Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Day 41




Sorry for the lack of posts lately...  Abbey has been feeling good since her fever last week.  She bounced back quickly from it.  We even took her out one night to Toys R Us for her to pick out a toy and to a small italian restaurant for dinner.  It was the very first time we've taken her in public (except for the hospital) and it was sooo nice to go out as a family and be "normal" for a night.  Since she was feeling good, and will be starting a tough phase next we thought this was a good time to do something special as a family outside of the house.  There was hardly anyone at Toys R Us so it was a great night to go.  When we got to the restaurant, I pulled out my clorox wipes and wiped down our table and her chair really good before we sat down.  People in the restaurant looked at me funny until Abbey took her hat off, then they understood what I was doing.  I'm sure we will get used to having her out (once she is in maintenance we will be able to be out more with her), but we will have to get used to the second looks.  Of course, people were very kind to us and we know people who are looking are just feeling sad to see a little girl who is sick.  

Tomorrow we are heading back to the clinic for the 41st day of this phase and the last day of interim maintenance.  We are happy to check off another phase, but are getting nervous to get into the next phase.  I know I've mentioned it before, but the next phase is called delayed intensification and it will be a very intense 2 months.  After tomorrow, she will have a 16 day break with no chemo.  Then the two tough months will begin.  After we make it through delayed intensification, we will be in the maintenance phase (yeah!).  We are getting close to the end of these first tough six months.  Please pray for us as we keep on keeping on.  Thanks!!


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Such a sweet picture of your beautiful daughter. Happy to hear Abbey recovered from last week's fever and you all were able to get out for some fun toy shopping and dinner. Praying for Abbey and your family, especially during the next ten weeks.

Gail,
Annapolis, MD

Heather said...

Each little step becomes a step closer to putting this latest chapter behind you all.We are so happy to hear that Abbey is doing so well and we will continue to pray that, as the next phase begins, she weathers it just as beautifully.This is a difficult and stressful detour or lives have taken,their little lives have taken but with the strength of God's amazing grace ,we will all find our way through it.

Kelli said...

May God continue to bless her with good days. I found you on the Riggs blog and will continue reading about Abbey. She is beautiful. Take care!

Kristine said...

Saying lots and lots of prayers for Abbey!! Katie and I say a little prayer each night while I'm putting her to sleep.

She is so absolutely adorable! I hope that the 16 day break will bring lots of rest and give her a chance to re-build her strength. Enjoy this "down" time.

Thank you so much for all of the people who have found Katie's story through the link on your blog. It really does make my day to see others reading about Katie and leaving us messages. :)

Kristine & Katie
xo

Melissa said...

I am so glad you guys got out, sometimes you just have to cheat, safely.

That is also the one blessing of hair loss, you never have to explain yourself. It is a problem we run into with Josh, he is that one rare kid who hasn't lost any hair and people just think I'm crazy. This perfectly healthy looking kid wearing a mask.

Enjoy your short respite, it's awesome to get to know your child again when they aren't in any pain. It's only at the end of the breaks that we realize how cruddy he feels on chemo and he just pushes through and doesn't complain. It's a blessing to look at that smile an know there isn't any aches or pains or discomfort underneath.

Bethany said...

There is nothing sweeter and more humbling than seeing a 3-year-old pray...what an amazing photo you have here!

We love you guys!

Susie said...

What a precious picture of Abbey. She knows who her healer is. We start Delayed Intensification today...It has been the best 7 weeks with Bella, not sure what the next 60 days will be like, but I am trusting God to get us through it and praising Him for healing. Get out a few more times this week, I have truly enjoyed these 7 weeks of freedom. Like you, I wipe everything down, and we went every where with Bella. Praying for all 4 of these little girls. Blessings

Jessica O'Keefe said...

What a beautiful, precious picture. How wonderful for you as parents to guide and see your children beginning their own relationships with our awesome God! I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Jessica

Bekky said...

So happy for you guys that you were able to get out and enjoy some "normal". I will keep praying for all of you for strength to get through the next phase! Enjoy the "down time" between treatments.

~Bekky

Gill said...

Oh how wonderful for you to have some time out with your beautiful little lady :) Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.x

Beth said...

What a wonderful picture! And how wonderful that she has parents teaching her about her Maker, Healer and Father!! What a gift!

We will continue to pray for you and the rest of the little ones going through this!

Jac Tubre said...

Praying for you...

Jac

Terri said...

That pic of Abbey is Priceless!

So touching...I wish I could hug her!

So glad you all were able to get out and about ...keeping Abbey as well as the rest of you in my prayers always...

Hugs
Terri

Anonymous said...

Dear Colbert Family: I live in Texas. I just happened to come across your blog a couple of nights ago for the first time. I spent over two hours reading about your family and your precious Abigail. Her story has truely touched my heart. I just cried as I read about your amazing family! Is there anything I can do to help Abbey?

Anonymous said...

Abbey is such a sweetheart, the picture of her praying is priceless. I was very happy to read that she's doing so well and that your family was able to get out as a family and enjoy some fun together. I'll be praying for your whole family, especially Abbey as she waits for the next phase to begin. Stay strong and may God continue to Bless You.~
Cindy,
Waynesbor,PA