Cutler spent today still recovering from the surgery. He slept the majority of the night and woke up in a decent mood, but did require some pain meds throughout the day. His stomach is a bit swollen still and so it makes it uncomfortable for him to sit up, so the majority of his day is either lying on his back in the bed or being held for comfort. He did however spend a bit of time in his bouncy seat, which he seemed to enjoy. His playful spirit is still definitely there, especially when the pain meds are in full effect. 🙂
We have started the feeding process via the tube tonight starting with pedialyte and around 3 am will switch to formula. While pushing those, they are still pushing the TPN and the goal is to work our way off the tpn as we increase the formula via the tube. Yesterday the doctor thought that Friday was still a good goal, but I just have the feeling with the amount of progress we need to make between now and then, it probably won’t happen. Then again, my optimism has been squashed a bit lately and so perhaps I am just trying to avoid being disappointed.
Speaking of optimism issues, we finally got the results back on the test to determine where the cells are being generated and it was a bit disappointing. It is currently 70% from the donor marrow and 30% from the original marrow. While it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, the doctors would have prefered to see something closer to 90/10. Let me be clear, this was not a test of whether or not the leukemia has resurfaced. The doctors are still pleased with how well Cutler is doing and they did say that the percentages could still change in favor of the donor. It was also mentioned that this test is normally done around day 100, so it might have been a bit premature. The next step is to, in a few weeks, perform some more molecular tests to determine if the mll is still around.
I’ll be very honest here and let you all know that I didn’t take this news well and am still working through it. This was very disappointing to hear after feeling like we were well on our way down easy street. While the news isn’t necessarily bad and as mentioned above, I am just tired of being knocked down every time it seems like everything is going good. I don’t want to complain and be negative, so our only choice is to pick ourselves back up and continue to push on with the fight. All I need to do is look into the eyes of our beautiful baby boy and the determination that exists within his heart pushes me back into the fighting mood. Please everyone continue to pray for our baby Cutler to continue the fight and for God to continue to heal as we obviously still have a very long road ahead of us. Getting him home on Friday, Saturday, or whenever it will be, is just another milestone of many still to surpass and this news has quickly reminded me of this.
Team Fricke 
I know that it cannot possibly be easy. I pray for your family daily. The strength that you four show as a family absolutely amazes me. You have two amazing boys, and you and Melanie are more like “super parents”. I am constantly in awe of your strength, faith, love for your family, and your never says never attitude. I can’t wait to see everyone at home!!
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Sadness, frustration, fear, anger….these emotions are palpable in your post today. Both of you have been incredibly strong. Remember that your faith in God is what will buoy you through this experience. I have had the honor of meeting you and Aaron and Mason, but never Cutler. And yet, I pray for him every single night. He is on the top of my prayer list. Melanie, Aaron and Mason are next. Keep your faith. All of your human emotions are trumped by God’s glory and he will come through for you. Time for me to go now. Have to say my prayers :).
Mary Anne (Barbara’s sister)
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Your strength is amazing. He will continue to be a strong little boy and will defy the odds as he keeps doing. Prayers still heading your way.
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This is what I remember as Cutler, way back last year when I first started at NSLC. Your strength continues to amaze me and I can’t fathom what you must be going through but know that the outcome will be worth it when Cutler kicks some butt. 🙂
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Here’s a link, I guess the html didn’t work. At least not on my Mac. 🙂
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The preseverance, strength and love for your family continues to amaze us! You guys are doing a fantastic job despite all that has been thrown at you…all you know is to plow ahead!
Know that this is the time to lean on family and friends when you need to!
Cutler has amazed us all before and I bet that he will amaze us again once he is home in his own surroundings! It maybe what he needs to lift his spirits and appetite!!
Call if you need us or need help with anything!
Big hugs and kisses to the Fricke 4!!!!!!! We are so looking forward to celebrating Christmas in July with you!!
Love to you~
Letty and Bill
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Just remember that you have a ton of prayers coming your way to bring a healthy Cutler home, and to give all of you strength you need throughout this ordeal. Remember that God is right by your side and trust in that he will get you through this.
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What a journey this must feel like for you! I can only imagine what it must feel like for all of Team Fricke to be going through this roller-coaster of events. It is obvious to me that you have an incredible support network of friends and relatives who would do anything in their power to make this journey easier.
We all appreciate so much the frequent candid updates and pictures. Just like the others have already said—–Tiffany, Mary Anne, Brandi, Chi, Letty & Bill, and Debby—–we admire you so much for the job you have already done. We will continue to bombard God with prayers for Cutler and all of Team Fricke to be comforted and to see the signs of success over the villain cancer that we all crave.
Love,
Aunt Linda & John
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My Dear Aaron, As the young lady said above, you are experiencing frustration, sadness, fear and anger which I think is normal for all you and Melanie have been through.
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed,
we are perplexed, but not in despair;
we are persecuted, but not forsaken;
we are struck down, but not destroyed.
II Corinthians 4:8,9
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
May the Lord’s richest blessings be upon you and those you love.
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My Sweet Cutler, What a wonderful young boy you have become. For all you have been through you still have the biggest smile on your beautiful face and I can see you enjoy being with family.
Our precious, precious Cutler, we pray that your recuperation will be swift and complete. You are never far from our thoughts. We love you and we are praying for strength, peace and God’s amazing healing power for you.
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We’re praying that Cutler is able to come home as planned. Also that God renews your strength by providing tangible reminders of His love for you today.
-Kirk & Lori Baldridge
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Take heart. As you ride this roller coaster, a steadfast wall of prayers continues to be built for your defense and for you and Melanie to lean on when the ride makes you weak. Thank you for so faithfully sharing your experience daily . You are all four incredible role models of how to endure with grace and strength. Much love to you all.
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Keep the faith that God will continue to watch over Cutler
and that the donor marrow will continue to grow. Having laundry
shrinking pain and might have to come back to Dallas soon.
Give Cutler and Mason hugs from Nana and PaPa Herman.
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Trust that God is taking care of all of you, in his time. It’s hard to wait on his perfect timing but that is what we must do. GOD does listen to our prayers and will answer them. I will pray for strength for you and Melanie. You guys have been so very strong this far and I know GOD will carry you through each and every day!
I love the pictures of my little pumpkin doodle!!!!!!
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Aaron and Melanie –
You are in our prayers. We cannot wait for the day when we will be chasing Cutler and Braden through the neighborhood.
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It seems that just when you get news that is disheartening during this terrible ordeal, wonderful news occurs shortly thereafter. That wonderful news is just around the corner, Aaron and Melanie.
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