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6.30.2011

Many Thoughts Today


This morning I woke up and Lucy was still asleep.  I took advantage of this time and did a little reading.  My cousin just gave me a wonderful book that I am recommending to everyone!  The title is "Be Still My Soul" and it is edited by Nancy Guthrie.

 It is a compilation of 25 readings, both new and old, on the issue of pain and suffering.  My eyes were really opened this morning as I started in on the first reading about Paul and the pain he endured throughout his life.  One of the questions he was asked frequently was "Where is God in all of this."  Isn't that something we ask ourselves sometimes daily? 

My suffering involves a family whos lives have been uprooted due to childhood cancer and all that it entails.  Your suffering may be your health, a divorce, an aging parent, the death of a spouse or any other issue causing your pain.  So many people have said to me "I don't know how you are being so strong," or "How do you keep on day after day." My typical answer is "You'd do the same thing if it were your child/family."  While that is true, there has to be something much more than just determination and love pushing me forward.  In my niavity it is easy for me to just accept that God is there with me and holding my hand through all of this.  But honestly, there is so much more to it than that. 

While reading it has become obvious to me that there is a great design in God's master plan that has allowed me to harness strength and perseverance that I never knew I had.  When we become Christians we become united with the greatest strength of all.  This world was created to be temporal.  It and the things it inhabits will die and vanish.  That's just the way it is.  Throughout the centuries, suffering has always been a major part of life.  It still is.  What I am learning is that through suffering our good times are better and our rewards in heaven will be that much sweeter.  Not that I will deserve anything more than anyone else (because I SOOO do not), but just as I now appreciate life a little more here on earth due to this suffering, so will I in heaven. 

So.....get the book.  Read it. I pray you will gain a new perspective on your suffering through the readings.

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Yesterday was a great day.  Alot different from Monday, when she slept for about 19 hours.  Lucy received blood and platelets yesterday and was put on a CAD pump that administers a continuous low-dose of Morphine.  She had so much energy and wanted to play.  She was up until 10 o'clock last night.  She visited with her grandparents, did crafts with Ella, we colored and worked a puzzle and even watched some movies.  It was wonderful seeing her feel so good.  Today she is still asleep.  She woke up around 10:00 to go to the bathroom, but went back to sleep and is still out!  Her little body is just worn down, so we just let her sleep when she needs to sleep and enjoy the times when she is up and alert. 



To give you an idea of what we look at each day, I have a comparison of her blood work:

                      Hgb (Hemoglobin)                Platelets                     ANC       
Normal          11.5-14.0                              190-490                   1500-8500
Wednesday    7.2                                       25                              0   
Thursday        9.3                                       99

Isn't it amazing what a transfusion will do for a body?  I am so thankful for the many people out there that give blood and platelets on a regular basis.  THANK YOU!!!
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Last night my friends Nicole and Christi came to visit.  They brought some yummy G-free food, including some gourmet looking and tasting cupcakes.  I've won favor on the floor with the doctors and nurses thanks to these sweet treats!  Today we are taking it easy.  Erik is coming down to visit with Lucy for a while and I am going to take some time away from the hospital to get some fresh air.  He is such a wonderful husband and father.  God sure gave me a good one!


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8 comments:

  1. Glad that Lucy is getting the rest her little body needs. Love the picture of Ella and Lucy and especially the one of Lucy with the big smile on her face!!!

    Is there any way we can donate blood/ platelets for Lucy? My mom tried to donate for Lucy last time she gave blood, but LifeBlood said her name was not on the list. Is there anything we can do to help with this?

    Enjoy your time away from the hospital today.... your definitely deserve it!

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  2. I love seeing her happy smile! So glad for you all that Lucy was up and about and active! Praise God! Praying that all of the sleep she is getting will help her heal and have even more energy for good days ahead. Enjoy your time outside in the fresh air...it is good for the soul!
    Sandra :)

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  3. I want you to know that following reading Lucy's story, which has resinated in me for some reason, I have started the process to hopefully become a platelet donor. I would like to urge other people out there to think about this too - platelets don't have a long shelve life, so donors are desperately needed, and unlike blood donors not everyone is a suitable platelet donor - only about 33% of assessed people are suitable, this comes down to blood volume and also your own platelet count. It is a bigger commitment than whole blood donation, as it takes about 90 minutes to get the platelets out, and you donate every 4-6 weeks. (this is UK guidelines)

    Please consider it families like Lucy's need our support

    Angela (Scotland UK)

    Please co

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  4. I have been following Lucy for quite some time now. I was just sharing this with my husband and he shared some information about ACS (America Cancer Society) helping with transportation, hotel lodging for visiting family, etc for your family. If you haven't reached out to this avenue of support, please do so, because they can help off-set some of the expenses you are experiencing by having your family discombobulated at this time.

    This is why I'm really commenting though...I'm praying...Lucy and your family are on our honor board as we walk for Relay for Life this summer. Your family is being lifted in prayer daily in our home.

    I think I need to consider being a platelet donor...I've never considered it or looked into it. I will now though.

    Go Lucy Go!

    Tammy in Illinois

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  5. Kate:

    I wanted to pass along to you that today I had to take our 19 month old to a specialist to get some genetic testing done. We are at the beginning of the road in the process. It is terrifying. But, more importantly, we were on the same floor as the children's oncology wing...I immediately thought of Lucy and said extra prayers for her...and for you all for being on that floor everyday. I have the utmost admiration and respect for you after having to do it for one day. You posted the other day about doing it...you are a superwoman...no question in my mind. And I admire you greatly!

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  6. Wow her platelets were super low. My 2 year olds are always way high since she was about 7 months.... possibly before, but that was the first time they tested them. It is not uncommon for hers to be 1.2 million... since normal is about 400 thousand she is almost triple the high :( Wonder if she could share, but I bet she is too young...

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  7. I love the picture of Lucy and Ella playing together! It's priceless!

    You really encouraged me with what you wrote about the book! Thanks for writing it!

    I hope Lucy is having a good day!

    Love,
    Allison

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  8. love the Buzz Lightyear pj's :) awesome!!

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