6 months!

Today marks 6 months since Caleb received Isaac's gift of a healthy life.  It has taken me several attempts to write this post...I am sort of at a loss for words for once.  It is simply amazing that in only 6 months, Caleb's new factory has grown to the point that he is HEALTHY.  When they checked him last week, the tests show that he continues to have 100% Isaac cells!!  His immune system is still very immature, like that of a baby, but he has not needed to get any antibody infusions since December because his body is making it's own!  From what I understand, the antibodies are the last "part" of his factory to start up, and sometimes this can take years to happen.   They were certain that he would continue to need his IVIG transfusions through the winter, especially since he's still on immunosuppression medications.  But like everything with Caleb, he's following his own path (in a good way this time.)

In some ways his transplant seems like an eternity ago, in some ways it seems like yesterday.  It's hard to believe that only 6 short months ago, nasty chemotherapy toxins were pumped into his body, killing off his old cells making room for Isaac's healthy ones. Aside from his appearance at the moment (due to the medications), you would never know that his little body has been through the ringer. He is back to his active, spunky self.  God is so good.

For most of Caleb's life, we were living in constant fear that he would get that "big" infection his doctors warned us about that would take his life; first it was in the NICU and then after his CGD diagnosis.  Every fever, cough, and cut would set us into high-alert-scared-out-of-our-minds mode.  He wasn't living his life like a "normal" little boy, and we weren't living our lives like a normal family.  Yes, we had lightened up a bit the past couple years (he went to preschool and t-ball), but lifting some restrictions meant more panic.  Six short months ago, Caleb was given a new life...our family was given a new life.  We continue to afraid of fevers, but for a different reason.  A reason that will dissipate with time.  And yes, we are still living in isolation and he still has restrictions, but this time it's only TEMPORARY!!

There have been some very hard times these past 6 months.  Sometimes one day felt like a week.  There were times when we questioned what in the heck we were doing.  But, since Caleb is doing so well, those bad memories have started to fade.  Our family is back under one roof and we are settling into our new normal.  However, all I have to do is look back through his Caringbridge page and it take me right back to those horrible moments. As hard as the hard times were, I know in my heart we made the best decision for Caleb.

We have met some amazing people over the past six months.  From the secretaries, techs, and  cleaning staff, to the doctors, nurses, NP's, other BMT families, and the Elmores...we couldn't have gotten through this without them.  While it was great to say adios to Texas for 6 months, we will really miss our new family in Houston!  So many people have prayed for our family over the past 6 months.....our family, friends, family and friends of friends, and people we have never met. God has heard and listened to your prayers! We have been so blessed by the outpouring of support everyone has given us. We definitely feel loved.  To EVERYONE reading this...thank you, thank you, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, emails, cards, calls, gifts, and everything else you have done for our family!  We couldn't have gotten through this without you!

In six short months, Caleb will reach the huge milestone of one year post transplant.  I hope and pray that he will continue on the path he's on and won't have ANY restrictions at that time.  It's crazy to think about that, since his whole life has been full of them.  For now, we will continue to live in the moment, continue to take one day at a time and praise God for the wonderful blessings he has given our family.

Happy 6 month Birthday, Caleb!  It is so fitting that you get to chose your Make A Wish tomorrow.  You are the strongest little boy I will ever know.