Transplant update

We have heard that Elijah's new marrow has arrived. I don't understand the whole thing, but we just know that there is a large volume collected. They are going to try and isolate the viable cells from the excess fluid. Too much volume like cause his blood pressure elevate fast. I guess the volume of cells is different with each donor and recipient. For some reason, he needs a large volume of marrow to get the number of cells he needs. The transplant should take one hour.

Wow. The time is near. He fell asleep with a smile on his face. Our sweet little buddy is almost "post transplant" status. Wow..we are about to witness a miraculous event. We are humbled to be a part of this.

Transplant News

We just received word that the harvested bone marrow will arrive from the west Coast around 9 pm. Once it arrives at the hospital, it needs to be cleaned and filtered and it will be ready for transplantation. So, Lord willing, Elijah's bone marrow transplant will take place at 1 am in the middle of the night. He will probably sleep through it. They often call transplant day a "rebirthday." And, as we know, babies are born at any time of day or night....so to with rebirth's of any kind I guess.

So, we are just a few hours away from transplant. Pator Gil McConell from Bethelem (along with Marshall Seger ) came to pray with us. It was a precious time of prayer and fellowship. Elijah does not always handle times of prayer especially when we all laid hands upon him. God presence was clearly felt in this hospital room as Elijah handled things beautifully. It was more evidence that Elijah is feeling the presence God as well...soul to soul, he is accepting the comfort and gentle touch of Jesus. There are no words to describe moments like this.  We are so at peace knowing that God has Elijah safely in his arms...

So, we are preparing for a long night ahead....one that holds hope for Elijah and a cure for his bone marrow dysfunction.


I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Day -1 A day of rest

For I, the LORD your God,
hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you, "Fear not,

I am the one who helps you."

Isaish 41:13

Chemo is complete. Today is a day for Elijah's body to rest while he waits for tomorrow morning's procedure...the bone marrow transplant. All has gone well. The desires of our heart was that Elijah anxiety would be alleviated and that he would be free from pain. Our prayers have been answered abundantly. Now are prayers are being lifted for the donor. She is at a hospital now undergoing a procedure that will remove some of her bone marrow so that Elijah has a chance of survival. We are praying for her and for all those who are making this transplant a reality for Elijah. Organizations like the National bone marrow donor registry (http://www.bethematch.org/) and the doctors, scientists, and pilots who will fly the marrow to Minnesota, are all in our prayers. We are so thankful for them.

And now are hearts and minds are focused on what is going to happen tomorrow. The bone marrow transplant itself is pleasantly anticlimactic. No surgery or complicated procedure. He already has a central line placed that is allowing him to get the chemo and other medicines to prepare his body for the transplant. A bag (similar to a transfusion) filled with bone marrow cells will be attached to his line and given to him through his blood stream. The drip runs over a few hours time and then we wait. The new cells should find their way to the bodies blood making central--the bone marrow.

And this is when the real fight begins. Ephesians 3:20 has always been one of my favorite verses.

"To Him who is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine..."

It is to Him that we will look for comfort and in whom we will place our trust. He has been so faithful...beyond our imagination could even have conceived, and we will continue to hold his hand as he leads through this next battle.

The next two weeks are critical. The risk of infection, rejection, or reactions to the new cells are high. We have been told to expect to have complications and to be moved to a critical care unit because of Elijah's complex medical issues. But, we are not worried about what lies ahead. Blessings have been showered upon Elijah in these in all these days leading up to transplant...and we will not lose sight of how evident God has been through each step of this process. He is holding Elijah's hand..and all our fears have gone away..because we feel the hand of God assuring us that He will do what is best for Elijah. And we will hold tight to his mighty, gently hand as he leads us through this.

There are so many countless people that are supporting us through this. We can not say thank you enough. Through prayers, meals, gift cards, gas money and stepping in to help watch the other children, we are overwhelmed with gratefulness. We feel wrapped in love and we can not thank you enough.