Abby Update & Comment Clarification

Tongue-in-Cheek

From Brent:

Folks, the "More Awful Comments" post yesterday was tongue-in-cheek. I know people were calling me names out of FUN!!! I LOVED THE COMMENTS. Believe me, if you knew my family and friends, and how much we enjoy "ribbing" each other, you probably would have called me even more names because you know I can dish it out.

I thought that was pretty clear from what I wrote about it, but perhaps my satirical, dry sense of humor doesn't resonate with everyone. I LOVED THE COMMENTS about the April Fools jokes... if I get called "poop", told "you suck" and "I hate you!" then I know that I really GOTCHA! I can dish it out, and I can take it. Fun "awful" comments are GREAT! Keep'em coming (but get ready for paybacks).

Abby Update From Michelle:

Those of you who follow me on twitter or Facebook know I was very nervous about Abby's oncology appointment Wednesday. The plan was to begin the next round of chemo if her bone marrow and abdomen was healed enough. This is the beginning of the maintenance phase that will last for 2 years. In the Land of Leukemia getting to the maintenance phase is a BIG deal. It is still chemo (two years more of chemo) BUT less harsh. As long as Abby's counts are good, Abby will be able to do fun things... NORMAL things. After 9 months of being stuck at home (when we weren't in the hospital) getting to go places sounds wonderful. For nine months Abby was very fragile and we were more than willing to do what we needed to to do to protect her, but getting to take her out is public will be a wonderful blessing.

The doctor was very pleased with how Abby's abdomen is healing. Two weeks ago surgeons thought she would have to go back to surgery to repair the damage on her tummy after it healed for a few weeks. Now everyone thinks it is healing beautifully and no additional surgery is necessary. It still needs to heal more, but we are praising God for an end to IV antibiotics and the canceled surgery.

In the past, Abby has had a lot of problems with intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in her head from too much spinal fluid). This was a side effect of a chemo that Abby will take for the next two years. The medicine to control them made Abby very nauseated, so much so she was throwing up up to thirty times a day. Abby stopped taking the medicine several months ago, because her body just couldn't handle it.

Even without the medicine to control the pressure, she has had no problems with her spinal pressures for 6 weeks. Major praise. Increased pressure causes monster headaches and left untreated will damage vision and damage her brain. Life without the headaches is very good.

Most of you know it has been very difficult to sedate Abby for her spinal taps (lumbar punctures). Now that her intracranial hypertension is better, they were able to use a different sedation drug. I was with Abby during her spinal tap today. She showed no sign of being able to feel pain or pressure during the procedure. She was very calm during it and appeared to not be aware of what was going on. After the procedure she was happy, smiling and very loving. This was an answer to many of your prayers.

No cancer cells were found in her spinal fluid.

Honestly, I am very excited that Abby has started her last treatment phase. I know I sound insane to be so excited about having "only" two more years of chemo, but I can't help it. After nine very, very tough months, I can finally see the finish line. Yes, it is very far away, but it is there and for today Abby is dancing toward it with a smile on her face.

Please continue to pray:

• Wisdom to keep Abby safe from diseases and infections, without keeping her out of activities she could enjoy with minimal risk.
• For her to continue to be cancer free.
• The intracranial hypertension would not return.
• The bacteria that was infecting her wound was a pretty nasty bug, so I would appreciate your prayers for continued and complete healing.
• For Abby to grow up to love God and serve Him.

Thank you so much for praying for Abby and the rest of our family. I would love to pray for you too.

Abby at the clinic about to do some crafts with Mom.

Abby the Rabbit.