Frequently Asked Questions – March 23rd

Now that we have announced that Ethan’s bone marrow transplant is tentatively scheduled for two months from now the email has really picked up.  Rather than answer each one by one with the same answer…  here is the latest that should answer most of the questions that we get.

How can I be tested to be a donor?
There are 4-5 drives in honor of Ethan coming up on the next few weeks.  They drive in from Mississippi with special equipment to do these drives.  I am not scheduling them, so I do not know exact dates.  But I’ve heard through the grapevine where most of them are.  The three that I know of for sure are in Shreveport, LA / Vivian, LA / Sprinhill, LA.  There are also a couple others but I can’t remember where.  My dad is supposed to send me the details on these three and a couple others in the next couple days.  In the meantime, feel free to ask around, someone probably knows.  Once I know more, I will update.

What did all that jibberish about Randomization mean?
(a really sweet and intellgent lady emailed me with this info)
I have learned from the randomization process that there are indeed two sides to the randomization coin. Those who are randomized to the “control” group or “standard treatment” group are getting a tried and true treatment that usually is “the best we have available that helps the most.” That obviously is what Ethan will get. Had he been randomized to the “Experimental” group he would have been getting a treatment that has not yet been proven to work. The idea they are testing this new treatment has validity on paper but no track record. This means it may be the best thing to ever come down the pike for leukemia OR it could be the same as the “standard” treatment OR it could be a total flop.

I say all that to say that “Standard” treatment isn’t necessarily a bad thing. And of course, like you said, God is in control and He has a reason for Ethan to be in the Standard group. We don’t know that reason. We may never know that reason. But we DO KNOW that all things work to the good of His people.
 
Do you have any needs?
Prayer 

Can I come to see you at the hospital?
No… Sorry I couldn’t resist. :)   But in all seriousness… Ethan’s immune system is the number one concern.  As much as I would love to meet you all, the chances are… that if I met with just 50 people, one of them would have been exposed to sickness recently.  And I know you wouldn’t want that on your conscience.  This applies primarily to preachers, teachers, and anyone that comes in contact with a lot of people on a daily basis.  HOWEVER… I am planning a surprise for when this is all over and his immune system is up.  More on that later…

What’s the Story with the T-Shirts?
By now, you have probably seen or heard about the T-shirts that have been ciculating.  We are pushing to get t-shirts out before Ethan’s transplant.  We are asking that everyone wear their T-shirt for Ethan the day of his actual transplant.  Not only is this good for Ethan, but it helps spread the message that PRAYER WORKS! 

So how do I get a T-shirt?
A former youth grouper (now friend) of mine, created them and will be sending me the paypal link in the next couple days.  They cost $10,000 and the proceeds go to Ethan’s college fund… just kidding.  They cost $10 plus shipping, and I believe that you will be able to order by credit or debit card.  I appreciate Greg working to get them so reasonably priced.  The most common question about the T-shirts is, “do you have toddler sizes?”  Currently they do not… but we have talked about getting some if we can.

When are you coming home?
I wish I knew.  I miss Unveristy Church, I miss my friends at LSUHSC, my other friends, my neighbors, my family, and this is going to sound terrible… but mostly my dogs… they are our babies.  (I almost forgot the cat… oh well… she is snooty anyway.)

Why didn’t you respond to my email?
Most days we get hundreds of emails.  We try to read each and every one and respond until our fingers fall off.  Personally, I read the email about 8-10 times a day and respond to about 25-30.  But frankly, we just hope that you understand… it is impossible.  At the same time, we don’t want you to stop sending them, because it has been a major source of encouragement for us.  Any time we have a difficult day, we just open the ole’ email up and start reading.  The stories you send are so amazing!  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 

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