Cody — Day +11 Stem Cell Update 

We are beyond thankful...Cody’s stem cells came in yesterday (+10), and we are finally seeing the light at the end of this incredibly brutal tunnel. This has been the most heartbreaking, exhausting experience. 

The past week has been unimaginably rough. Cody’s entire GI tract sloughed off due to the intensity of the chemo, causing severe vomiting, including blood, for days. His skin, affected by the chemo rash, was also sloughing off, leaving him in constant pain. For 7 straight days, he didn’t get out of bed. He also lost his taste buds, so even when hungry, eating was nearly impossible because everything tasted different. 

For those unfamiliar with stem cell washes: the high-dose chemotherapy used to wipe out diseased cells also damages rapidly dividing cells, including those in the gut and skin, which is why patients often experience these profound side effects. 

Today, we have some relief: Cody is being weaned off his morphine PCA and is now on oral pain meds only. He is done with IV antibiotics and is now taking oral antibiotics. He is playing, running, laughing, and being his cheerful self again, it feels like we’ve gotten our Cody back. 

Over the next week, the team will continue to monitor for potential complications like VOD (veno-occlusive disease), which can affect the liver, watch for fevers, and make sure his blood counts stay above safe thresholds. If all goes well, we hope to be home at the beginning of February for about 10 days before starting the next round (sigh). 

We are endlessly grateful for everyone who has donated, sent meals, and supported our family. Coming home to home-cooked meals has been a gift I will never forget. 

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18