And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NASB)
As I sit here writing this post, my 5-year-old son sits next to me.
His name is David.
He had a bone marrow transplant nearly six months ago on December 11, 2013. I know that if you’ve been reading my blog for the past year, you probably know about David. You know all about how he was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia and had to undergo a bone marrow transplant as the only means of a cure. I documented some of our painful journey here on The Sensible Mom in blog posts. Then leading up to David’s transplant and throughout his entire month-long hospital stay, I shared videos when I could.
Now more than ever, I’m thankful that even through the sorrow and the roller coaster that life was at that point, I was able to find small ways to remember David’s reality through it. We’ll never forget what he’s been through, and because of that, we’ll praise God for the rest of our lives for what He’s taken us through and for what He’s given back to us.
To be completely truthful, looking at pictures of David before his diagnosis — from when he was sick and we had yet to realize it — is downright gut-wrenching. As his mom, I see those pictures and my heart aches, because I know that while the rest of us were smiling, he was suffering inside. We simply hadn’t yet connected all the dots and made that trip to the emergency room.
I have similar issues when I look back at pictures of what David went through in the hospital during his transplant. I posted a few on his Facebook page, but there are far more that I can’t share publicly. I try to prepare myself mentally to look back at those photos.
I know that it’ll all get easier with time and as we continue to heal as a family, but right now, it’s hard.
Living with Fear
Another thing I’m dealing with is fear. There’s this fear that lives inside of me that wasn’t there before. At times, it triggers frightening thoughts. Other times, it makes me tense up, and I feel all edgy. I know that this fear is a part of me now because of the trauma of this whole experience.
On August 3, 2013, a bomb exploded in my life, and we’re still recovering from the devastation that it caused.
I believe that my Savior is going to get me through this, and I won’t live with this type of fear forever.
Moving onto the Happy Part of this Update
Enough about how I’m doing, let’s talk about David. 🙂
He’s just about to approach six months post transplant, and he’s doing well. He still has some issues with graft versus host disease of the skin as a result of the transplant, but we’re praying for a total healing of David’s body over time. Graft versus host disease is a very serious complication that can occur when you’ve had a bone marrow transplant, but thankfully, David’s GVHD has not spread beyond his skin.
Also, while it’ll be a LONG while before David truly looks like his normal self again (because of the side effects of current and past medications), he is starting to look more like himself.
Here are pictures to give you a better idea of some of the physical changes that David’s had to endure since his transplant:
As you can see, it’s been quite a journey. But we’re here — six months since a complete stranger (whom we can’t wait to meet one day) donated his bone marrow so that our son could to do what he’d constantly talk about doing — GROW UP.
We love you, David. You’ll forever be our #1 Superhero.
Click here for more posts and videos about David’s Story.
What a journey! I can only imagine what all feelings this brings up inside you as a mom. I can’t imagine trying to face such a situation without faith in Jesus Christ. Glad you are remaining strong through all of this!
Thank you, Lydia. We’ve definitely known the Lord’s strength and faithfulness through this.
Oh my goodness! He looks so much healthier in those last pictures! What a crazy transformation!
We love your family!
We love you guys, too, Maribeth! And, yes, David looks so much healthier now. Praise the Lord!
Praising God for your entire family! Praising you for having the courage to share so much with others, to help – and to receive help, graciously, and prayers. The eyes of ALL in your family glow with the light and love of Christ!
Love to all of you!
Gini & Russ
Thank you, Gini! We love you guys! 🙂
Your family has been through quite a journey these last 6 months. It wonderful how God has provided for your family. It’s wonderful to see the pictures of David so happy and playing. It must just warm your heart.
I know the fear you talk about. I can tell you it does start to fade. It takes time. It’s been almost two years now since our son was in the hosptial and I’m finally feeling more normal days than anxious days. I pray it doesn’t take that long for you.
We will continue to pray for David and your whole family. Thanks so much for sharing the update.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement throughout everything, Shelly! I know you know what we’re going through and how I feel. Thank you for sharing your experiences, friend. I continue to pray for your family as well.
Thank you for sharing these precious thoughts and photos! My eyes filled with tears of joy. I have a friend who is going through a bone marrow transplant right now (leukemia) and the medical procedures, days in the hospital, etc. seem absolutely overwhelming. You are strong in the Lord and because of this experience I know you will be a blessing and encouragement to others who are suffering through something huge. I will pray God brings healing where fear has taken root. I understand how it feels to wake up one day with fear that wasn’t there before. Many hugs and prayers for you from my family to yours. <3
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers, Gina! They mean so much.
And, yes, I do hope that what we’re walking through can someday help other families who are suffering pain and loss.
Thank you for rejoicing with us as David’s health continues to improve. Praise the Lord.
I’m so glad that David is continuing to do better…we still pray for him everyday.
Praying that you are also able to find some peace after all that you have been through. I know that people say to trust in God, that he will carry you through, and I think that is easier said that done, especially when it is your child who is so sick. But God has promised that he will always be with us, and He has brought you all this far. Just hang in there Sandra….know that there are lots of people praying on your behalf and with time, hopefully this will all be just a memory. ((Hugs))
Thank you so much for continuing to pray for David, Erin. I appreciate it so very much.
The road we’re traveling has been rough. And we’re still experiencing little bumps along the way, but God is leading us and comforting us and carrying us. That’s everything to our family as we carry on in this journey.
Such a big story for such a little man. You’re little boy has had to grow up faster than most kids, but its amazing that he has such a big spirit. You can see it in these pictures. Thanks for sharing your story and bringing awareness to the subject as well. Although I don’t know anyone personally with the disease, I know there are other moms who worry and seeing such a story can help them out.
Thank you for the encouragement, Olga. 🙂 It’s my hope that other moms will see David’s story and find hope and help, too.
David is a tough guy, and he definitely showed his toughness though this trial.
Wow, I just came across your site and your son’s story caught my eye. Two of my four children have needed bone marrow transplants because of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), which means they were born without functioning immune systems. My oldest is now 12 and she has had 3 transplants (she got sick at 8 months and her first transplant was at 3 years old). She is now 7 years out from her last transplant. My 4th child was born in Nov. 2013 and received his transplant on 2/14/2014. He is now 134 days out and just turned 7 months old. We will keep your son and your family in our prayers.
My goodness! I cannot even begin to imagine how challenging it must be to go through so much. In your comment you come across so strong and I know you probably have no choice but to be strong. Your children are blessed to have you for a Mom! Praise God, your 12-year-old has not needed another transplant in 7 years!
Hi Kelley, thank you so much for praying for my family. I’m praying for yours as well. I can’t imagine going through four transplants with two children. But I’m so glad to hear that you daughter is doing well and that your little guy was recently able to have his transplant. I hope he’s doing well.
We’re continuing to experience bumps in the road because of David’s transplant, and I’m sure you know this all too well. At seven months post transplant, he’s still seeing his doctor about every two weeks. I’m hoping that’ll change to once a month soon.
Thank you so much stopping by, Kelley.