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

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Sunday, October 16, 2011

October 16, 2011

I’ve been putting off posting an update, hoping to have good news to share. However, we haven’t seen any real change in Grace’s condition since starting back on the IVIG treatments or from the Cell Cept. The PICC line definitely makes these treatments easier, with no need for starting a weekly IV.

Grace is still going to school, made possible by sweet friends, the wheelchair, accommodating school and caring teachers.

Farm News: We lost Thelma Lou to a raccoon, and Lula had to have her wing amputated (thank you Dr. Grimmett) after putting up a good fight. Giving oral antibiotics to a chicken every day is challenging…

So thankful for cooler weather. My heart goes out to you who are “enduring hardships.”

Lynn

“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” I John 4:9

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Update on Grace – Saturday, October 1, 2011

Grace was admitted to Children’s yesterday (Friday.) Hasn’t felt well this week, no benefit from last week’s IVIG treatment yet. PICC line put in yesterday to avoid the iv issues she has had. Finishing second IVIG treatment in two days and will head home later today.
Hope you are enjoying this beautiful weekend…
Lynn

“You are a shield around me, O Lord.”. Psalm 3:3

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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…”

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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.)

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Update, Monday, August 15

Hi Friends:

Grace’s last two treatments, #11 and #12, have not been as effective as previous ones. She is at about 60 – 70%, needing assistance walking some of the time. Her broken pinky toe may be contributing…

Last week’s iv was started with only two tries. 🙂

School started last Tuesday, and Grace has been going “as she can.” Very tiring week, but we are thankful she was able to be in class some.

We will talk with Dr. Ness this week about what’s next. Hope you’ve enjoy this “cooler” day as much as we have!

Lynn

“He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.” Psalm 147:4 -5

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Update, Friday, July 29

Treatment 10 of 12 completed Thursday, with an unfortunate 6 attempts at a workable iv. 🙁 Grace’s veins are giving out.

We feel that Grace is at about 70 – 75% these days, not as well as she’s been. Still working on sophomore year’s school work, one summer reading book down, one to go. School starts August 9th.

Grace’s largest chick, Bea, who has been picking on everyone enough to get herself some time out in the stall, began crowing this week. Turns out Bea’s a he. What to do, what to do…

Special thanks to all of you who’ve encouraged Grace in her pig pursuit.

Lynn 🙂

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

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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

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Update, Tuesday, July 5

Hi Friends:

Grace is having some good days, able to function normally for the most part throughout the mission trip. We are thankful for this! Grace had another IVIG treatment at home this morning, which went fine. We have finished weekly treatment 7 of 12, after which we expect to begin spacing out the treatments more depending on Grace’s condition.

Sunday, some of you asked how to pray specifically for Grace, and I thank you for that. We are praying for complete healing, through medicine or any means God choses, for Grace. Additionally, we are praying:

– that Grace will continue to be strong as she faces weekly IV’s, treatments, uncertainty, this interruption in her teenage life;
– that Grace can finish her second semester of school work and be ready for school in mid-August;
– that each of us, you included :-), will see God daily, walk out the Word, honor Him in everything.

Thank you, as always, for your constant encouragement to our family…
Lynn

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being…” Ephesians 3:16

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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

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