Abby Update & Wedding Dresses

Thank you so much for praying for us today. We are finally home after a very full day.

The tests went well. Some of the results were not what we hoped for, but overall it was a good day. Abby was well sedated for the procedures. After the months of enduring painful tests, we are thankful she was comfortable. I was with her the whole time. She was still, didn't appear to be in any pain and doesn't even remember the procedure. Praise God!

There were NO cancer cells were found in her bone marrow or spinal fluid!

Brent and I were very relieved to hear Abby is still in remission. Brent and I will never forget how we felt in July when Abby was first diagnosed with cancer. To hear that Abby continues to respond to the chemo is a precious gift. Every day is treasured. Every hug, every kiss and every single smile is a blessing from God.

The news we weren't expecting is that Abby's immune system is VERY low. Their goal is for her to have an ANC of 1200-1500 (number that represents her immune system). A normal ANC for you and I is much higher than that. . Abby's ANC is 104. They went ahead and gave her IV chemo and chemo in her spinal fluid because those chemos don't work to lower her white blood cell count. They decided TO HOLD the daily chemo I usually give her every night. They hope we can give it to her again in a week or two, but won't restart it until her immune system working better.

Because of her low counts, we are back to being stuck at home. Abby can't eat raw fruits and vegetables (a HUGE deal for Abby, because they are her VERY favorite foods) and we are keeping everything as germ free as we can. When her ANC has been this low in the past, she ended up in the hospital with mucositis and infections. Even though Abby's g-tube has been removed, her doctor believes that the bacteria that caused the infection is still present in amounts that can hurt her when her ANC is low. We are praying she begins to recover quickly and can avoid hospitilization.

Brent and I are beyond thankful Abby's cancer is in remission. Abby is only 4 years old. She is sad that she is not able to go places and be with her friends. Mommy and Daddy know this will pass in a few weeks, but to Abby a few weeks seems like forever.

Please continue to pray for Abby's healing. Please also pray for that Abby would remain home and infection/complication free.

I would also love for you to pray that I can make this time fun for the kids, so the time will pass more quickly for her. I know for most of you spending a couple of weeks at home doesn't sound like a big deal but to our children (who have been either homebound or at the hospital for most of the last 10 months) it is difficult.


Sami and Abby love to play dress up. Here they have on
a combination of Ethiopian dresses, ballerina and wedding costumes.
I mean c'mon folks, I know they are our kids but puh-leeze...
aren't they just the cutest, most adorable little girls?