The thing about Lucy's illness is that its so unpredictable. Everyone keeps telling me that once treatment begins you have to stay on your toes. At a moments notice your life can flip upside down with emergency trips to the hospital for something as simple as fever. We aren't even to that point yet and every moment seems to keep you on your toes. Lucy did great last night. Eating, talking and watching TV. She slept like a rock and even this morning she was feeling good. On his regular rounds, the neurosurgeon noticed that Lucy's incision was leaking. He knew immediately that she would have to be resutured and needed an LP (lumbar puncture, or spinal tap). This meant that Lucy had to be transported to surgery and put to sleep. Recovering from anesthesia is a battle in itself. Any time an in incision is made in the spine you open the door for infection. Well, as luck would have it, we found ourselves headed back to the OR to relieve the buildup of pressure on her spine from leaking spinal fluid.
(even in pain and headed to surgery this angel was smiling)
The procedure went well, but her spinal fluid came back cloudy. When Dr. Boop came to tell us what that meant we were floored. It either meant that she had meningitis or the cancer was worse than we thought. So we waited nervously for a few hours until they came to tell us the results. Praise God it was only Meningitis. In what sick, twisted reality is Meningitis a good thing?
But, as I've said we have a new normal. A new way of life to adapt to. While I am thrilled that she is sleeping and eating well tonight, I have to temper my excitement. As we have learned, things can change in a moment's time. Such is the way of this mighty beast cancer.
Did I mention that I HATE cancer? Well, I do. Seriously. But this little girl is a Rock Star! A few hours after surgery, she was up eating a big cookie that her Uncle John Paul gave her. Man! I love this little girl.
The procedure went well, but her spinal fluid came back cloudy. When Dr. Boop came to tell us what that meant we were floored. It either meant that she had meningitis or the cancer was worse than we thought. So we waited nervously for a few hours until they came to tell us the results. Praise God it was only Meningitis. In what sick, twisted reality is Meningitis a good thing? 
Sending you love and big hugs from Tennessee!
ReplyDeleteHi, I do not know your family personally but I want you to know I am praying for precious Lucy. Years ago I taught at Brighton Middle School and one of my former students recently asked me to pray for Lucy. From the moment I saw her I just fell in love with her sweet smile and I have been praying ever since. I even asked for more prayers on my blog and so there are lots praying in Texas!!! I pray that God continues to give you the strength you need to be a mom to all of your sweet children. Go Lucy!!!! Love, Tanna
ReplyDeletePraying for your entire family and for your precious Lucy's recover. We worship a marvelous God and He is MIGHTY to save!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see Lucy's beautiful smile! Can imagine what it has meant to you :) Praise God for all of the blessings he can bring out of each trial!
ReplyDeleteHow cute is that cookie picture!! I was really worried about her bouncing back after a second anesthesia....looks like that wasn't a problem. What an awesome prayer service tonight...I think God might have a hint that this baby is important to a lot of folks (as if he didn't already)!
ReplyDeleteBrings me joy to see her smiling!!! Lifting up more and more prayers!
ReplyDeleteThank you for having the strength to post tonight. Any good news from Lucy feeds our heart and soul. Tonights prayer service was awesome. What a special child of God your Lucy is. Our love and prayers continue for you all. May you continue to feel God's love and presence throughout this terrible time.
ReplyDeleteOur prayers are with you and your family!!
ReplyDeleteThe playlist on your blog always has me tearing up as I read. I'm not usually one to cry, but every time I think of Lucy, I think of my own children and realize how painful this all must be. My heart aches for your family. I pray that you all sleep well and get the rest that you need. It was nice to see Lucy smiling. Goodnight Krull Family. God be with you... ~Josh
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers sent your way. I am a cousin of Ashli Avis' and ever since she emailed me about Lucy earlier in the week, my heart has been heavy for you and for your little Lucy. I pray you all sleep well tonight.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me but I found your blog through Kelly's Korner. Lucy is a ROCK STAR! I am praying every day for Lucy and your family. Many hugs and prayers from Seattle, WA!!
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for your beautiful little girl and your entire family!
ReplyDeleteI am new to your story. Please know that I will be praying for Lucy's complete healing from the Mighty Physician and that I will be praying for you, your husband, and two other precious kiddos.
ReplyDeleteHe has you in His hands!!!
Patti Cummings
Kate, you make me want to be a better mom! You have the strength of someone beyond measure... I can't imagine the trials you go through each day, but I know it is tough, and that is one of the many reasons I pray for you. To see Lucy smile and to see life in her eyes makes me shed tears of joy. I started Nursing school this semester and it's because your children like your precious daughter that I finally made this incredible leap... I want to work at St. Jude- to help make a difference in the lives of these Saints that show God's grace and mercy, and yet His mystery. Please know that I pray for your daughter each day, as well as for you and Erik, and Ella and little Jack. I only wish there was more I could do for you and your family. Seeing all the bows around Tipton County in Honor of Lucy makes my heart sour with pride of where we live and also for the love that is here for your family! You would be impressed to see the bows displayed all over Covington and beyond. Your little girl has touched so many that don't even know her, and will continue to touch them for the rest of our lives! Because of your steadfast faith and endurance, your families strenght and yet your sorrow as you go through this daily battle, will bring many to the feet of Christ! God's blessings to you and thank you for sharing your faith and love for Him as you go through such an unimaginable experience!
ReplyDeleteMuch love and blessings,
Toni Autry
I pray you will hear Him *whisper through the rain*......He IS with you. I am praying right now (here in NC) that though your heart is torn, you will praise Him. He is with you and your precious Lucy. Praying for all cancer cells to be GONE. Praying that meningitis is the WORSE thing Lucy will face. Praying that you can find peace. Praying that you will be able to stand up and tell thousands that Lucy's help came from the Lord and that her precious body was healed on this earth. Faithfully praying for your girl. Though I do not know you, we serve the same God...and He hears us. "Where two or three are gathered........"
ReplyDeleteRock star for sure! Bless that sweet angel's heart! Such a relief to see her smiling and eating.
ReplyDeleteNew to your blog and praying for your family! Can we do something to cheer Lucy up? Maybe send her some cards?
ReplyDeleteMy email is Kimba962@aol.com
Just found your blog and precious family! I am praying for your beautiful baby girl. Many prayers and thoughts sent her and your family's way!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see a smile on Lucy's sweet face and light in her beautiful eyes. Praying for more good days than bad. Prayers now coming to you from New Jersey and Canada. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but we have lots of mutual friends from your U of M days. My heart just breaks over what your family and particularly sweet little Lucy are going through. I've added your blog to my favorites, and you all will be in my prayers daily.
ReplyDeleteJulie
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Mant times I have said to myself "Thank goodness I have MS, It could be worse". I know that sounds crazy but you know it could be worse. I am seeing God's blessings and answered prayers everytime I read your blog. Nothing is too big for him! Seeing that baby eating that giant cookie and having a smile on her face is WONDERFUL! Thanks for keeping us updated on her status.
ReplyDeleteWe are strangers and I usually don’t do this but I felt compelled by your entries. I was brought to your blog from a post by Laura Turner. I have a special place in my heart for St. Jude after my time volunteering there when I was younger. I too wrestle with prayer in the same way. I have thought many times, “why pray if God knows what will happen?” There are conflicting ideas concerning predestination and free will. Sometimes it is too much for my little mind. I am like you and find comfort, peace and strength in prayer. I think that is a huge part. I try to remember what my preacher once said. “Prayer does not always change the situation but it will change us IN the situation.” I love this reminder of God’s comfort, strength and love. God Bless you and your family!
ReplyDelete-Catherine
What a sweetheart she is. And SUCH a trooper.
ReplyDeleteMy 14 year old son has been battling rhabdomyosarcoma for 9 months. My best advice to survive this nightmare is take it one day at a time- don't get ahead of yourself and let your mind go crazy with "what if's" just make it through today, let others help you- they want to help or they wouldn't offer and cling to God and his promise that he will not leave you. Do not forget- as long as there is life, there is hope. I will be praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteDianna
Just look at that cookie! And that beautiful smile!! Let's hope the meningitis and UTI are the cause of all the pain she has been having. looks like Monday is going to be an interesting day on the 7th floor. I hear we're having a visit from a "buzzy" celebrity.
ReplyDeleteOh Kate it is so good to see that sweet baby smile so big!!! If a giant cookie is what it takes, make sure JP brings her one every day!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so strong, and an amazing mother. Praying hard for your family.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I am friends with Georgia and Laura. My heart is breaking for you and your family, however your strength is inspirational for everyone who hears about your story. I am praying daily for your sweet baby and hope only for the best for all of you.
ReplyDeleteSomeone sent me a link to your blog, and I just wanted you to know how touched my heart is by your fierce love for your daughter. I am praying for rest and peace for all of you, and that God will mightily heal your girl.
ReplyDeletePraying for your family this evening! Jeremiah 29:11
ReplyDeleteYour button has been added to my page! Let's get prayers for your little girl from every state and country!