Friday, December 2, 2011

Hi Friends:

Grace was admitted to Children’s today to begin “ACTH” injections. We (she) will learn how to do them herself and administer at home. This is a type of steroid therapy. 🙁

Also, Grace will have a treatment of rituximab tonight, which is a type of chemotherapy, and may follow up with another treatment in two weeks.

Grace is functioning at about 40%, generally not feeling well.

Did you know that Trussville’s movie theater will let you in free if you’re in a wheelchair? Who knew?

Recent tweet from Grace: “Lord help me have the strength, the courage, the love, the faith, of Mary.” Yes, Lord, give her this, along with complete healing.

Psalm 33…
Lynn

“We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our hope and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His Holy Name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You.” Psalm 33:20-22

Saturday November 19, 2011

Grace had her last plasma pheresis treatment yesterday, had catheter removed (ouch.) Main side effect has been tired-ness. Dr. Ness agreed that we have seen no benefit from these treatments. Grace is possibly a little worse, 35 -40%. Hasn’t been to school during these treatments.

We will make decisions with Dr. Ness next week about next treatment.

We are once again overwhelmed by the support you offer. Thank you for praying faithfully for Grace’s healing. Thank you for every act of kindness to us, every word of encouragement.

Lynn

“I love You, O Lord, my strength.” Psalm 18:1

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Hi Friends:

Friday was Grace’s 7th IVIG treatment in 6 weeks, with still no measurable improvement. Been on Cell Cept (immune suppressant) for 9 weeks now. She is maybe 50%, not able to walk without assistance. Balance is the main issue, as her eyes movement and tremor are not as evident as they once were.

Grace hasn’t been at school at all this week, not feeling well enough to go, but hoping to be back on Monday.

Neurologists don’t know what has caused this situation, but are treating it as an auto-immune disorder. We are not sure what the next step of treatment will be.

Thank you for caring about our sweet Grace. We are praying for complete healing, that she will soon have her 16 year old life back.

Lynn

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us…” Psalm 90:17

Update, Sunday, September 11

In the last week, Grace has had another MRI at Children’s, as well as a visit with Dr. Ness. Latest MRI shows no significant changes, so basically clear, same as the May MRI at Mayo Clinic. However, Grace’s symptoms of eye movement, lack of balance, and dizziness continue. Dr. Ness’s and Dr. Pittock’s recommendation is to allow the oral immune suppressant time to work before pursuing another type of treatment, which will take 8 – 12 weeks. She is at about 60% of her normal function, generally not feeling well, missed two days of school this week.

Many of you have significant health needs in your own families. Thank you for continuing to pray for complete healing for Grace. We believe there is power in the name of Jesus; please pray for Grace today.

September 11, 2001: We will not forget.

Lynn

“Pray about everything…”

Update, Thursday, September 1

Where did August go?
Grace had a 13th IVIG treatment on August 19th, but we did not see any positive results from it. She has been at 50 – 65% these last two weeks, needing assistance walking. Sweet friends Kelly Anne Minor and Mallori Stewart are walking her to each class at school. (Thank you!) We also appreciate HTHS teachers and staff for working with us in so many ways as Grace tries to stay in school.

Dr. Ness, neurologist at Children’s, will see Grace in the next week, look at other treatment options, possibly run tests. Grace is currently taking an immunosuppressant daily.

We thank you for your continued love and concern for Grace, for praying with us for complete healing.

Just fyi, “Clara,” another one of Grace’s chickens, is crowing. This is too many boys for the Champion farm.

Lynn

“A mighty fortress is our God! A scared refuge is His Name!

We will keep our eyes on You, so we can set our hearts on You!”

(beautifully sung by Kristen at FBCT.)

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Treatment 8 of these 12 completed on Thursday, all is well, except it took two “sticks” to get the iv going….

Grace saw Dr. Ness in clinic on Thursday afternoon. She was pleased with the effectiveness of the IVIG treatments. Grace walked the 25 foot “test” in 6 seconds, which at one time took her 22 seconds with assistance. She is 70% – 80% each week, some days little better than others.

Working hard on 2nd semester school work. History is presently the focus.

Grace asked Buddy if we could get a pig this week, but he said “no.” Apparently, being sick doesn’t mean you get everything you want. She got some tennis shoes instead…

Thank you for caring about Grace, for your prayers,
Lynn

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Ps 46:1

Friday, June 24, 2011

Grace had a great week at the beach, had a treatment on Monday, and another today, so that she, Dailey & I can leave on mission trip to Chicago. Praying that Grace will be able to participate all week.

Weekly treatments are allowing Grace to function independently, and we are thankful for them.

Chicago bound… Lynn

Update, Saturday, June 11

Grace left for the beach today with a friend. We are so thankful she is well enough to go! Packed up a suitcase she recently bought at an antique store, probably from the 1950’s. Did it roll? No, it did not. Was it heavy? Indeed. She did not care.

Two treatments this past week, Monday at Children’s and Friday via “home health,” which we have come to love if one can love such a thing. She is 85% at times, back at 70% ish with balance issues by Monday before her treatment.

Productive week included finishing, yes finishing, English for sophomore year. (Hooray!!) Grace has several subjects to go, but getting this behind her was very encouraging. Also included cleaning room and pulling weeds. (This is a work week, I said.)

Thank you, thank you for your continued prayers and love.

Grateful, Lynn

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Update, Saturday, June 4

Playing tennis is a sure sign that Grace is doing well. 🙂 We are thankful for her much improved condition, as she has had a great week! 80 – 90% all week.

Monday, Grace will have a treatment at Children’s, then again on Friday, at home. “Home health” is sure easy. 🙂

Thankful,
Lynn

“In everything, give thanks.” I Thessalonians 5:18

Update, Tuesday, May 24

Hi friends.

Since last post, Grace has had some really good days, 80% ish, and then some days back at 60% ish. Last Friday, Grace had an IVIG infusion at home, which we all thought was just great, except Grace, who had to endure three “get the iv in” attempts.

Plans are to have IVIG treatments once a week for now, next one being this Thursday.

Tonight, Grace and I kicked the soccer ball around. She is doing that well today, which is amazing. We are not sure if each week will have great days and not-as-great days.

We are so encouraged that Grace is responding to this treatment. Thank you for continuing to pray with us for complete healing. We believe God is going to provide it.

Be encouraged, so many of you who are hurting. God is for you.

“If our God is for us, then who can be against us?”

🙂 Lynn

One of Grace’s chicks, Thelma Lou, sends her love to each of you.