"I think I lost my underwear"

 There is Elijah's spot to stand while he waits for the elevators to open...he could stand there all day..he is the most energetic bell man you could meet!

He loves the elevators at the hospital. He asked everyone if they want "up" or "down"..

Brennan came to help at the hospital yesterday..Elijah loves to have his siblings near.

Elijah has no volume button. It is all or none. At the hospital yesterday, he loudly proclaimed that "I think I lost my underwear!: After looking around to see the vast number of people entertained by our little guy, I asked him "Where did you lose your underwear?" With lots of enthusiasm and a giggle he yelled, "You (which actually means "I" in his language) left them in the living room."  He indeed had left his undies in the living room at home. He was excited to get to the hospital and he missed a step getting dressed.

The testing is all done. The consents are signed. The antibiotics and antifungals are started. The underlying bacteria that grew into strep pneumonia is being treated. The awful rash created by an allergy to the bandage around his Hickman line is healing. Elijah is officially declared cleared for transplant. And he is ready. Despite having endured so many difficult experiences, he has remained excited to go back to the hospital. The child life specialists have been wonderful and have trained staff to handle Elijah's unique needs.

We met with the transplant doctor to go over all the results. We talked over the risks and benefits of the procedure once again and she shared the likelihood that he could develop complications because of the complexity of his underlying condition and his uniquely complicated medical history. Lung infections are the most probable complication...his lungs have past damage and they will follow this closely. Schwachman kids have some issues with their liver although it is not clear why..yet another potential complication. And, his marrow continues to show signs of failure. 

We are at peace with the decision made today. God has granted us a really undeniable peace. We are not nearly as overwhelmed or fearful of this journey now that it is here. God has surrounded us with supportive and incredible people who are available to help. He has given us a team of doctors, pharmacists, social workers and support staff at the hospital that are skilled and experienced in the transplant process. He has provided a donor for Elijah that we are trusting will be his perfect match. God has truly made his presence known to us and to Elijah in ways we can not explain. And we are so grateful.

So, we have a few days off to enjoy some family time. Elijah has some restrictions and is in some pain at this point. We are going to lay low as we prepare for the days ahead. A few of the kids have birthdays right around the transplant time and so we are celebrating early in these days ahead. I am even planning on doing a little school supply shopping while I can. Tuesday morning (July 19th), Elijah will be admitted and will start chemotherapy.

God will do what is best for Elijah...there is no doubt in our minds. We will continue to praise Him in the storm...

B Positive

B Positive. Isn't that a statement all on it's own? That is Elijah's blood type. B+. And that is what we are going to be. Positive. He is going to need LOTS of blood. So give some if you can, please...especially if you are B+. He and anyone else needing some will be blessed.

We are going this morning to review all of Elijah's findings today. Since some test results have already come back and since by observation, we have seen some of the allergies that Elijah is exhibiting, we are not sure what to expect. But, we will take things as they come and  having talked to the transplant doctor yesterday, we are fairly sure the results will not delay transplant.

I will send out an update when we get home. If all goes well today, Elijah may not need to return to the hospital until admission in one week. But for now, we will B positive.