Thursday, April 15, 2010

Update on Drew

Here is tonight's update from Drew's mom, Jen.

If you would like to receive future updates, please join his caringbridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/drewdotay

"Drew is still in critical condition. We are still struggling to accept that this has happened. Although there were some lab values that improved overnight, his lung function remains the same. The improvement in his labs initially sent us soaring with relief, but it's Drew's lungs that have received the severe injury and that's what the doctors are focusing on. The doctors are encouraged that his lungs have not worsened and we are holding onto that. Staying stable is the hope right now with improvement hopefully soon. Drew started treatment for ARDS with 2 medications last night. The tests continue to trickle in as negative for infectious disease but there are still some pending, but unlikely to be positive.

Drew has the advantage of being young and healthy prior to his transplant and even being generally very healthy even post transplant. We are praying hourly that that his youth, health, along with prayer and the amazing doctors who are doing everything they can for him, can carry him through this. The severity of this is extremely painful to us and only made worse that we are not subjected to Drew's constant stream of laughter and chatter that usually accompanied trips to Boston for the last 4 months. They are sedating him a little more in order to help his lungs to rest but he still responds to us when we talk to him.

Many of the people that we have met on this journey have stopped by the ICU to see Drew including Frannie. Lori and Kadiesha from the CAT/CR, Nuessa and Caroline from 6W, Joanie and Brianna from 6E. Of course, his much loved primary care doctor Alli has also been a regular visitor. The transplant world is actually quite small and word about Drew spread quickly. The support from everyone at the hospital is amazing.

We don't know how to thank everyone for your prayers but ask that you please continue them. We believe they have helped Drew stabilize and pray along with you that they eventually help see him through this. We will try to update everyday but please be patient with us. They have told us again that it's one day at a time and tonight we will pray for tomorrow.

Thank you,
Proud Family of Andrew Liam D'Auteuil "

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drew & his family are never far from my thoughts. It is just unreal how sick he is right now at Boston's Children's Hospital. It is like I am there in his room hearing all the beeps from the machines & the sound of the IV machine.


Aplastic Anemia & the treatment options are just a nightmare!

I also keep praying for Hannah to never experience recurrence of her Aplastic Anemia. Currently her blood counts are safe enough to go on & live a healthy life but recurrence is a possibility (and a fear that I fight off in my mind each day!). If her illness does recur, she will go straight to a bone marrow transplant.

I have not told Hannah about Drew's current fight because to her "a bone marrow transplant is a cure". No need to change that perspective at this point in her life. For many a BMT is a cure & I just continue to pray many, many, many times a day that Drew pulls through his current critical condition.

Please also pray for Drew's parents: Jen & Pete and his older twin brothers: Kevin & Ryan. A precious family fighting to see their youngest son & brother smile again!

I end with this prayer from my friend, Cindy, from church:

"Lord I pray that when Drew and his family pass through the waters, You will be with them. And when they pass through the rivers, it shall not overflow them. When they walk through the fire, they shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch them. For You are the Lord their God. Isaiah 43:2-3"


All God's best from HOME --

2 comments:

  1. Debbie,

    I came across your blog quite by accident when researching Aplastic Anemia on the internet. My mom was diagnosed last Fall with this disease. We have rode the roller coaster of emotions and have experienced many ups and downs with it. She has received the Horse ATG and has just begun to show positive reaction to the treatment. Her platelet count fluctuates but, she has not had a platelet transfusion in a couple of months.

    I just want you to know that reading your blog and also looking at Hannah's CaringBridge site has helped me understand this disease more. Please keep the reports coming! Hannah is an inspiration to our family and we will of course keep Drew in our prayers. I pray daily for Hannah even though I do not know her personally!

    BTW, A a wonderful family that lives in the same community as I has gone to China twice for beautiful girls! I know that God is in control and both your family and their family has made three wonderful little girls lives a lot more blessed because of your willingness to adopt!

    Thank you,
    Talisa Linker
    North Carolina

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am praying for Drew and for you guys too.

    christy

    ReplyDelete