BLESSING #1 - Austin, as many of you know is on the Greenville High School Equestrian Team...on September 10th he was at a meet in Big Rapids...during opening ceremony, there was a couple of horses out of control because of the fear of  the American Flag.  One horse started bucking and rearing and bumped into Austin and his horse Bessie....Austin basically hit the dirt and sustained a injury to his ribs and some bumps and bruises....The BLESSING in this is that if Austin had not fallen off Bessie....it may have been months before we discovered his condition.  As a result of the pain, the bruising and some other disturbing symptoms....I took Austin to his family doctor....it was through the labs run that day, that we discovered Austin had leukemia....he was instantly sent to Devos Children's Hospital to a Dr. Axtell....who is a hemotologist/onocologist....Dr. Axtell met us there and ran some more bloodwork...and confirmed our worst fears, of leukeima.

BLESSING #2 - We were sent to Devos Children's Hospital who has a top notch team of doctors and specialists who took over instantly as we stood there still trying to absorb the shock of everything.  Nurses came running and within an instant they had Austin in his room and assessments were started, IV's were started, pain meds were given and the good news of "Leukemia is now a curable disease" was given to us....

BLESSING #3 -  Because of the prompt medical attention and tests being run ....Austin's White Blood Cell Count started to come down, his blood platelets started to rise and the uric acid in his kidneys started to decrease....he required 4 platlet tranfusions initially and Dr. Mitchell, came to tell us the exact kind of leukemia he had...Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)....she said this "of all the leukemias" had the best cure rate....also that 80% of kids are CURED of leukemia and go on to live normal lives....we still have to wait for all the tests to come in....but this was our third blessing already.

BLESSING #4 - Preliminary testing is in!  Austin has the Early Pre-B Cell blast types....this is a good thing!  Also....surgery is scheduled for this afternoon---September 21st....he will be having a spinal tap and a bone marrow tap and a Broviac port placed into his heart for injections and blood draws....he's scared....nervous....but knows all this is "working to make him better."

BLESSING #5 - September 21 - 7 pm....Dr. Mitchell has just told us that there is NO cancer in his spine or his brain!  This is the best news....because he will not require radiation to his brain....they injected chemotherapy into his spine because this is the area the cancer cells will run to hide in because it's very hard to get chemo into the spine & brain.....so when they get there...they're are going to be wiped out! 

BLESSING #6 - September 22 - noon - Dr. Mitchell has just been to cytogenetics and some of the cells that have been analyzed are weird....but all in the positive toward cure category!  More to go but we'll take this....Austin will be on aggressive chemo for 8 months and then maintenance chemo for three years!  We are in for the long haul....but we are blessed with "the long haul."  Many kids up here don't have that good fortune...so we will take it!

BLESSING #7 - September 24th - All levels are holding good....having some allergic reactions to some of the chemo....so very tired...we have been told Austin may be able to come home on Thursday...just in time for homecoming....so we are all praying that he will maintain and can get to come home....more later....

BLESSING #8 - September 25th - Prognosis is still holding....no sign of blasts in the last three smears which is an excellent sign of all this cancer leaving our boy....therapy continues to be intense --- he received the four shots of chemo in his legs yesterday....and seems to be responding well to all the other treatments....WBC is low, platelets are low and hemoglobin....but this is to be expected....as the chemo kills the bad stuff....it gets the good stuff too....but fortunately the good stuff will all come back.....Austin continues to be upbeat and positive....as he says "cancer feeds off stress and he's not going to feed this cancer by stressing out."  Thanks once more for all the prayers, visits, cards, gifts, calls, etc., we are ever hopeful that if he continues on this path, he can go home on Thursday and perhaps get to go to his homecoming dance.....more later....

BLESSING #9 - September 28th - Prognosis is even better!  There is another sub-category classification of the Early Pre-B Cells Austin was first diagnosed with....call PRO B cells;  Pro-B are the most immature of the leukemia cells and Austin is PRO-B.  This means that we caught this disease in its infancy stage!  Thank you Lord!  His levels are way down...but his spirits are way UP!  He's going home today!  He will have another bone marrow aspiration and spinal tap where they will also once more fill his spine with chemo and then....if he is doing okay and feels like it....he can go home!   We are hoping that he will be able to go to the homecoming parade, game and dance.....this depends on his ANC (infection fighting neutrophil) levels and of course the nasty Michigan weather....but we're hoping!  We're back for more labs and chemo next week...but will feel good to get him home....more later....

October 2 - Well, Austin is still doing really good....he was so happy to spend the rest of the week and weekend at home.  He did get to go to the homecoming dance for about an hour and tuckered out....ready to come home....we were so happy he could at least go....he thought that was not going to happen and he had two dates.  Emily and Ashley were excited too that he got the thumbs up to go....today we are off to the clinic at Devos to get some blood and platelet transfusions....then home again until Thursday when he goes back  for his chemo.....hopefully today we will get the results of the bone marrow from last Thursday and some more encouraging news!  Thank you to the Calkins family for the special dinner prepared and waiting for us when we got home on Thursday....it was delicious and so nice to come home to....and to the Wisinkski family for the dinner prepared for Bert and kids while Aus & I were ensconced in the hospital...I promise to get all their dishes back to them!   Everyone has been so supportive and helpful and we are so thankful for all of our good friends and wonderful family.  I truly don't mean to leave anyone out for anything but my head has been a whirl so if I do....please forgive me.....know that you are loved and appreciated!  more later......

October 3 - WOO HOO!  Dr. Mitchell called us last night with the wonderful news that the FISH (initials for a big worded laboratory test) came back that Austin's Bone Marrow shows absolutely no leukemia!  This terms him an "Early Rapid Responder" and she said this is remarkable progress for one week into therapy!  We are so thankful to God!  We caught this disease so early and even though he is not "outta the woods" yet, this has been the biggest BLESSING of all!  Thank you so much for all the prayers!  We know the power of prayer and it's paying off.....the hedge of Angels around Austin have been watching over him and taking care of him and we are so truly blessed!   He also didn't require any blood or platelets yesterday...so we were sent home early!  What a wonderful day for him....he is still very tired and his blood levels are very, very low....so he's basically grounded until they come back up....but this is all part of the process....the chemo is working to kill those nasty blasts...unfortunately, it kills the good along with the bad...however, the good will be back....we hope to have him up and going back to life as he almost knew it before!  Thanks to the Myers's family for their delicious dinner and apple pie....and for the donation from Dave & Kris....we don't know who Dave & Kris are....but they are friends with the Myer's....Dave is fighting adult leukemia and in his battle...he took the time to remember a kid he's never met....who is fighting too....Blessings to you Dave....everyone please remember this special person in your prayers!  His battle has been long and continues to be hard.....his name is Dave and that is all that I know, but God knows him!  more later.....

October 5 - Well, it was back to DeVos for more chemo....Austin did really well ....it has made him very tired, but we are so thankful that it is kicking this leukemia's butt!  His blood levels are still way low...so please pray that he will start making platelets and  getting on the upside of the good cells....once this occurs, he can start fighting off infections and perhaps get back to a "normal" life.....more labs on Monday and more chemo on Thursday....still has a great attitude which is 100% of this!  Thank you's to the Greenville High School Equestrian Team for coming to pick up rocks in the arena and all their help and contributions!  What a great group of people and we are so beholding to all of you! 

October 14 - Sorry it took so long to write more...but glad in a way, because no news is good news....Austin continues to improve!  His blood counts are almost back to a normal range and he is building his own platelets and white blood cells back....this is wonderful because now he will be able to lead a somewhat "more normal" life.  Best of all...he doesn't have to wear the "mask" anymore!  He hated this part of it, because it caused so many stares.....but his ANC (ability to fight infection) level is up over the 1000 mark so he is "mask free."  He continues each week to have chemo and is responding so well.....he's back to school and able to almost tolerate a full day curriculum.  Thanks again for so many prayers....it sure has paid off and continues to pay off!  God Bless you all....will write more later....

Nov....My apologies to anyone who has been checking for updated information on Austin.  I have been neglectful on getting back here....life has been so hectic...but in a better way....October 26th - Dr. Mitchell gave us the news that Austin's leukemia is currently in REMISSION!  Praise the Lord!  Although this doesn't change his treatement plan...it does bode for a better ending!  We are so thankful for this news...on the down side...the "consolidation" portion of Austin's chemotherapy has begun, which has rendered him a pretty sick boy.  He has not been able to attend school as he would like and is getting quite "bored" with "mom's company."  But he has been a trooper and still is to this day.  Keep up the prayers...pray for healing, pray for the nausea and headaches to cease and pray he continues to respond to this therapy.  Once again...thanks to you all....more later 

Nov 10 - Austin is still not feeling the greatest....problems with nausea, headaches and just not feeling up to par...please continue to pray that he feels better and can get back to school....I think that would help most of all....more later

Nov 26 - Austin hasn't been doing well...he has been in and out of the hospital for intense nausea...he just has been having a terrible time eating or drinking so has required a lot of IV therapy, at the hospital and at home...chemo was delayed this week so he could try to get back on his feet a little and try to enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner...he couldn't, however, eat the Thanksgiving meal and spent a pretty miserable day.  Everyone please pray that we can get this nausea under control and that he can feel better....

Nov 30 - Austin is feeling much better!  The doctors have finally come up with some nausea meds which seem to be helping.  He was actually able to eat a meal with us and keep it down!  The delayed chemo was given to him today and he will be on the "nasty" stuff for the next week....so continued prayers are needed that he doesn't go back into the toilet again literally...LOL....He still cannot return to school, as he is hooked up to an IV pole most of the time....but is truly starting to feel more like his old self.  He was the Monopoly Mogul at clinic yesterday...whupping everyone soundly in the play-room.  Of course he got the jumpstart with Boardwalk & Park Place and he's a terrible demanding landlord - LOL....anyhow, feels good to see him feel like playing a game even.....thanks again to all for the help, prayers, thoughts, etc....will write more later 

January 10, 2007 -Wow....my sincerest apologies to any one who has checked this for an update in the last 40 days....I'm apalled that it's been that long since I've had a minute to update this...with starting a new job, the holidays and continuous trips to the hospital...time got totally away from me.   Austin's road has continued to be a rough one...he has been hospitalized several times for complications with infections.  He is still in remission, but hasn't been able to have any chemo for a month now....he's been sick from low blood counts and has required many transfusions.  God Bless each and everyone who has ever given blood....it may not seem like a great big deal to you, but it is to those who are receiving it.  We have confirmation last nite from the doctor that Aus is still in a solid remission, even with all the setbacks and illnesses....right now he's in the hospital in isolation for an infection called Zoster around his Broviac (heart catheter).  He continues to be in pretty good spirits, but is bored silly.  We are hoping to get back on track soon...will try to write more later but no soooo much later this time 

January 11 - Well, he's home!  Finally got out of the isolation room....he is doing better...but not 100% yet....Thanks for all the prayers!  

January 17 - January 21--Well, scratch that...he's back in the hospital...it's getting quite serious and we need some "step up" on the prayers...Austin has contracted some sort of liver malfunction...he is severly jaundiced, nauseated and some bodacious headaches going on.  His liver is not functioning correctly and the blood products he has been receiving are not working...please pray that his blood starts settling down, his liver starts settling down and acting right and that he just can start feeling better...please also pray that the Lord will give the Doctor's wisdom to understand what is happening to him...so far they are clueless....tests are more confusing than they are helpful....anyhow...will update more later...

January 22-  Well, this has certainly been a challenging week...Aus has been in the hospital since the 17th....he has been very, very sick.  He has had numerous blood transfusions and yet, they would disappear as soon as get got them.  The doctors have been totally puzzled and could not figure out what is wrong with him.  He had an ultrasound of the liver, but it didn't show anything.  He is horribly jaundiced....we have been teasing him that he's the "Cheez Whiz Man."  He had a MRI of his midsection and Eureka....they think they've found it!  The spleen appears to be horribly infected...it actually looks like a piece of swiss cheese.  They are doing a Cat Scan of it this afternoon....they are talking about possible surgery on Wednesday.

Jan 23--We were awakened this morning at 6:15 am that Aus was being rushed to surgery at 8:30...the spleen was grossly enlarged and infectious.  They doctor's say is has to come out...Austin's platelets are 13,000 (normal is 130,000+) his hemoglobin is at 5.5 (normal is 10 and above)...he is failing fast....will write more later....

Jan 23-What was supposed to be a 2 hour surgery turned into a 4-1/2 hour surgery.  Austin had four spleens....the doctors are incredulous...his main spleen was the size of a football (normally the size of a small orange) and then he had three small spleens to boot...the surgery took way longer than expected as they had to take all four spleens out....he received an awful lot of blood, platelets and plasma during surgery, but actually came out of surgery with a lot better counts then he went in with.  He is in intensive care...he's a pretty sick guy....so please pray that this does the trick.  We are waiting the results of the biopsy's of the spleen to see just what kind of infection we are dealing with...They figure that all the blood he kept losing was going into the spleen which was eating it as fast as they could give it to him. 

Jan 24-We had a pretty good night...his counts are down again so they are still transfusing....he finally got the tube out of his stomach/nose so feels better about that.  Right now he's just resting and trying to get better so he can get out of ICU.  Thank you to everyone who has been praying....we do so appreciate all of you!  Well, will try to update later....

Feb 2 - Well, Austin has continued to decline in his counts...the doctors have been furiously trying to figure out what is going on and thanks to Dr. Richard Axtell, we have a diagnosis...the disease that has ravaged his body is called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).  This is a very rare disease, and never seen in ALL patients...basically, his immune system has started attacking his internal organs and his blood as it thinks there is an infection present, when actually there is not.   Beacause it is deemed an "orphan" disease...there is not any government $'s for research.  The course of treatment is chemo and steriods and they started treatment immediately after dignosis...if the treatement doesn't work, he will require a bone marrow transplant....we are all praying that treatment will work.  The bible says to be specific in your prayer, so we are specifically asking everyone to pray and first Thank God for Dr. Axtell, Praise God for the blessings we've received so far and Ask God to heal Austin with this "unchartered treatment."  Once again...thank you to everyone who is still praying...we do so appreciate it!  I will try to update more...as soon as I can..right now we are just in a waiting period to see if the treatment is going to take hold....

February 14th - Happy Valentines Day...it has been a hard day so far for Austin...he started this morning with a bone marrow aspiration to determine how the HLH is and the leukemia....he's very tired...very depressed...the doctors tell us that he is not getting any worse, although the "getting better" part is slow.  Once the biopsys are back from the bone marrow, they will be making a decision on how to move forward with treatment.  They are starting him with a physical therapist as he is experiencing  muscle wasting in his legs from being in bed so much.  We thank everyone who has been visiting him.  Huggard Bible Church has been very supportive (especially Tim & Shelly) They have been visiting him every weekend and Tim---the John Deere video and hat were such a sweet touch.   Much thanks for all the prayers...still paying off in that we are so very fortunate to have the blessings we've had so far....Many thanks to the school and the posters which were signed by all the kids...Austin was stunned that so many cared and weren't afraid to show it, he was truly touched....well, I will try to update more later...it's just that it's very slow progress so not too much to write until headway is made....God Bless You All....

February 17 - Well, Austin has taken a turn...he became very ill Friday night and they have since discovered that he has puemonia on top of everything else...He is in intense pain and very ill....they are trying to get it on the run with antibiotics and he is currently on oxygen to help support his breathing...he is fighting with everything he has and please do keep the prayers going!  Will write more later when I can....

March 07 - Sorry, it has been a while, it has been a whirlwind...Austin's puemonia is just about gone...he is feeling better...his counts are still down, Bert, I, Randi & Cody were tested last Monday for Bone Marrow compatibility...they are looking at doing a bone marrow transplant, however, we don't know when...they need to get him healthy enough to withstand it....we really don't have any "real" updates yet...just kinda in a holding pattern until something turns around.   Will try to update again as soon as we get more information....sorry it has taken me so long...I think everytime I get back on here that it has only been a few days, to find that it has actually been a few weeks...my apologies to anyone checking in here and my thanks that you are checking in....until next time.....

Well, Bert, I, Randi & Cody were tested for bone marrow compatibility and none of us matched.  The doctor's are perplexed and not sure where to go from here.  He has been improving a little bit in the HLH.  The bone marrow aspiration they did on Monday, March 5th showed the leukemia is still in remission.  The coagulation studies they do to check the progress of the HLH are showing better results, although not in the normal range yet.  The good news of the week was his platelets were up to 11,000 on March 7th.  This is the first they have been over 8000 since February 11th.  We are in a holding pattern now, the doctor's are planning on giving it a little more time to try to turn around, however, they are still exploring the Bone Marrow Transplant.  Things are a little more complicated now that he would need a donor who is not related....his spirits are still pretty good, considering it is 7 weeks today that he has been in the hospital.  He's in physical therapy now to help strengthen his legs and arms and has to walk with a walker....pray that he can keep his strength and spirits up....it has been very, very hard and depressing on him.   Thank you all for checking in on him and for all the prayers, cards, well wishes....we cannot begin to thank everyone enough.  I will write more when we get an update...right now it's just "Wait & See."  .....

March 23 - Hello again...well, this past week, the doctors have decided we are headed to Bone Marrow Transplant.   They have found a donor, a gentleman from the Netherlands...he has been contacted and has agreed to donate his marrow.  They are now testing him to make sure he is still a viable donor...however, they caution us that Austin is still 4-5 weeks at least, away from transplant.  The incision from his surgery has still not healed and has opened even farther...they are trying to get this healed up before transplant to minimize chance for infection and because of the radical radiation they have to give him, they are afraid of it burning him.  Austin is a bag of mixed emotions...he is elated, yet scared...as are we all.  Our specific prayers right now are that the generous man is still able to donate his marrow, and that Austin's wound will heal quickly enough.   If all of this comes in place...they will extract this gentleman's marrow over there and fly it back to Austin.  He will be prepped for the bone marrow transplant by being given a massive dose of chemotherapy and then a massive dose of radiation from head to toe.  He will then go into a bone marrow transplant room which has special air flow and will receive the new marrow.  From that point, he will pretty much be in isolation and watched 24 hours a day.  They minimum time in isolation (if all goes according to Hoyle) is 4-6 weeks.  Please pray that we can keep his spirits up...he is feeling pretty low, knowing that there is more months of being hospitalized...yet say's he feels better at least having a time frame.  For those of you who requested his email address, is is:  colorfreak754@yahoo.com.  He doesn't check his emails a lot, so expect a delayed answer.   Well, again we are in a holding pattern...so as soon as things progress...I will try to get back on here and get all of you updated.  Thanks again for checking in...until next time....

Hello all!  Well, after many weeks of status quo's and I dunno's....we finally have an actual update.  Austin has the green light for a bone marrow transplant.  They have found a 10 in 10 donor (all we know is he's a 28 year old male somewhere across the world).  His donor is, as we are told "excited and ready" to donate for Austin.  They will be moving Aus to the transplant room on April 30th.  They will begin killing his immune system on May 1 and he will have the actual transplant on May 9th.  Our prayers now are that the donor stays healthy before harvest, Austin stays as healthy as he can and this goes off without a hitch.   Aus has contracted the rotavirus again and it has knocked his socks off...so pray that this gets arrested before transplant as well.  We are cautiously excited, yet scared...this will be the first ALL-HLH transplant...please pray for the doctor's to do the right things and make the right guesses.  We know that this is, as always, in God's hands and that he will be the one in control, but all of Austin's doctors are christians and said they can used some back-up prayers too.  Once again..thank you all for your support, your e-mails, your phone calls....however, you've been there...we feel ya...we know it, and we love ya for it.   Keep on praying...we're almost there!  I will try to be back on and update transplant progress as much as I can....until then....

May 1 - Austin received his first dose of the immune killing chemo last night at midnight, so far no ill effects, however, it will take a couple days to build up in his system.  He is running a temp and still cannot have anything to eat or drink.  He is on liquid nutrition and it seems to have had a wonderful effect this last week or so.  He feels much better and has even got a chance to go outside a couple of the nice days.  He is really scared and yet excited about the BMT.  Please continue to pray that we make it though with as little complications as we can.   Engraftment (where his body accepts the donor's cells) should take place within 14-28 days after the actual transplant, or we should know by then if his body rejects them, so this is a especially cautious time for specific prayer.   We do thank all of you for all of your continued prayers and we know that you are all there for us and with us....the following is a brief account of some of the expectations and things we will be facing...some of it may be overkill to some of you and I apologize, but my sister prepared this e-mail to send to her contacts and I copied it as it pretty much explains it the way it is....

------------First and foremost, the following is a praise and thanksgiving report.   We are extremely thankful for the team of dedicated people working with
Austin.

I know that every grammar book I've ever studied does not allow this: 
I'm doing it anyway -- a second 'first and foremost':  Thank you, each and all, for your support and prayers through the past months and you're
continuation of same through the unknown yet to come.

They did a bone marrow aspiration today -- we're waiting for results (sometime 4/20).  They told Miss that they're also going to do a bone
density test 'cause they're certain that he has osteoporosis due to the chemo and need to measure.  His primary oncologist was in today and
told Austin to not give up hope -- and if he did, she had enough for him to share.  They've taken him off food and drink because he has too much
air in his bowels and they're afraid of rupturing.  The rotovirus he had a week ago is back with a vengeance and they're trying to heal this to not
interfere with the plan--and keep the bowel from rupturing.

I know the following may be overkill, but am trying to answer questions that have been posed.  Yesterday, we met with the transplant team rep.
The scenario is this:

The transplant is being done because of the HLH -- the leukemia is a  ride along at this point (we knew this).  There is no data (translation
'positive data') of HLH-ALL transplants.  The HLH remains the   'unmanaged' wild card.  Also, Austin does not react to the
 meds/treatments in a normal fashion.  He is very unique.  Example, last  week he was given a transplant med which should have bottomed out
his counts.  They did not bottom out -- they tripled to the positive.  The Hemapat and Transplant teams are both puzzled and amazed and challenged    by this factor in his world.

 Today, they are putting in a pic line to 'main line' a med for his  liver.  His liver is compromised and they will not/can not tell us  current stats.  Part of this is due to the fact that he cannot  physically withstand the procedure for the liver biopsy -- they have to  rely on blood counts which are not totally reliable (catch 22). 
They are trying to keep him from developing liver failure as a side-effect of one of the chemos.  (If he does develop this, there's not much they
can do beyond some meds and prayer that the liver will regenerate itself.)

He will move into isolation Monday, April 30.  Tuesday, May 1, they will  begin the daily chemo treatments to kill his immune system.  They
said  that he will feel like he has the worst case of the flu he's ever had!!   Luckily, he will be able to take personal items into the isolation
room,  so he won't be in an unfriendly environment.  Depending on his health   during this period, it may be required that a 'parent' is with him
24/7.  After the transplant, it is mandatory that a parent is with him 24/7,   until the team decides this is not necessary.  I will fill in for
Miss and Bert as needed.

Transplant still to occur May 9, 2007--unless his health deteriorates.   This will be done in his room as a transfusion and should take about
45    minutes.  (The harvesting from the donor is harder than what Aus will   initially experience.  Depending on the location of the collection
point, they will either collect peripheral stem cells or bone marrow.  A  courier from the hospital team will bring the 'product' to here to
be separated for his use.  They're hoping to harvest enough to enable them   to freeze product if he needs a boost later. ) Best case scenario is
the   "peripheral stem cells." (Prayer request!!)

 They should know if initially successful ('grafted'): (a) stem cell -   within 14 days or (b) marrow -- within 21 - 28 days.  ('Grafted'
means   that for 3 consecutive days his ANC count is over 500. [ANC measures his   ability to fight infection.])  The white blood cells will grow
first,   red blood cells second and the platelets third (platelets could take   months before @ full level--100,000+).  He may require additional
blood products during this time should any one of these 3 counts drop.   (Balance job between 'low counts' and needing 'transplant boost.')

They will do blood counts measuring 'graft' versus 'host' levels.  When his 'graft/donor' counts are 90-95%, they consider the transplant successful.   Best case scenario -- he will be able to go home 'mid June.'  Because  his spleen was removed, he'll be on "infection" antibiotics long term   (sop, but in his case, a longer dose than normal).  He will be on  "transplant antibiotics" up to a year afterwards.  He is on and will   continue to be on 'anti-rejection' drugs.   He will not be allowed
to go   to school until October - November, possibly later.  He will have food   restrictions--but was told yesterday that he can have macaroni and
cheese as long as it's made with velveeta cheese (gross) but he's happy   'cause mac & cheese is a comfort food for him.

He will have issues such as mouth sores, breathing difficulty (which   could require a stay in ICU), overall weakness, exhaustion,   attitude/temperament swings, etc.  His system will reject this to a   certain degree ('graft vs host disease').  However, should Aus' system   reject  this transplant completely, there are other options/product   sources. There is a second donor match 10-4-10 (best match). There are   four 9-4-10 matches--he will require additional meds and treatments
if   they have to go this route and harvesting is a three-week process   because of the testing that must be done before actual harvest can
occur.  In an emergency, or for immediate transfusion, (immediate means   3 days), they can collect umbilical cord product for his blood type.
(This is not the optimum choice because of the different sources--they   can't harvest enough for him from one cord.)

I know this is a lot to digest, but there's tons more to go with...so you can see where we need specific prayers.  Once again...thank you all and until next time....Missy

May 7, 2007 -   Prayers are working!!!!  We are on the 7th day of immune system deprivation.  Austin is holding true to form and stumping the doctors once again.  He has been doing tremendously well!  He has handled each of the chemos and the ATG (Anti Thymotic Globulin) which is basically horse serum very, very well!  The doctor's cannot believe that these toxic agents which are supposed to drop his counts have actually brought them up drastically.  This is okay...it's just his body's way of trying to fight and win back it's immune system...they just didn't expect his to rally this much.  We are still on for May 9th transplant...rumor has it that the cells should be infused some time around 9pm.   Thank you once again for all the prayers - they are paying off again as he is really and truly holding his own!  God Bless ya...will update when there is more!  Missy

May 9th - 8:50pm....Well, countdown has begun...the cells have been shipped here from the Netherlands and we understand that his donor has supplied them with an extra big dose.  We await anxiously in his room for the infusion to begin.  Austin is emotional, scared and excited...all in one.  They expect to start the transplant about 9:30pm.  I too am a bundle of nerves....although they tell us that tonite will be pretty uneventful, it is a big and powerful night for us.  Today we had another little miracle...Bessie had her baby.  It is a girl and a little buttermilk buckskin.  We named her -- Austin's High Hope...Hope for short...she and Austin will share today for a new birthday....he is very excited to have a new baby on his new birthday (although he's keeping March 16th also - double the presents LOL)...anyhow....pray for him...pray for the doctors....and please pray for the donor who gave so unselfishly!  I will update as soon as I can....Missy

Wow...today is May 17 - 8 days CANCER FREE!   Austin is continuing to hold his own.  He has actually done so much better than expected.  The Doctors are incredulous that he is responding to well to therapy.  We've had  some ups and downs...a couple bad reactions to some of the medicines...but back on track with that.  He is still eating and drinking...which the doctor's say is phenomenal - usually by this time after transplant....they can't bribe kids to eat or drink.  He continues to work hard on his physical therpay...he is determined to be strong when he comes home.  He does have some new hair growth???  Looks like it might come back blonde LOL....I tease him that he's gonna look like his momma.  (He says he will dye it)  Oh well, we will take him, no matter is he's blonde or not.   Other than that, we are sitting and waiting for engraftment....which can take anywhere from two weeks to 40 days.....If only he can continue to feel this good until that happens...that will be the true miracle in all of this......Thanks again for all your prayers....I will update at the first sign of engraftment.....take care everyone...until then

My apologies to all who have checked this to find no update...I have been at the hospital night & day with Aus and the hospital computer will not let me upload to this site.  Austin did engraft, within 11 days!  He then contracted Graft Versus Host Disease and it has been miserable for him.  His is Grade IV, the worst you can get.  This means his body is trying to reject the cells.  Doctor's are hoping they can calm it down.  We have had several bumpy roads and are still in the hospital as of today (June 24).  Aus has contracted the BK Virus in his urinary tract and has caused him considerable discomfort.  We have had the word that his bone marrow has come back FREE OF LEUKEMIA & HLH!  His marrow is 100% his donor's!  This is very important because most times, some of the marrow is retained...his is gone!  Hoping to be outta the hospital soon...as soon as they can get a grip on this BK Virus.  He is doing well overall...still lots of kinks & giggles to work out....but they are trying desperately to get him well enough to come home.  Please pray to continually lift his spirits, for healing of all this side-line stuff and that he can come home!   P.S.  Aus will be in the GR Press sometime soon....they did a article on the miracle of his BMT and the need for donors....keep watch..I don't know the date of release yet.  I will try to get word.  Sorry this is the first chance I've had to come home and update this site.  God Bless Ya All....I will try to get back here soon with good news.

August 27, 2007 - Wow, I can't believe so much time has passed...it seems like it has been 100 years, not almost one.  We did finally get released from the hospital on July 17, 2007.  One day shy of 7 months inpatient.  Then some more complications landed us back there on August 1 and released again on August 17.  Aus is doing better now...the last bone marrow aspiration showed no sign still of the leukemia or HLH.  He is still batteling the viruses he was diagnosed with in the hospital, but with constant care, hopefully is mastering them.  He is very debilitated, so is working hard with physical and occupational therapists to regain his strength and motor skills.  It has been a long hard journey with many forks in the road, but he has trudged along...one foot in front of the other and continues to do so.  His new motto is VENI VIDI VICHI - (I CAME, I SAW, I CONQUERED).  Borrowed from Julias Ceasar of course.  But he's determined to get back to being just Austin....not sick Austin.  Once again...we thank everyone who has stood with us, behind us and in front of us when we needed it.  The prayers have been phenomenal....each time our chin's were dragging....somebody, somehwere helped us hold them up again, whether by prayer, by being there, by helping out....it all helped!!!  Thanks to each and every one of you...I will try to keep updated more, now that we aren't stuck with the hospital computer.....it's tough to get the time, but I'll sneak it in somehow....until then....thanks so much again - ALL OF YOU!!!!

Well, here we are at the beginning of October....since Aus was released in August....he waged a pretty tough battle in the ICU during September, fighting an infection called Aspergillis.  It was pretty touch and go for a while, until they figured out what was wrong with him.  He started to experience Gran Mal seizures due to two brain lesions.  A scary ambulance ride and 9 days in ICU...resulted in this latest diagnosis.  He is currently on medicine to try and get a handle on this infection and appears to be making better progress.   He's resumed his school work and is taking 3 classes, history, english and a money management course for extra credit.  He continues to be upbeat and positive and trying his best to keep up the fight.   Although some residual damage from the seizures...he's working on his goal of getting back to life.  Please continue to pray that he can manage this to the best of his ability.  I will write again...as soon as I can find a minute.

On October 8, Austin was diagnosed with VRE meningitis...a very painful and rare meningitis.  After a week in ICU...Austin stablized and was transferred back to his beloved 7 South.  Austin fought the VRE with a vengence....however, on October 30, we were told that the leukemia had returned....it was moving through his marrow fast.  We never told Austin the leukemia was back....but I think he somehow knew...after many heartwretching nights...Austin gave up his fight at 5:15 am on November 2nd and returned to our Lord.  We miss him terribly....there will always be a big hole in our hearts....words can never say...sleep well my son....I love you!

Austin Roderick Hammer 03-16-91 ~ 11-02-07

SPECIAL THANK YOU'S TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN PRAYING, CALLING, PICKING UP THE SLACK AT HOME (Randi, Robbie, Cody, Tom & Kathy, Lance & Denise), RUNNING ERRANDS OR WHAT EVER....WE LOVE YOU ALL!  THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN!   We are assured that there are even more blessings in store for us and will update as soon as possible, if you would like to leave Austin a message on our guestbook that would be great!......thank you .....Bert & Missy