Abby's Journey

We'd like to invite you to read Abby's Journey from the beginning. We hope that her story may help a family who is facing the same battle with DIPG. We are praying for a cure and are praying for every child who is diagnosed with cancer.

This is Abby's story.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Progress

Sorry about the lack of updates lately, we have been experiencing "Technical Difficulties" with our computer locking up on us and shutting down on us in the middle of my typing.

Lately, Abigail has been progressing greatly! Over the weekend, she has started showing a lot more energy and seems to be returning to her old self. She has started playing with her toys on the floor with Emily, has been more active, and more independent.

On Sunday, she had her Primary Program. She had a small speaking part and when we pulled up to church, she said that she did not want her wheelchair, but that she wanted to walk. So we WALKED into church! She did wonderful during the program, as well as Mary-Beth! They both sang really well and Mary-Beth was able to read her part from her paper. Emily wanted to be a part of it as well, but was still a little young for that.

Today, Abby woke up in a great mood and we had a great trip to the hospital. She is blowing through the I Spy books and is blowing me away at how sharp her mind is. We will be looking for one item, and she will remember where everything is so that when I ask her about the next item, she is able to point right to it. She makes me look bad! I would like to say that I let her find most of them before me, but she usually beats me to it. Every once and a while, I'll get it before her, but not too often.

She also enjoys going back for her radiation treatments, mainly because of her daily gifts from the group "Friends of Kids with Cancer". We filled out a form that one of the nurses gave us for her with her general interests, and now everyday when she gets into the radiation room, there is a new toy waiting for her. It makes her day and is a bright spot for her in the darkest part of the day. It warms my heart and I am thankful for them for making my girl feel better! Emily and Mary-Beth also enjoy playing with the toys too, especially since Abby is good at sharing.

I did hit another low spot today right before I went out for my run. I was helping Abby go potty when I noticed the back of her head through her hair. I knew Abby has been/is losing a good amount of hair, but up until today I did not notice it. Her hair parted just right, and all I could see was the back of her head, no hair. There is a 1"-1 1/2" line on the back of her head that runs pretty much from ear-to-ear. Her hair covers it well, but since I saw it this afternoon, I have noticed it a lot more. Once again though, Abby pulls me out of it. I'm sure she saw the pain in my eyes from seeing that and she told me "Daddy, don't worry, it'll grow back!" She is so strong and durable, she strengthens us with her spirit and faith. What a special girl!

Tonight, she was feeling really good and was walking down the hallway to the living room when I came out from behind her and said "I'm gonna get you Abby!", she screamed and laughed and then started RUNNING DOWN THE HALL! Not just a fast walk or shuffle, but a run! She is doing so well! When Uncle Mike got home, she again went running to get him and is just walking so much better. I am so thankful for these little miracles that she gives us!

Right before the girls bedtime, I was looking through the pictures on my phone, and came across a video I had taken of Abby during her initial week in the hospital where she was saying hi to the camera. She seemed so worn out and tired and weak. Then I went to the living room and see her today and how much she has progressed in such a short period of time! I know that she is going to beat this tumor, and I know that all of the prayers from everyone are helping not only us, but also the doctors who are treating Abby.

1 comment:

Clair said...

Thanks for the update Jon. It's wonderful to hear how well Abby is doing and what a fighter she is! Children are truly amazing - I don't think we give them enough credit sometimes. I think it is wonderful that you and Meagan allow Abby to be a "bear" when she needs to be and celebrate her high's with her when she is ready. We continue to think of Abby everyday and remember her in our prayers.
With much love, The Jordan Family (Florissant Ward)

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.