Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Delayed Intensification Complete!!






As of about an hour ago..... we are done with Delayed Intensification!!!!  Can I say that again??  We are DONE D-O-N-E with Delayed Intensification!  Wow, that feels so good!!  Abbey just took her last oral chemo tonight for this phase and she is now on a two week break from chemo.  

She is feeling good and today we even went out for the day as a family to some outdoor outlets.  There is a pond with birds there so the kids loved feeding the birds (actually Jacob and Abbey loved feeding the birds.... Micah wasn't willing to share his piece of bread with them so he enjoyed watching the birds while snacking :).    

Monday was fine at the clinic.  They were pretty positive when we were there last Thursday that she would need a blood transfusion by Monday, but she was just above the number that they would give a transfusion.  So, we have to go back tomorrow and they said they are confident that she will need blood by tomorrow.  She has been feeling great though.  Better than she's felt in a long time.  Her numbers were all pretty low as of Monday though and they expect them to continue to drop now as she got some pretty tough stuff during this phase and the medication usually takes 7-10 days to fully take it's effect on her body.

We are so thankful though that we can check this phase off.  The first week of this phase was filled with many tears (and on and off since we started it), and I can't tell you how many times I said to Jim that I wish we could just fast forward to the end.  So the fact that we're here is a huge burden off our shoulders.  Although we still have a long road of treatments ahead, we can now officially say that the worst is behind us!  As always, thanks for praying and for being our cheerleaders through all of this!  And to follow up from the last post.... here is the first huge blessing.....done with Delayed Intensification!!... more to come soon :)     

18 comments:

Susie said...

How sweet it is!

BethanyM said...

We are so happy for Abbey reaching this exciting milepost and glad that she is feeling well now. Congratulations, and we love you!

The Myers Family

Kristine said...

Yay Abbey!! She's such a strong little girl.

Unknown said...

YAY!! I was sitting @ CVCA last night with my bracelet, and it dawned on me what day it was. We'll be praying about the possible transfusion and the transition to maintenance. Hope you had fun with the ducks yesterday...that is one of our favorite places too. It's so great to see you were out and about and celebrating the day.

Amber said...

Congratulations on reaching this milestone! I'm so happy for you all. :)

Andy Gammons said...

Jim,
Thanks for the comment. I think that God's providential control is often a hard truth, but when grasped it is a comfort. How great to trust a God who is in control of all things in difficult times like your family is in. I am trusting God that he will be completely for your family. I just read Romans 8 and am praying it all for your family.

Andy

G Family said...

HAPPY DANCE FOR ABBEY!!!!!!PTL for His faithfulness! May He continue to give you strength as you enter the next phase!

Anonymous said...

Hip..Hip...Hooooorrrrraaaayyyyyy for you Abbey :) Leah and I are so proud of you and how brave and strong you have been! Praise His name !!! So glad to hear Abbey is feeling good & looking so sweet in the pictures. What a blessing it is to put this part of her journey behind! Can't wait to see you Abbey and Shelley sometime soon at the clinic. We will be there for our first visit ( Thurs 5/7/09) since we began maintenance. Keep your chins up w/ smiles on your faces..It gets much better into mainenance (Leah's only a few weeks ahead of you :) You're all still in our prayers every single day !
Congratulations Abbey :)
Nicholle and Leah

CindyBailey said...

AMEN, Thank God this phase is behind her! It's so nice to log on and see the pictures of the three siblings having a good time feeding the ducks and being together as a family. Many blessings are coming your way...hooray! Will be keeping Abbey and your family in prayers.

Emma said...

We are so thrilled to hear that DI is complete. Praise the Lord for bringing Abbey and your entire family through this phase of her treatment. I pray that Abbey continues to feel well. Lord willing, here's to lots of fun times feeding the swans in the future.

Continuing to lift Abbey up in our prayers,
The McMicken Family (Lakeland, FL)

Bekky said...

Praise God this phase is behind all of you especially for Abbey! Love the pictures of the kids having a good time feeding the ducks. What precious moments! Always praying for all of you...

~Bekky

Anonymous said...

Yay!! Now it is time to look forward to nice weather, playing outside, summer, vacation and making LOTS of happy memories! Praying for no side effects and a relaxing two week break. Abbey is beautiful, and I am so happy this phase is completed.

Gail
Annapolis, MD

Suzanne said...

So thrilled to hear Abbey has completed DI...many prayers as she has her little break from chemo and then begins maintenance.

Peace be with you

Love, Another Mom of an ALL child

dana said...

YAY! So incredibly thrilled for you all!

Leigh-Ann said...

I'm so excited for you and all the kids! I know that I am a complete stranger, but I have followe dyour blog and your story and struggle and I feel like I have sharred in your triumphs and your setbacks with tears of my own. I can't imagine what you have been through, but I know that God has a plan and you have touched so many with your faith. Thank you for touching me!

Cassie said...

God is good :)

Abbey, you go girl!
You're an inspiration.

Sarah said...

Just happened to click on your daughter's story from another blog. I am sitting here reading and crying at the same time. My heart and prayers go out to your family and especially for your daughter. Once again I will be praying daily for your daughter's recovery.

God bless.

Prayer Pals 4 Orphans said...

Yeah!!!!!