chemo today

Just a quick update on today's plan. Ethan's midnight blood work came back and showed low hemoglobin levels (hemoglobin is a measure of how well his red blood cells are able to carry oxygen - I think) and so he needed to have a blood transfusion over night that got started at about 3am. Everything went fine and after some chatter and a bag of chips, Ethan fell back asleep for a few hours. We are told that blood and platelet transfusions will really become a normal part of his routine, especially as we get started with treatment.

Today he will receive his next dose of a chemo drug that apparently often causes allergic reactions in patients, just because of the way that the chemo attacks the blood. This includes anything from a rash up to an anaphylaxic reaction. Because of this, Ethan will be monitored very closely and have vitals taken every 15 minutes throughout so that they are prepared to respond immediately. And even if he does have an allergic reaction, they will treat the reaction and then continue giving the drug. Not giving the drug is not an option.

With all that said, can you please pray for Ethan today? He should receive this chemo drug this afternoon and I think it take a couple of hours to complete.

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers!