Update on Luke

I wanted to post an update on Luke since I haven't had a chance to call everyone to let them know what we found out. Just so you know, I am NOT the Dr. in the family so you get the really dumbed down version. I won't even pretend to know what I am talking about. For everyone who hasn't heard about what we've been doing, here is a brief--a very brief--summary of what's been going on. Before Christmas we were proceeding with plans for Luke to have his tonsils and adenoids removed. In preparing for the surgery, Luke had his blood drawn and the result showed that his blood did not clot normally. We had blood drawn several times with the same results and sometimes worse. The surgery was cancelled and we were referred to a hematologist who was at the Children's Hospital. All of this happened while Michael was in Cambodia and I was so glad that my mom was here to keep me sane! Reading more about the hematologist who is also an oncologist scared me. We had to wait 2 weeks to find out results and then because of an error, the wrong tests were taken and we had to wait an additional 2 weeks. Luke has now had his blood drawn 6 times! Luckily he is a real trooper and does not complain or fight it. He is proud that one of techs drawing his blood told him he was better at it then most adults. Anyway, last Thursday we finally saw the hemtologist and found out that Luke will be okay! Thank you for your prayers and fasts. I probably shouldn't have been so worried, but it was scary to me. Here's the medical stuff I will most assuredly screw up: 

His levels are barely abnormal. It could be two things which are really no big deal. 

Option 1: It could be Von Willebrand's disease which is a genetic thing where the blood just doesn't clot as quickly but is not scary like hemophilia. It wouldn't change his day to day life, but would be good to be aware of for surgeries as he might require more blood. I don't think the Dr. was leaning this was as there is no family history and the two times he's had stitches, the bleeding hasn't been too bad. 

Option 2: Something in his system is causing the abnormal levels (like an infection) and making it appear to be Von Willebrands. It has something to do with inhibitors. This will go away. Michael and the Dr. are thinking it is more likely to be this. 

So, he took blood from Luke at the appointment (A LOT) and then wants to do it again in 12 weeks. On friday, we will find out the results of the most recent draws. As far as the surgery goes, we are okay, but he might need more blood product during the surgery. We are inclined to wait the 12 weeks and see if it was something in his system and will go away. We wonder if the infections he always seems to have in his tonsils is causing it though...Who knows? Luke was great at the appointment which was 1 1/2 hrs long. He was cute and told the Dr he could count to 1000. The Dr. asked him how many zeros were in a thousand and Luke knew! He really only counts to 109, but we will work on 1000. Many thanks to Aunt Julie who watched Kate and Allie (who was home sick with a stomach bug) What a day! I took a big nap in the afternoon! 

I will share more info as we get it, but the best thing is that he's okay! I shouldn't worry so much, but you want so much for your children to be healthy. I feel very blessed that Luke is okay.