Day 19 Counts Are Up

As if he wasn't already our "hero", today Nick proved (once again) that pushing through the pain and discomfort along with keeping a positive attitude is the formula for success in the end.  We still have a long road ahead, but at our first Outpatient visit (+19 days after transplant), Nick's blood counts are completely remarkable.  His WBC is 4.15, Hemoglobin is 8.7, and Platelets are at 108.  This is incredible news!  These counts mean that he has "officially engrafted". Please know that these counts can bounce around, but we just feel completely blessed right now.  He is out of the hospital and starting to eat.  Life is good.  The mucositis is still bothersome in his digestive tract, but it's still the delayed effect of the Busulfan
(chemo drug/pre-transplant).

Now that he has engrafted, we will face Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD).  Acute GVHD can occur within the first 3 mos.  Chronic GVHD can occur in the first year or two.  He has been on anti-rejection meds since the transplant, but he will be taken off of them in the next few weeks.

Now feels like the best time to thank you again for your continued prayers for Nick.  I'm convinced that you all must have a direct line to heaven!  Please know that your prayers are helping us in the most incredible way.  Nick is living proof and our only dilemma now is how we'll ever be able to thank you enough.

God's Perfect Peace,