Monday, May 3, 2010

Update on our Monday...

Here's a little about our day at the hospital...

Steph, Levi, and I arrived at Riley this morning around 8:30. There was some confusion on where we were actually supposed to be (we found out later that there was a surgery team waiting for us to show up at the downtown Riley campus at 10:30 am even though we were really supposed to be at the North campus at 1:30 for the surgery).

After arriving, we talked to the doctor and found out that he had done some more research over the weekend to find out what type of leukemia Levi has. When he called last Friday, he was pretty concerned about the preliminary diagnosis. After more tests were completed, he thinks now that Levi has a subtype of AML leukemia that is not as aggressive as originally thought. They performed some more blood tests, and found that his red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and other blood levels were normalizing. There was a big change for the better over last week's test results. This was great news.

Because the doctor had adjusted what he thinks Levi has, and because his blood tests were much improved, they decided that they did not want to put a central line in Levi. Instead, they decided to just do a bone marrow test, an additional skin biopsy, and a test on his spinal fluid for the sake of being thorough. The doctor says that the type of leukemia that Levi has will sometimes go away on its own. Although this is rare, we are praying for this outcome. He says that if the bone marrow and biopsy tests come back ok, he is not planning on starting chemo. Instead, he wants to watch the leukemia by performing regular blood tests and periodic bone marrow tests to see what it does. In short, there is no harm in waiting to see what happens.

Levi came through surgery just fine. He was a little ouchy after coming out of general anesthesia, but what can you expect - it is a lot for a little guy to go through two of these procedures in one week! He again went several hours (10 to be exact) without being able to nurse. He did so well, we are so proud of him. He just snuggled up and slept through most of the day. He is a tough little guy. Since they didn't put the central line in, we were able to come home tonight. It was so nice to be heading home to see our little girl rather than getting admitted and preparing for a long stay in the hospital! We should know more about the bone marrow biopsy results and additional genetic testing later this week.

We appreciate all of your prayers and support. We have received so many messages, emails, and texts that it is becoming impossible to answer all of them individually. God is teaching us a lot through this experience, especially to persevere, to be bold, to be thankful, and to consider all things joy. We need to remember that it is a privilege to be a part of His bigger plan. We are praying expecting Levi to be healed, and ask that you do the same.

Now, time to get some sleep...

Michael & Stephanie

14 comments:

  1. Such a great update! I talked to your mom earlier and was so relieved to hear some of the news... but I was still waiting to hear more details from you guys; sounds like an absolutely positive day!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's really great news, guys. We're hoping the news just keeps getting better and better.

    All the best,
    Brian and Bo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excellent news!! I'm so happy to read this. Please give Levi and Caylee a big kiss and hug for me.

    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mike and Steph,
    I've been thinking about you and praying for you and your little guy everyday. I'm so glad that you got some positive news, may you just keep getting more and more positive news. Praying for you all.

    Jenna Mercer

    ReplyDelete
  5. We are so happy that little Levi is doing better. Please know that the boys say a prayer for you all every night. Tell Caylee the boys say hi.

    The Pratts

    ReplyDelete
  6. So glad that you got some good news and are home! Praise the Lord! I will continue to pray for you guys and I hope the little man keeps heading toward good news!

    ReplyDelete
  7. That's great news. Know that the prayer warriors of CMA 613 have surrounded your family with prayers, and are continuing to do so. God is bigger than anything we can think or imagine. We praise him for the doctors "adjusted" diagnosis, and for the touch he is placing on Levi.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That is an amazing update! Your family is constantly on our minds and in our prayers!!! We'll continue to pray diligently for you all!

    Dirk & Nicole

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great News Guys. Never been so excited about NOT being able to see you in Indy later this week. Kate and I are praying for you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Kids, I'm getting ready to give a healing massage and I have Levi's picture in my special room so he'll receive Gods healing energy also!
    Love Brendaxxxooo

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mike and Stephanie,
    We have your family and Levi in our thoughts and prayers. We were heartbroken to hear you little guy was sick- hard to imagine with a newborn boy of our own just one day younger. We hope that the latest tests show continued improvement and that this goes away on its own. We will be following your blog for updates and praying for good news.
    Love Jeff and Tiffany Coil

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mike and Steph,
    You and your family will continue to be in our prayers. Glad to here you got some good news. We will continue to pray for your family.

    Dawn and Rusty

    ReplyDelete
  13. Here's to the idea of a leukemia that would go away on its own. Wow, what an amazing hope. I hope you are finding ways to sleep and care for yourselves as well, so essential. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hope Levi continues to do well and fights the leukemia all the way into complete remission on his own. I have been thinking about your family and pray for the best.

    Ashley Robey

    ReplyDelete