What's Next?

Abbey is doing beautifully (doesn't she look great?!!)!  Her cheeks haven't been this rosy in seven months and she looks the healthiest she's looked in a long time.  It's an amazing thing to be able to say that! She has been feeling great and has had tons of energy.  Tonight during Jacob's t-ball practice my mom and I took her over to a nearby playground and I think she went down the big slide 30 times.  Her energy level is completely normal right now and there is nothing better than seeing her like this.  

We had a really nice visit with grandmom and grandpop from Philly and it was so nice to have them here!  They got to see one of Jacob's t-ball practices and his last indoor soccer game while here.  Other than those couple of activities, we spent our time at home and outside just hanging out and being together.  Of course Abbey and grandmom did nail painting and Jim, his dad and Jacob had some projects to work on, one being working on Jacob's jeep (it's had some mechanical problems lately).  Mothers Day was so relaxing. Jim and his dad pampered us from morning till night and they made us a delicious dinner.  When I laid in bed that night I didn't even feel tired because I hardly had to do any work the whole day.  It was nice :)

I want to say a HUGE thank you to the mommies from MnM's (our church's mom's group) from Western Reserve Grace!  Today after their monthly meeting, a dear friend Bethany dropped off this amazing, thoughtful, beautiful basket of goodies for me for Mothers Day.  When I tell you our church has been AMAZING to us, it is not an exaggeration.  They have been there since day 1 and continue to love us and walk with us through this.  I was overwhelmed when I read each card and looked at each gift.  There was so much thought and love put into each note and gift so thank you each one of you who put that together for me.  We have been blessed beyond words by so many and I personally have been encouraged by you all more than you'll ever know so thank you for your thoughtfulness.  This was the most special mothers day for me and today was the topper to a wonderful weekend :)  I love you guys!!

So, I wanted to let you know what's next in Abbey's treatment.  We are heading back to the clinic this Thursday for a numbers check for her.  Her numbers need to be recovered to 750 ANC and 75 platelets for them to start with her first maintenance cycle.  She will have 20 months of maintenance.  If her numbers meet the criteria for starting, she will get spinal chemo (methotrexate) in her spine and a dose of vincristine in her port on Friday.  She will be on several medications at home over these next 20 months, with some being 1 day a week, some 5 days a month and some being everyday.  Doesn't sound like much of a break, but she then will have a 3 month break from the spinal chemo and will just get one chemo per month in her port.  

Her numbers will soon start to make a comeback and shouldn't be low for the remainder of her treatment, but right now they are still recovering from the last intense phase.  Since her chemo isn't as intense from here on out, her body will consistently be stronger and less vulnerable to infection.  

She is still getting the two shots a day of lovenox for the blood clot in her brain.  I actually have been giving them at 10:30a.m. and 10:30 p.m. so for the nighttime one she is sleeping.  I was so nervous to do it for the first time at night because I didn't want her to wake up tramatized that I was giving her shots in her sleep, but she hasn't woken up yet since I started doing the one at night.  She is such a deep sleeper and she moves a little once I give it, but doesn't fully wake up.  That has been a wonderful finding for us since she only knows of getting one a day.  The daytime one is going o.k.  Each day is different where sometimes she fights it more and other times she gives in quicker.  We are 6 weeks into them and they said it usually takes 3-6 months for the clot to dissolve.  Please pray that it's closer to the three months because we are ready to be done with them.

Does all that make sense?  I was thinking that it may be a good idea to let you all ask any questions that you may have for us about her treatment.  So, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comment section.  It all gets a little confusing and overwhelming at times, but one thing I can say for sure is that we are past the worst and although a long road ahead, we are confident that we will make it through the rest :)   

Love to you all :)