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Nov 18, 2008

Abby... and Meet A Friend

Updated: Abby's surgery is moved to 9 am. Brent at home getting kids to school and other family is not here yet either. Please pray for peace as we adjust. I feel so much better with Brent by my side.



First of all, thank you so much for praying for us on Monday.

Brent and I each came to the decision independent of each other, that Abby needed a G-tube because she is not eating. What a blessing that we came to the decision at the same time. I was a little nervous about talking to Abby's oncologist on Monday, but she said that she strongly believed that Abby needed one before I brought it up. It is wonderful that everyone involved believes that this is the best thing for Abby. Praise God that He is directing things for us.

We have a very small window of opportunity to do the surgery. Abby has had a break from chemo, so she is stronger than she was, but we begin chemo again with her surgery scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) at approximately 12:30 (but it could be moved forward or backwards at the last minute.

I am not looking forward to the surgery but I am very glad that we will be able to stop focusing on her eating and spend our time on more fun things. As an added benefit, Abby will not need to swallow those yucky pills anymore either because they can be given through the tube. Abby has heard the doctors explain the surgery and she GETS a lot more of what they are saying than a normal almost 4 year old. We have already prepared her the best we can on a child's level, and I will try to shield her better tomorrow.

Abby is having dangerous side effects from the medication for the increased intracranial pressure. Her doctors have cut her dose in half. They think she may need a permanent shunt placed to drain the excess fluid. Not something that I want to think about today.
We appreciate your prayers and covet them greatly.

Would you please pray that:
  • Abby is not scared and is pain free, both during surgery and after.
  • That the surgery is successful. No infection. All procedures done that are needed.
  • For peace for Brent and I during surgery.

Thank again for your prayers, comments and emails. We are blessed to have so many people praying for Abby and us. Specifically, thank you for prayers about the financial issues. We had a hospital call us and say they were returning a big payment because our deductible had been met. That payment was due to another group of doctors, and now we won't have to pay that amount twice. Can anyone BUT GOD get insurance companies and hospitals to send you money BACK???

FROM BRENT: I have someone I want you to meet. If you will give me about 2 minutes of your time, I PROMISE you will be glad you did. Check it out here: http://www.brentriggs.com/?ItemID=311

19 comments:

Laurel said...

Praying! Will be lifting you all up tomorrow, too.


Laurel :)

Robyn said...

I am sending up lots of prayers for Abby!!

Keith and Kris said...

Praying that the surgery goes well, with no complications. I wish there was an easier chemo for her to have!

Kris

Madelyn's Mommy said...

I am praying for you today. Praying for the Dr's as well.


May God be with you and Abby today.


Andrea

Phyllis said...

We'll be praying for all of you today as Abby has her surgery.
Phyllis & Kristen

Cary said...

Your family will continue to be in our prayers. May the Lord bless you and keep you close to Him.

Becky said...

Michelle - I just happened to be home from work this AM and checked...you can count on our prayers especially during Abby's procedure. Lord, please watch over Abby and her surgeons, nurses, and family. Comfort Abby and keep her from pain. We ask for Your many blessings on this child who has been through so much in the last months. You are good, Lord, and we trust in You! Amen!

Anonymous said...

May all go smoothly and you all be home asap. Prayers and askig for God's love and blessings for you all. Les/Spring Hill Florida

Leslie said...

Sending some prayers your way!!!!!!

hugs,Leslie

Ana said...

Praying for Abby and her parents!
Ana Luisa (Andrea's mom)

Carrie said...

Praying for all of you. You will be in thoughts and our hearts to get through this best you all can.

ClarkFamily said...

Thinking and praying - Praying and thinking!

Hugs from MN!
Rebekah - Jaden - Baby#2 too!

Jocelyn said...

I am praying that surgery goes well..and that Abby gains some weight now. I know how much that will help her fight each day. Thinking of you guys.

Jocely and Pacey

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

sending prayers! My son had a gtube for 9 years. It is a security to know they are getting nourishment and really easy to care for.

Princess D said...

Praying hard for sweet Abby and all of your family. She is going through so much and still we get to see her beautiful smile. She is strong and you and your husband are incredibly strong. I am so sorry that this is happening and I will pray specifically for Abby to have no complications and that the feeding tube will help her gain the weight and strength she needs to fight this battle.

Hugs,
D

Anonymous said...

Hello from Canada!
I've been following your blog and I must tell you that I admire your entire family so much.
Abby couldn't be in better hands and every day I wish fervently for her to get better and be strong enough to endure the treatment.
I'd give anything to read one day " Abby is cured", and I believe it will happen!
Linda

Anonymous said...

Wow, that was a powerful song with such an unexpected twist. Watching the first bit, I thought "Ive been there before, I have been that driver". A few weeks ago Christine at "smiles and trials.blogspot.com" challenged us to bake something and give it to someone in need. Not having time to bake, I ran into a homeless person in the grocery store parking lot. He asked for food, $$ anything. I felt guilty as I said I had no cash, which I did not. But, I was going to get myself lunch and decided to grab double of everything. It wasn't much however, I felt so much better walking away then I have ever felt before when ignoring these people completely. Putting my own inhibitions aside allowed me to meet a basic need and I hope he found more help then I was able to offer at that moment.

Then end made me think... if this man is moved to step outside his circumstances and see how he needs to change and help out, and he seems to have some heavy cicrumstance, how cold am I if I don't pull out of mine and help? I'm praying God softens my heart more and more, and that rather than pass judgement, I pray how God would have me help this person. If I'm afraid of what might be done with the $$, would God have me buy a bus ticket? Would he have me give him a meal? Or, like in the video, should I meet a spiritual need?

As always....I'm praying for little Abby and your family!

Three2Five said...

Michelle we are praying hard for you and your sweet little fighter! I am praying for strength miracles and peace!

Lots of love
Bethany

Anonymous said...

I'm From Guatemala and I'm so thankful you are resiting this situation.

I'll pray for her.

God Bless you!!!