Intensive care can be a good thing for some people
Overnight was a bit rough for Cutler as his battle with congestion continued and eventually lead to the addition of oxygen to his repertoire. The congestion is a result of an ongoing battle against infection as well as the dieing white cells (a result of chemo). Because of the congestion he simply wasn’t getting enough oxygen in his blood, but adding oxygen has helped him in this manner.
However, because of his declining ability to fight off infection he has been moved to the pediatric intensive care unit. For some reason this has lifted his spirits. Prior to the move Cutler was in a nondescript mood until the ride to the PICU. It was like a switch that turned on and he started to smile and by the time we were situated in the new room he was fool of smiles, laughs, and wanting to play. All of the nurses are quick to point out that if it weren’t for the blood work, they wouldn’t believe he is sick. This makes us feel that much better about his strength and ability to win this fight.
The aggressive chemo continues and the output is proving it as we have full diaper after full diaper…which is a very good thing. From what I have learned, this is the best way for the dead cells as well as the chemicals to exit the system. The swollenness (I realize that isn’t a word, but can’t think of a better description) has reduced dramatically and he once again is our happy little man. When he was born Mason insisted his name was Cutler Superbaby Fricke and so far, despite being early, he is yet to disappoint such an anointment.
Team Fricke 
Oh Melanie, he is such a little fighter. I love the pic of him smiling.
I know we haven’t talked much since high school but please, please know that if you ever need ANYTHING, I am here. Even if it is just an ear on the other end of the phone to hear you scream for minute……
Many prayers are being said for his quick recovery!! I just know he can beat this with all the love of his family and the prayers from everyone everywhere!!!! I am praying for him constantly!!!!!
much love to you and your family!!!
If you need anything done around this part of Texas please call. 817-496-0319 or 817-798-4211.
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What a great picture you guys! That makes me smile! Please let us know if you need anything, or if there is something I can do. I’m praying for Cutler and your family!
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Sweet sweet baby!!!! Awe! just love him!
Terri gave me your blog address.
No matter what, fight on, no matter how dark it looks….and fight moment to moment….don’t look too far ahead and look back only to lean on a moment if you need to learn from it….
If you ever need me (although I know very little about leukemia, as my son had brain cancer), I’m here.
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Mason obviously knew something about his little brother that no one else did when he named him. I think you need to add this to his birth certificate. I love to see his smile. Only wish I could be there in person to watch superbaby beats the evil beast! I think of you all everyday and send my love!
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Mel,
I just read your post on FB a few minutes ago and my heart just dropped. I know that Cutler is strong and God will give you and Aaron the strength to pull him through this. You know that we are all praying for you and will be thinking of you constantly as you go through this process. Thanks you for taking the time to keep everyone up to date, but take care of yourself first. It sounds like you have a terrific circle of friends in Texas, I hope you use them. Jack and I and the kids send huge hugs. We love you!!!
Weez
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Aaron and Melanie,
This news made my jaw drop, and can’t even imagine what you are going through…
My thoughts and prayers are being said for Cutler’s full recovery and asking for strength, patience, and support for the both of you!
You have a strong and loving family, and that is most important for Cutler and his journey to health. He is so blessed!
Love you all,
MO
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Melanie: I am so grateful that we have been able to reconnect recently via fb so that I could know about your brave little baby boy. I so understand what your family is going through and how now your world is filled with doctors and hospitals. I am so sorry that this is happening to your little family. I will be praying for you daily, praying for both a cure and for God to give you strength to take one day at a time. Love ya – Shelley
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Cutler is such a sweet baby! Like we have talked about before, he had every reason to be grumpy and be in a bad mood: congestion, reflux, suctioning, etc, but he continues to smile and make anyone’s day brighter! NSLC will not be the same until he is back…When we found out today it put all of the infant teachers in a shock all day. We love Cutler and we are here for your family!
Tiffany Solis
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Mel, Weezie just let me know. What a precious little boy! But with our genes we knew that! I am praying up a storm and will keep reading the posts. Thank you for keeping this updated, I miss you, I love you and will keep praying for you all! Judy
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Aaron and Melanie
We were shocked to hear about Cutler. We have informed all the kids and we are praying for all of you. We have included Cutler in the prayer requests at church which I believe really helped Eileen get through her ordeal with cancer. Aaron, you know us Gardicke’s play hard but we can pray hard too. God bless you all. May God send His healing power to Cutler and give you the strength to get through this.
We love you guys, Jon & Eileen
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You are in our thoughts and prayers! Keep up the good fight.
Love, Karin & Paul
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Melanie, am so sorry to hear about Cutler. He sounds like a real fighter and it seems you guys are getting great care. I will pray for you and I know you will all come through this fine. You are all in my heart.
Andrea
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Melanie:
Just heard the sad news. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Cutler, and the entire family.
Al
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Melanie,
I just learned of the news on Cutler. My prayers are with him, you and your entire family. Please continue to fight and keep faith as Cutler appears to be a determined and strong willed child.
Paul
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We LOVE his smile!! It sounds like the journey to getting better has started. Thanks you both for sending updates as we all want to know how things are going for Super Baby Cutler!!
Our hearts and love are with you 4!
Letty
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Melanie and Aaron,
Ellen asked me to pray for Cutler Superbaby and I will be praying on bended knees. From what I just read about this form of leukemia your baby will be just fine. He is in good hands spiritually and physically. Take care and just know we are praying for all of you.
Lisa
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Melanie and Aaron,
We have little Cutler on our prayer list with Hand in Hand Children’s prayer team and will also send to the churchwide prayer list, may that give you some comfort to know ‘many’ will be praying and lifting your sweet family up in prayer.
Hand In Hand Prayer team at Fellowshipchurch
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Melanie,Aaron, and Mason, We will keep Cutler in our prayers. He is such a cutie and a fighter!
Love Chris and Denise Crocker
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What a terrific picture! It made my heart dance. What a precious little angel. I am continually praying for all of you. Thanks for keeping us posted. I know you are all exhausted and I’m sure in need of lots of hugs. So I’m sending a big one right now. I wish there was more I could do for you guys. I love you. Give Cutler and Mason a big kiss and a hug from me.
Thanks,
Margie
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We have learned of Cutler through neighbors of the Frickes. I have placed Cutler on our church prayer list (New Creation Presbyterian Church) and he is on my personal one as well.
Having had breast cancer 16 years ago and my husband is currently battling chronic lymphociitic leukemia, we both know about the importance of that constant need for blood. It is miraculous what the medical field can do. God bless you.
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