grow his bone marrow back. It all seems very counterintuitive to give his body back his own cancer-diseased bone marrow, but that's the way it's done. "usually" the cancer doesn't regenerate in the marrow... Um, sure hope not.
It's all very depressing, seeing as how the truth of the situation leaves us inpatient for weeks and weeks to come. I miss Graydon and my house, and my husband! A family of four, what's that? I miss the old Case that babbled and wanted to play or walk. He is so lethargic and literally lays in bed all day long, not needing or wanting interaction.
We have a long, long road ahead of us. There you have it.
Our family continues to keep yours in our prayers. Keep being strong and positive. Little Case needs it. Your family needs it. You will make it to the finish line.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love from the Arnett's.
Sweet Emily,
ReplyDeleteYour post humbles me. What can we do to help you? PLEASE ask. Each of us who follows your blog are willing to do whatever you need no matter how big or small the job may be. Speaking for myself, I feel helpless knowing there must be a list of things but not knowing what they may be. PLEASE ask! We are here, sweet girl...loving each of you, praying for your precious family...with hands and hearts willing to help.
Cindy
It's too much, he's too small for this GIGANTIC trial!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Emily...I hate hearing that there is just no end for you. I hurt every time I think about your sweet family and the things you are going through. Lots of love and prayers (as always).
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through a friend of a friend. I just wanted to say how sorry I am. If I knew you in person I would just give you a huge hug. I'm so, so sorry for this. My daughter is about Case's age, and they actually look a lot alike - big eyes, blonde hair. My heart aches each time I read this. Thank you for reminding the rest of us to be grateful. Lots and lots of prayers.
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew what to say other than Cancer does Suck and it sucks that you guys ahve to go through this. You are one amazing Momma and Case is such a trooper. We are praying!
ReplyDeleteOh, Emily. You don't know me, but I know of you through Marianne Killgo. I follow your blog and think of / pray for you, Case, and your family daily. You are all in my heart. I pray that your load on this weary trip be eased.
ReplyDeleteOh Emily, I'm so sorry. What a mess. We love you all.
ReplyDeleteYou are in our constant prayers and thoughts as I feel this is what I can offer. I wish I could take some of this away or somehow give Case what he needs but I know I can't, which breaks my heart. We love you all and we will keep praying, fasting, and thinking of you guys!
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