Things didn't go well yesterday at the hospital. Abby's doctors feel that her headaches are still being caused by increased intracranial pressure (intracranial hypertension). We've dealt with this alot.
Normally her doctor does a spinal tap, tests Abby's opening pressure, and the bleeds off enough spinal fluid for her pressure to be at correct levels.
The problem we are having is the new sedation medications aren't working well. The old medicine, which worked great, caused pressures to be artificially high, making opening and ending pressures useless.
The doctor today decided to use the old sedation medication and just blindly bleed off some of Abby's spinal fluid. I didn't know he was going to switch medications, but figured it out by watching Abby's reaction to the medication . He was only trying to get her more comfortable during the procedure. I appreciate that, but it didn't turn out so well for Abby.
Abby was VERY comfortable during the procedure and that was very nice for her and less stressful for me. The problem is, Abby's had a very bad headache since the procedure, even after morphine and Fentanyl.
I honestly don't know what to do at this point. Abby received chemo in her spinal fluid today. A drug she needs to prevent the cancer from spreading to her CNS (brain). A doctor I trust is willing to do another spinal tap today, to relieve the pressure, but my fear is it will also remove the chemo. I would feel much more comfortable waiting until the chemo has been in 48 hours, but that will mean Abby will have a horrible headache for 2 days, and the pressure can potentially cause brain and retinal damage.
Honestly, I appreciate the fact the doctor was trying to sedate Abby better, I just don't know what to do now.
~ Michelle
Update on the Update
Abby is on her way back to the hospital as we speak. Her head has not quit pounding for two days despite the morphine and Fentanyl. We'll let you know more tonight after we find out something.
I hope you folks don't get sick of the "caption game" but I just get such a kick out of the stuff you come up with.
What do you think our little "innocent, sedated, frail cancer patient" is up to in this picture from about 3 days ago? Leave a caption and let us know. Might be a little surprise for the winner.
~ Brent
57 comments:
UGH! Amazing Abby can not get a break. My prayers are with Abby.
I'm so sorry to hear Abby is going through this headaches. I just came out of remission for intracranial hypertension and know exactly what she's experiencing, though my headaches haven't gotten that bad yet (they have in the past). I'm doubling my prayers for her!
Poor little Abby. I am so sorry. I am praying for this sweet child (and for you as well). I pray God will give the doctors divine wisdom how to help her.
Love,
Beth
Poor sweet Abby! My head hurts for her! Praying for wisdom for you and the doctors.....
My guess for the picture is that Abby got a stool and was getting into a kitchen drawer which holds a bag of rubber bands... or maybe getting something to 'shoot' from the rubber band at a sibling....
Prayers always!
oops didn't read well enough....I just said what I thought was happening, not a clever caption! DUH!
Praying so hard Abby's misery goes away ... and FAST!
"So THAT is kinda creepyyyyy! Will it bite?" :)
Hope all is over the 'bug' & was able to REST up! As for as Abby... she will make it thru! God please remove Abby's head aches & Jeal her so she may get some much needed rest also. I pray this in the name of our Heavenly Father.
I am sorry to hear that she is having such a tough time with pain management. I can't think of a good caption for this photo. I think someone was about to get it with that rubber band.
Poor baby. I will be praying for her tonight. You have one tough kid on your hands there, she will triumph!
As for a little caption....
"So this is where you all THOUGHT you could hide the Valentines candy....."
That is what my kiddos faces would look like if they had found our stash of candy!
I'm praying guys.
CAPTION FOR PHOTO:
*giggles* Everyone's talking and I've got a rubberband!!! Hahahaha. Who should I shoot first? Mommy or DADDY?!?!
Praying..here in Alaska as always for your entire family
In HIS Love,
Michelle Mann
I am lifting Sweet sweet Abby up in prayers that the lord will ease her pain and the he will be with the Dr's who treat her that they will know what is best for her and that relief will come quickly.
Caption: AHHHHH candy...mommy and daddy thought it was all gone now Im going to eat it and then shoot some at my brother and sister!
"I'm gonna take care of that WebSlinging, once and for all"
"Hehehe, I found someone's forgotten Christmas candy!"
Praying for Abby's headaches, and wisdom for you guys and the doctors as you make a decision on the spinal tap.
"I never would have shot them with this rubberband, but I just HAD to get them to tell me where the Fritos were!"
I am so sorry to hear what a tough time sweet Abby is having. She is in our prayers.
LOVE that picture... makes me think of her saying "yipppeee... I found them!"
and I FINALLY added you to my google reader! :)
I KNOW you've been busy but I wanted to make sure you got my email. Let me know if not.
Britt
I am praying for sweet little Abby and you and Michelle. My heart goes out to you.
My caption...
I think there might be a donut in there...
Can't hide anything from me, Psh, cancer smancer I am pro!
CAPTION:
"He he he, I think I found the Fritos stash!" ;o)
Riggs family,
As your family in Christ, we love you and are praying for all of you. May you and the doctors have wisdom. May you feel God holding you through all of this. May He heal little Abby so she can have a long life of joy and living for Him.
We wish we could say more that would help. Know that we care and we are praying.
"Hey Dad is THIS the stuff used for "medicinal purposes"??"
Oh Abby, we're sorry you hurt, little girl
My heart is heavy reading that she's on the way back to the hospital. Our prayers will not cease.
As to the caption, I could see her saying, "I SEEEEE COOOOOKIES!"
So THIS is where they keep the extra rolls of cash!
Praying for sweet little Abby.
caption* Mom? Dad? I need a rubber band for my Cheetos bag!
Abby's smile is so beautiful:)
My thought on the caption?? "Daddy, guess what I have?"
No FRITOS in here - but - I found the rubberbands so if you don't tell me where you hid my yummy FRITOS - I'm gonna shoot!
Praying for your sweet Princess... She is such a trooper and an amazing miracle!
"Now, all I need is the Duct Tape and SpideyLandis won't know WHAT hit him! MWAAAHAHAHAHA!!!"
I'll pray that Abby's headache goes away quickly--what a tough spot to be in.
"See, you thought I didn't know where the rubber bands are, but I've known all along!"
"Mommy will never notice that I hid last night 's green beans in her undie drawer!"
Linda
at
www.smithsoup.blogspot.com
I found the caaaandy!!!
Poor Abby. I will keep her and you all in my prayers.
My caption: "And when the rubber bands are all gone, I'll just throw the bag."
Blessings!!
Oh girl so sorry about Abby's Headache and the preasure again...I SO wish they could get something done that would stop this side affect from happening OVER AND OVER.
Abby is one strong little girl whom has all my prayers with her. I cry durning a migraine I can not even fathom what she is feeling. i hope something helps soon.
caption for the picture....
" OHHHHHH I found Mommy's secret stash of Dove Chocolates"
Sigh. I can't believe how much your little girl has to go through. Poor thing!
I hope that the docs will find something that works while she's at the hospital.
Extra prayers for her tonight!
Kristine & Katie
I would guess she was sneaking candy out of the drawer.
I hope the headache goes away soon.
" ahhhh next time they come at me with that icky stuff, I'll surprise em with a pop of my rubber bands!"
Caption~ "OH Daddy.....Close your eyes!!!!! "
I am praying for Abby. I have migraines too often so I can kind of imagine the pain of her headaches...no baby should have to suffer like that. HUGS for her :)
Our family's prayers are with Abby tonight. Poor baby.
As for the caption:
"Aha! Another baggie of fritos. No one will ever suspect an innocent, sedated, frail (not to mention CUTE) cancer patient of snitching the stash!"
Oh no. Poor Abby. That is awful. I am praying for you guys.
I had to have a blood patch to resolve my spinal headache due to leaking fluid. I'm guessing that isn't an option for Abby...
I sure hope they can figure it out. I'm telling you, that was rough stuff. I bawled my head off and had to get on IV drugs at the hospital until they could do the patch (the next day). It was unreal. My heart goes out to Abby for having to endure such horrendous pain.
I am so sorry about the constant pain for Abby - it tears me up for her. I will continue to pray for her and that this pain subsides quickly!
I am so sorry about the pain. I will be praying for you, Michelle, and for little Abby.
Caption:
"Bingo!...Now if I can only be quiet enough to get this out before someone sees me"
Oh sweet Abby, we're praying for you!
As for the caption, everyone already mentioned it... definitely Mom's secret stash of chocolate.
Leslie :-)
I hope Abby's headaches subside real soon. praying as always...
alex
"If SpideyLandis can shoot webs, then I can shoot rubberbands...mwahahaha..."
Praying for you sweet baby girl, and for wisdom for Mom, Dad, and your doctors.
Angie
Oh won't they be suprised when they find out I have been eating these treats. They thought they could fool me. Silly parents!
Oh won't they be suprised when they find out I have been eating these treats. They thought they could fool me. Silly parents!
My heart breaks for Abby its true, but it also aches for you, her parents to have to watch her go through all this. Special prayers for you today for peace in your hearts.
Caption:
I could hide these jelly beans in my drawer, or....I could shoot them at Daddy with my rubber band....Choices choices, what's a girl to do?
Abby is in my prayers.
My heart breaks for Abby every time I read of her being in pain. It breaks for the two of you also because I can only imagine what it's like to watch your sweet daughter have to endure it. Hope she's feeling better today and please know that I think of her and pray for her often.
"SpideyLandis may have his web slingin, but i have perfected the rubberband shootin!"
stacey in missippi
I am so sorry that those headaches are back. Is there yet another doctor/specialist that your docs could consult with? Is there not another patient in the entire US that has had to deal with this and a solution was found?
As for the caption, "I'm keeping this rubberband for when my hair grows back."
Praying for Abby,
Kris
Oh Michelle, I'm sooo sorry this is all happening. It seems like there's a new problem for Abby around every corner. It must be heartbreaking to see your little girl in pain and not know what to do to help. You and your family continue to be in our prayers.
Paul and Angela
www.journeyforjordan.blogspot.com
This is a cute picture! My response is:
Ohh!!! More candy?! Really?!
"Maybe, if I just sneak off this rubberband, take the candy, put the rubberband back on, then run, nobody will notice!!"
I'll be praying for Abby!!
Amanda R. (amrredhead@msn.com)
" Hey Mommy and Daddy.. Let's put this cancer stuff in the bag and forget about it.. Then we can shoot rubberbands at the doctors and nurses.. That way we can show them who is boss.."
Caption: Cookies...me need cookies...I am the cookie monster!
Poor baby...I hope Abby gets some relief soon and much needed rest...keeping her in my prayers!
Hugs
Terri
Brent and Michelle, i want you to know that my family is praying for yours, and since my sister found your blog about a month ago, we've been following it. God bless both of you and keep you strong!!
and my idea of a caption is "Hmm...Oh, Spideylaaaandiiiis!!! guess what i have? you could use this for your webs!!"
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