Know your enemy...

So I have to admit that as I wrote the title to this post, I had the song playing in my head (probably a sign that I've listened to a little too much Rage Against The Machine in my lifetime - not a surprise to those who've known me for awhile). So if this post comes out sounding a little militant, that's probably why. But you know what, I think that's ok. Because I am viewing this as a fight. Something has attacked my little boy, and we're pulling out all stops to defeat it. Plus, this is the phase we find ourselves in at the moment... We're studying the enemy, learning as much as we can about it, figuring out its weak spots, and attacking. Our enemy today is leukemia, and our weapons are chemo, knowledge, and most importantly prayer.

Today our physical attack began. And to be honest, it felt good. Levi had surgery this morning to put in his central line, take another bone marrow biopsy, and perform a spinal tap and chemo injection into his spinal fluid. He came through just fine and recovered quickly. Mommy and Daddy were even able to enjoy a nice lunch outside in the sunshine while he was in surgery. Little quiet times together like that go a long way.

They started chemo this afternoon, and the specialist gave us a run-down of all the medications they were giving him. Some of the medicines actually make up the chemo treatment, while others seem more like support medications and do things like prevent mouth sores, nausea, and break down uric acid. Let's just say that between these meds, his TPN, and morphine, he has a lot of different drugs going through his IV. It must all be doing the trick though, as he is sleeping quite soundly now in his crib.

Steph's dad brought Caylee down this afternoon, and the three of us had our blood drawn to see if we were matches for Levi's bone marrow transplant. Steph did well with the blood draw, but Caylee and I didn't handle it so well. I guess she takes after her daddy in that neither of us are very fond of needles. We are praying that one of us is a match and that we can cross that concern off our list. Speaking of bone marrow transplants, I want to thank the overwhelming number of you who have contacted us asking if you could be tested to see if you were a match. Your willingness to help brought tears to our eyes. I am learning more about the bone marrow donor registry list and the testing/donation processes, so I will post what I find on a separate page on this blog very soon. I was originally planning on posting the info tonight, but not sure I will be able to keep my eyes open that long. It may have to wait until tomorrow.

We had a good evening, my parents and Cyrus came up to visit. They brought us some BBQ from Famous Dave's, which was a very welcome break from hospital food. We even have a few corn bread muffins left over, which should go well with waiting room coffee in the morning.

We're not sure how the rest of the week will pan out, but as of tonight I am planning on heading back up to Warsaw tomorrow during the day and picking up Caylee along the way. Steph will stay down here with Levi, but we will probably be heading back down during the weekend to spend time with them.

Again, I want to thank you all. We are receiving many notes of encouragement and offers to help, and we are not always able to respond to them all right away. But please do know that every time our phones buzz with a message, comment, email, or text, it uplifts our spirits and brings a smile to our faces. We do love you all.

In closing, I wanted to leave you with another passage from Psalms that we read last night. I am finding that there is at least one or two chapters (if not more) in that great book that seem to meet us exactly where we are physically, emotionally, or spiritually. These passages put into words those feelings that are so often difficult to express. We are drawing strength daily, so I hope these verses encourage you as well.

God bless,
Michael, Stephanie, Caylee, and little Levi


Psalm 25:16-21

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.