Friday

Wanted to give some specifics as I know a lot of you are wanting to know how Abby is doing.  We appreciate the support, meals, prayers.  Abby is about the same as she was on Monday's update.  She did do a bit better Tuesday and we got her out in the living room for some gift opening, a bite of cake, and an episode of Just Add Magic.  We saw lots of smiles which did our hearts good.  Wednesday she was a little more nauseous and struggling to keep things down and take her medicines more so than on Monday and Tuesday.  We've seen the fevers still going up to 100/101 and then back down.  Her pain is the same but we think she is moving a little better, still needing our help to make big movements like shifting in bed, standing up, etc.  Mark is with her at the clinic today since I have a cold.  They will check the muscle damage levels to make sure they aren't going up and do all the regular checks and blood work.  She also is going to see the physical therapist for some exercises to help with muscle rebuilding.  I included a picture of the cake they got her because it shows how wonderful the cancer clinic at Children's is.  I was just sharing with a friend that we are so thankful for them.  She is getting the best care and we can rest in that knowledge.  Big prayer requests would be for her to stop throwing up and be able to take her medicines (about 15-20 pills a day) and for her to start getting some nutrition in her body.  She's not getting more than 300 calories a day, and that's the high number.  It's been this way for about 3 weeks.  Also, pray for our family.  Mark and I are so weary.  We are not functioning at our best and that effects all areas of our life: work, parenting the other kids, marriage...
And lastly, pray for Abby's heart.  She's very down.  It feels like we can't reach her.  It's so understandable but it's heart breaking.

Again, thanks for the support as we continue on this road.