Six Month Update

Six months ago, we were anxious, nervous, skeptical, and a little bit hopeful. Hunter and I had no idea what to expect from the stem cell injections because every family we read about had different experiences. Very few saw no changes at all though, so it was a leap of faith we wanted to take. I remember riding in the elevator on the way to our first treatment literally feeling like I was going to throw up from being so nervous. I remember thinking, “What in the world are we doing?” I also remember praying A LOT! If I only knew then what I know now!

The doctor told Hunter and I that it can take up to six months to see the full benefits of stem cells. After six months his body could still show signs of healing, but the stem cells have started dying off at this point. I felt like I was constantly counting the months. If you’ve read my previous updates, you know that we have seen so much progress with Nolan since the very first week we came home after stem cells. There have been periods of regression, agitation, and aggression as well. We were warned this could happen but goodness, there is nothing to prepare you for it. These phases come out of nowhere and there is no way to know how long it will last. I’m so thankful for the community of people online who have been through this before because I think we would have gone crazy without the reassurance and encouragement from them.  Being able to talk to friends that we made while in Panama about what we were seeing in Nolan was a gift from God too!

So here we are at the anticipated six-month mark, and we are so glad we took that chance and went to Panama. Even the hard phases of regression are worth it all to see Nolan where he is now. He is more aware of his surroundings, interacts with others even at school, can communicate better, and is ALMOST completely potty trained! Keep in mind, Hunter and I said if this would help him be independent in the bathroom department it would be worth every single penny! He tells us new words all the time and even blew out his birthday candles for the first time this year!

Even as hard as the regression stages have been on us, Nolan has been through so much to get to where he is now. Stem cells aren’t a "fix all". He still has autism and always will. Our goal is and never has been to change who he is. We want him to have an easier life and be able to function in this crazy world as best as he can. We are so proud of him and all of the hard work he does.

We are so thankful for the prayers, texts, and kind words throughout this journey! We are planning to go back to Panama in March for another round of stem cells. Now that we know how well his body responds to them we want to do them again! Prayers for a safe trip and calm nerves for him and us are appreciated! We know what to expect this time so it is a little bit better!

I’m also asking for some specific prayers for Nolan now. Although stem cells have changed his life for the better, the progress he has made has also brought on new challenges. He can communicate better now so he is able to ask for things more. This is awesome, but he’s also told “no” more than before. He doesn’t like that word at all and the big feelings that come with that are very difficult and new territory for him and us.

I used to share a lot about our life with autism and I stopped for a long while mostly because it’s not easy. Pressing that “publish” button and sharing our struggles with the world is not on my list of fun things to do! But I will step out of my comfort zone with a smile on my face to get prayers and good thoughts sent Nolan’s way! Thanks to everyone who reads and keep those prayers coming! God is so good!