So last night went a lot better than I expected. Cutler went down around 8:30 and didn’t wake until 3 am and then went back to bed after a quick 2 ounces of formula only to be rudely awaken by the lab tech at 4 am ready to draw some blood. Because of his size he required to do a finger prick instead of the heel and he did surprisingly well. He cried for maybe a minute and then sat and watched as she squeezed more and more blood from his finger. He was back asleep by 5 am and then we slept until almost 9 am.
Unfortunately it was determined that his central line was no longer in place and so around 2:30 this afternoon he was put under and they went in and installed a brand new line. So now he has a brand new hole in his chest as the one from the last line could not be reused. He went through the surgery like a champ and has been asleep since I put him down around 4:30 pm. Hopefully that doesn’t affect Melanie’s night. The bonus from the surgery is that we got the cute surgery gown. Below are two pictures. The one with the mask is not our attempt at being like Michael Jackson, but was in the elevator on the way to surgery and the second one is of us hanging out in the preop isolation room waiting for the surgery.
Apparently Mason was a bit jealous of all of the attention that Cutler was getting for having another surgery and so he decided it was time to fall in the gym and cut his head open. I was on the way home from the long day at the hospital looking forward to a nice relaxing boys night at home when I got the call from the school. Fortunately Melanie was already on her way to pick him up and so we met at the urgent care center. Kind of funny that when the doctor walks in he looks at me and says aren’t you the one I stapled up last year. Ironic that we got the same doc that took care of me from my garage accident. Anyway, Mason is doing fine. No stitches or staples required, just the miracle of glue. He has a nice bump and gash, but other than that is doing great. I suppose him and Cutler can compare scars that happened on the same day.
Tomorrow is the actual transplant process, which is just a stem cell infusion via the central line. It will last up to an hour. Not sure what time it will occur, but most likely around noon. It’s hard to believe that it is already here and a bit frightening as this is the most susceptible he will be. His white blood cell count is virtually zero and so we face the chance of infection as well as the chance of graft verse host disease. Although we have close to a perfect match thanks to donated cord blood, we still have a tough road ahead with possible rejection, infection, etc. Please continue to keep Cutler in your thoughts and prayers! It should take about three weeks before we see any new cells growing from the new stem cells, so there is potential for a glorious Christmas present.
Team Fricke 
I’m praying for little Cutler every hour on the hour – Lord give
Cutler strength, give his parents courage and peace; heal this wonderfully special child.
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We love you all so much…
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Tell Mason he is like Aunt Becky. She always had to get stitches whenever something big was going on. Glad to hear he is alright. I pray continuously for Cutler’s cure and think of you all continuously through the day. You have all been so strong and soon Cutler will have beaten this monster. Hang in there and stay strong and positive. GOD will help to get you through this end of the fight. Love you all very much!
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Keep the faith! Stay strong! Please know that you have an entire community out here asking God to help you all get through this and to help Cutler beat the cancer monster.
Love,
Aunt Linda and John
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Good luck today – you guys are in our thoughts and prayers – we’re sending tons of love from Boston.
Love John and Kristin
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I’ve been keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need any help with anything.
Shawn
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We think of your family all the time and pray every day. I will have to have Mason show me his scar at school tomorrow when he gives me my daily hug. LOVE IT!
Gené Patterson (Sam’s Mom)
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Good Morning,
Wish I was there to hold your hands, give you hugs, hold you close and be supportive.
Where in the world would I be without Jesus? Only God could hold your hand, give you hugs, and hold you close to Him to feel His comfort and gives assurance beyond measure and belief. Only God could calm your heart and give a peace that is unexplainable. Only God can give CUTLER total heaing, and life. Only God…
God continues to remind us that HE knew us before we were formed in our Mama’s womb, that he knows CUTLER intimately, loves him more than we could even begin to comprehend the depth of his love for his creation, his son, his chosen child. HE said he ordered CUTLER’s steps..that HE has a divine plan for him.
How in the world could I ever doubt a Father like that…
Ya’ll are in our hearts, mind and prayers
ALWAYS.
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Please know that we continue to pray for Cutler’s healing through the transplant and for God’s grace and strength for both of you.
“The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.” – Psalm 143:13b
May you receive tangible reminders of his love and faithfulness today!
Kirk and Lori Baldridge
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I’m praying every day for Cutler and you all. May God give you peace and strength, and heal Cutler.
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Praying for Cutler and his transplant process thru out the day and we will continue to do so.” Cast your cares on Him…” and worries and all the unknowns.. God is watching over your dear family.
In our prayers,
Hand in Hand Prayer Ministry at FellowshipChurch
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Sweet baby!
May God continue to give your family and Cutler the strength and courage to continue fighting his battle!
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