By looking at the time stamp alone, you have probably already assumed that the news that I have to share is not very good.  I am standing behind a quarter of an inch thick glass staring through a window as a team of doctors and nurses work in unison to get my favorite little fighter in tip top condition.  It seams that with the virus and the pneumonia, his lungs have almost taken more than they can handle.  

For the past hour, the doctors have worked every angle possible to get Ethan safely and securely on the vent.  For those are not keen to medical lingo.  The vent is a device that provides oxygen to help give the lungs a break.  They place a small tube into his mouth and down his throat.  The most difficult part of this process for me is seeing him appear so lifeless.  In order to keep him from fighting and/or being in pain.  His is sedated then paralyzed via medicine administered though his line (also know as his port).  Then we wait!

For the next few days, Ethan's body will fight, while he is what I would describe as a medically induced coma.  The body will be fighting to defeat the virus and the LEUKEMIA, so that it can re-create a passage for Ethan's lungs to pass air so that he can breath freely again.  Because his illnesses are currently viral, common drugs used to treat him are most likely deemed ineffective because they are generally used to treat bacterial infections.  Having said that... Ethan will also be working with some tough odds on coming off of the vent.  From what we understand, approximately 50% of children that get to the vent actually are able to find the strength to come off it.  In the year plus that we have been here, we have become friends with many parents that witnessed their child go on the vent.  Some survived and some didn't.  I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to lose a child without getting to say at least one final goodbye.  

For Ethan, this is his second encounter with the vent, so we would consider him fortunate to be one of the 50% to survive the first go around.  And we pray and BeLIeVe that over the next few days that he will recover and be amongst the numbers of the survivors.  I know that there are many in similar situations that read Ethan's blog everyday, probably because it gives comfort to know that they are not alone.  I know that we read other parents blogs all the time.  We are at a crucial hour and things are very intense, but know this.  Although they whisked him away before I could give him one last kiss on the cheek or before I could tell him that I love him... I HAVE NOT SHED ONE TEAR, BECAUSE WE BeLIeVe... PRAYER WORKS!!!"