Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us"


Monday, December 10, 2007

Hi everyone, this is Jen Straub, Sarah's friend. Sarah has asked me to post a quick blog to bring everyone up to speed because she is unable to get a connection at the hospital (they are behind double doors) and she is not able to leave the room.

I am honored to be able to share some wonderful news with everyone!! They just got the results of the Biopsy Caleb had at Duke in NC and he is producing T-Cells!!!!! They have not yet left his Thymus, but in time they should get trained and go out into his body to fight infection. Dr. Markert had told them that it would not be uncommon to not be able to see any T-Cells at this early stage, but not this special boy!! He is ahead of the pack!! This is fabulous news and means, so far, the fight for the transplant was worth every ounce of effort.

Caleb also had his cleft palette repaired last Wednesday. He is recovering well, but they have to keep everything out of his mouth for 3 weeks, and with a teething toddler, well you know. His lip adhesion surgery is scheduled for January 3rd. They will basically fuse the two parts of his lip together to help create more tissue for future surgeries.

They are also working to get Caleb off of the TPN drug (nutrition drug) before he heads home. Some of his liver levels were still off so they are monitoring that. At this point, if they are able to regulate those levels, the Drs are hopeful that Sarah and Caleb will be able to make their journey home on Friday!!! That is right. There is a strong likelihood that they will be in the comfort of their own home Friday!! Now we must continue our prayers because you can't count on it until it happens, but it would surely be wonderful for them all!!!

Once they are home they will still have to stay in isolation and Sarah and Brian will not be able to have any direct contact with anyone. They will have to stay in very isolated environments and will have to be protective of anything entering the home. This includes sterilizing everything, clothes included, before they enter the door. But it will be good to have them together and in the comfort of their own home instead of stuck in one room in the hospital without Brian being able to be with them everyday!!

The last comment Sarah wanted me to share is a request for prayers for the family of Samantha Welch. She is an amazing 17-year old girl who battled AML and just recently (December 1st I believe) lost her battle. She is now pain-free and in God's grace I am sure, but please pray for her parents, Eugene and Faith, two special people who touched Sarah and her mom's (Linda) hearts as they grieve and remember the joy their daughter brought to those who met her. God Bless you all!!

God Bless all of you!!!!!

For anyone looking for ways to contact Sarah directly, feel free to send an email to me and I will be happy to help as Sarah gets transitioned and doesn't have a strong connection to the internet. My email is jstrauby@comcast.net.

God Bless all of you and your families during this magical season. I know Caleb has certainly blessed us and helped to remind me and my family of what the true meaning of this season is. May you and yours be blessed as well.

God Bless Caleb and God Bless his parents for their relentless fight for their boy. I have never known more loving and determined people and I am even more blessed to be able to call them friends. I thank them for allowing me to share in their story and I thank all of you for continuing to pray for Caleb and to follow his journey. You have all helped so much by telling Caleb's story and helping to find companies generous enough to donate things to this special family. The latest was the donation to cover the costs of Caleb's hearing aids until he turns 18!! This is from a company that wants to remain anonymous, but was through the WTOV9 Season of Miracles program. Thank you WTOV9!!!! There are so many different ways to help this special family and I thank all of you on behalf of Sarah and Brian for all that you have done and all the kindness and generosity you have shown them. I know that when they can they will spend months making up with all the hugs they wish they could give out now!!

God Bless!! Merry Christmas!!! Happy Holidays!!!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

God Bless each and every one of you!!

Chris
XOXO

amy and mighty max said...

Thanks so much for the update!!! And oh my gosh, I cannot believe they might be home this weekend! Yikes!

Amy and Max

CorrieYoung said...

Yeah!!!!! That is such wonderful news!!!! I can't believe that you all may be together...in your own home....in time for Christmas!!! How wonderful. I was so glad to read about Caleb's T-cells. It's all just so amazing!!

We pray for you everyday Caleb and will pray especially for protection from germs as you make it home. I'm sure you're just going to be so excited to be in your own home...and at such a magical time. What a Christmas gift for you all.

God Bless,
The Youngs

Crystal M. said...

I am so glad to hear an update and I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers that they will be home soon!!
Hugs,
Crystal and Eva

Becky said...

Dear Sarah, Brian and Caleb,
What wonderful news!! I hope this finds you guys home, safe and secure. If not, all prayers and love for your quick return there. What a miracle this journey has been. GOD BLESS!!!!
love and prayers,
Becky and Bobby D.

williams in the house said...

i am so excited, the strength of this little family has been a part of what has been keeping our family going through our recent struggle. thank god for the t cells and we will keep praying every day for caleb and his family. what an inspriation!!!
christie and fam

Crystal M. said...

I just popped in the see how you were I hope you had a nice Christmas.
Love and prayers,
Crystal and Eva

Anonymous said...

Sarah and Brian...
We are praying for you each and every day! We miss you and think about you all the time. Caleb is a miracle child. He is just an amazing little fighter...Please know that you are always in our nightly prayers...PJ says a prayer for all of his friends, naming Caleb every time!!!!!!
Love Always - Jenna, Parker, and PJ

Michelle said...

I am so glad that Caleb is closer to home....and that everything is working out so well. Truly, God has given such a blessing to you all. You were an incredible family to take care of and get to know here at Duke, and Caleb was my incredible chub man. I will never forget you and your family! Michelle - Duke, RN.