Waypoints

Update, Saturday, March 5

It’s been a rainy, but better, day at the Champion house. Although we’re not seeing improvement yet in tremor, eye movement & balance, Grace is not feeling as badly as she did last treatment. Same, expected side effects, just not as much. And so, our definition of a “good” day is currently “less bad” and we are grateful for it. 🙂

Plans are to have additional tests next week, still looking for cause of Grace’s condition, as well as see Dr. Ness in clinic.

“Blood vials drawn” count = 47.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Thank you for praying with us.

Update, Wednesday, March 2

We are at Children’s Hospital awaiting a second treatment of rituximab for Grace. We are blessed to have such a great resource so close to home. Plans are to go home tomorrow.

We are praying for wisdom, insight for Dr. Ness, Dr. Presley, strength and healing for Grace. Thank you for praying with us.

Physical Therapy has suggested we borrow a “recumbant stationary bicycle” so Grace can exercise at home. Anybody have one? If you have one we can borrow for a bit, call Whitney Rother, Buddy’s assistant, at 228-1020. 🙂

Love and thanks for your constant encouragement,
Lynn

“Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge.” Psalm 16:1

Update, Saturday, February 26

Grace has had a difficult week with nystagmus (eye movements) and tremor as bad as it has been so far. She has also dealt with headaches, body aches, trouble sleeping, etc., which may be from the treatment or the steroids, and just generally being worn out with the whole situation. Today has been the most promising day of the week as it’s been a beautiful day, and Grace even got on her horse, Tristan, for a bit.

Many of you have been through (are going through) illnesses, as well. This is certainly the most difficult thing that has come our way. We have learned medical terms we do not want to know. We have been blessed by support and encouragement from so many, and much prayer for healing on Grace’s behalf. Several times I have met someone (for the first time) who said, “I am praying for your daughter.”

Plans are still to have another rituximab treatment mid week. Thank you for praying with us for Grace’s complete healing.

“Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Update, Wednesday Afternoon, February 16

Quick update: We are home from a short but intense hospital stay where Grace was given a treatment of rituximab, a type of chemotherapy. No serious adverse reaction to the treatment, just the expected side effects, which she is dealing with now. Plans are to have a second treatment in two weeks. She is also starting a stronger steroid.

Thanks keeping up and praying for Grace,
Lynn

Update, Wednesday, February 16

Our trip to Springfield Illinois a blessing as it was very beneficial for a potential diagnosis for Grace’s condition. On Friday, Grace had a very thorough evaluation that was documented for future research and also had her third spinal tab…which now for some reason they refer as a “lumbar puncture.” That term just seems more aggressive! Certain test were performed that had to be done within an hour of the collection of the fluids. These test indicated that Grace has 7 times the normal amount of “b cells” (Beta Cells) which could be causing her condition. Other test are still being conducted that we will hear about in the coming weeks that may give us a “cause” as well as potential treatments.
We are grateful to have such great neurologist from Birmingham to Illinois and other places around the country who are working to restore Grace’s health.

Yesterday, Grace was admitted to Children’s Hospital in Bham to begin another treatment that we pray will eliminate the “b cells” in her system. At this time we are not sure how long our hospital stay will be, but we do not anticipate being there very long. We continue to be overwhelmed by the prayers, love and support that so many friends, and new friends, are expressing to us.

It is our prayer that the Great Physician will use whatever means He desires to heal Grace!

Thank you for praying!
Buddy

Update, Friday, February 11

Hi from Illinois:

Last night’s “welcome to Springfield” was 20 degrees and windy, much snow on the ground.

This morning, Grace saw Dr. Pranzatelli, who examined and questioned for about an hour and 1/2. Then, another spinal tap under general anesthesia and blood drawn for more detailed sub-assessments that the specialty lab here is set up to handle.

We don’t expect to hear from any of these tests today, but probably first of next week, with some of the tests taking 4 – 6 weeks to come back. Dr. Pranzatelli will help Dr. Ness and Dr. Dure lay out the next treatment.

Grace is keeping a count of blood drawn: as of today, 38 vials. 🙂

I read through the many emails posted on FBC Trussville’s website on the way up here. You are a constant encouragement to us. Thank you!

Grace says “hi.” 🙂

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is in Him.” Jeremiah 17:7

Update, Wednesday, February 9

Hey Friends:

Plans have changed this week and the treatments delayed. Dr. Ness and Dr. Dure are recommending Grace see Dr. Pranzatelli, children’s neurologist, in Springfield, IL, for clinical exam and more tests. Because of a cancellation from another patient, we have an appt to see him this Friday, so God is opening doors for us there already.

Grace’s condition is much the same. We haven’t seen much improvement this week. Homebound study is coming along, just trying to do a little each day. Perm turned out well :-).

We so appreciate all the encouragement and love you are sending our way. Thank you Trussville, Decatur, Sardis, Selma, Hoover, Pelham, Gardendale, Pell City, Auburn, Anniston, Chandler Springs, Texas, Nashville, Calera, Huntsville and many others for praying for Grace’s complete healing. Please pray for safe travel, wisdom for Dr. Pranzatelli, continued healing, peace for Grace, us and sisters these next few days so we can be grace-givers to others.

Love and many thanks…
Lynn

Update, Friday, February 4

Grace has been to the neurology clinic at Childrens’ to see Dr. Ness and Dr. Dure this morning. They were pleased with her progress, feeling like the IVIG treatment has been effective. However, since she is not 100% better, plans are to be re-admitted next week for 3 -4 days for a different treatment, then again in another couple weeks for a second dose of this treatment.

Tests results indicate this is not a tumor, not cancer, not “ms.” These neurologists are optimistic that Grace’s system is responding to treatment and will respond to the next treatment as well.

We want to thank you for holding us up with your prayers. God is our Healer, and we believe He is healing Grace.

On a side note, Grace is about to get a perm. 🙂

Love and thanks…
Lynn

Update, Wednesday, February 2

Hey Friends:

We aren’t noticing big changes in Grace’s condition day to day, but we know for sure she is better today than when we left Children’s 12 days ago. She is able to read some and is working on “catch up” school work. Balance is definitely improved, as she is walking more on her own now. Her attitude still sweet even after dealing with this situation since Christmas day. Grace is able to move around the house without the walker but is still dealing with a persistent tremor. On Friday we have an appointment with Dr. Ness and Dr. Dure who are the neurologists working with us at Children’s Hospital.

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, Who daily bears our burdens.” Psalm 68:19

Love and thanks to so many praying with us,

Lynn

Update, Saturday, January 29

Grace’s balance is somewhat improved. She is walking a little on her own, eyes are more steady, and she’s doing physical therapy at home and at Therapy South.

We still have no further word on the cause of Grace’s situation. Neurologists have said that all the information they have doesn’t point to just one diagnosis. Plans are to see Dr. Ness at Children’s next week and she will decide whether to continue allowing the IVIG treatment to take effect or pursue another treatment.

Grace made the mistake of saying she’s bored; so, Mrs. Herring from “Homebound” came this morning with school work. Reading is still difficult.

Thank you for praying with us for Grace! Thank you to Grace’s sweet friends for all of your encouragement!

BUDDY CHAMPION

Recent Tweets