Tomorrow is a big day!!! Cody receives his stem cells, aka Cell Day. In transplant terms, tomorrow is called Day 0. It’s the day new life begins entering his body, the day we’ve been working toward for months.

After Day 0, the next phase begins. Days +3 through +14 are typically the hardest stretch. During this time, his immune system will be extremely low as his body clears out the old cells and waits for the new stem cells to “engraft” and start making healthy blood cells. This is when side effects often appear: fatigue, mouth sores, nausea, pain, fevers, and difficulty eating. Not everyone experiences everything, but we prepare for it because being proactive matters.

Today the team placed an NG tube. This is simply a small feeding tube that goes into the stomach through his nose. We’re choosing to place it before he gets too sick, so if eating becomes difficult later, his body will still receive the nutrition it needs to heal. If he never needs it, wonderful. But if he does, it’s already there and ready. This is what proactive, excellent care looks like.

If pain becomes an issue, he’ll also have a PCA pump, which allows safe, controlled pain relief when needed. His care team is on top of everything. They are experienced, prepared, and watching him closely.

Right now, the sweetest part:
Cody is still eating.
He’s in great spirits.
No nausea yet.
Smiling, talking, being himself.
The fatigue is starting to set in, though.

And yet… the truth is: the waiting is hard.
Watching your child feel well, knowing harder days may be coming, is a unique kind of ache. Anticipating suffering is excruciating. But we are walking forward anyway, one day at a time, with hope, faith, and a medical team that has this handled.

Thank you to every single person who has:
 • Signed up to send meals and snacks
 • Donated financially
 • Prayed
 • Checked in
 • Loved our family from afar

Our medical bills are real and they are piling up, but we serve a faithful God who has met us at every step so far. We trust He will continue to provide exactly what we need, exactly when we need it.

We will keep you updated as we move through this next phase.

Thank you for standing with us 🤍