“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and you are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”~ Patrick Overton
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Changing of the Guard ......
Well,I sent Mark packing.Time for him to get a little respite.Honestly ,though,probably being here is easier than work or home.At least when Zoey is doing well.Which she is.This child would just absolutely amaze you.I know she does me.Smiles a plenty.Flirty and waving.Too cute.If it weren't for that nasty colored stuff hanging from her IV poll,you hardly would know she was sick.We know that could change in a moment,so we take these good days and we cherish them.As I said last night,Mark did a fabulous job.A little intimidating to follow him.Expectations from the nurses are high of me for sure.No seriously,he was and is amazing.So you see where Zoey gets it from,don't you?.It was difficult to leave home but was also difficult to be away from Zoey.I just wish we could all go back to the way it was 1 week ago.But in reality,what appeared to be seemingly perfect days were far from it, considering what was laying in wait in my precious daughters tiny body.So here we are.And where is here you ask?Over 48 hours of chemo under Zoey's belt.2 more days to go and then we wait.Wait for ALL of her numbers to bottom out and then we wait some more for her numbers to recover.The waiting will be the scariest part as that is when she is most susceptible to infection.Her numbers are ALL on the down swing and her ANC that measures immunity is around 900.Anything over 1000 allows her to better fight illness.Her white count is 2 which is LOW and will bottom out as well.Leaving Miss Zoey very opportunistic to all the germs out there.That is why they have you remain in patient until they feel she can head home for a short time before the second round.I must say,the fear of her picking up something,especially during these winter months, is so overwhelming.We just do our best to protect her and leave the rest to prayer and God.Speaking of which ... we continue to be absolutely touched in so many respects by the support and prayers from you all.Once again my faith in mankind is restored and the beauty of complete strangers fills me and sustains me in my dark and uncertain moments.No words could adequately express how humbled we are and how blessed we feel.Keep them coming.We feel them They carry us.And finally ..... to my daughters,the big ones,I love you and I thank you for this weekend.You too carry me and my heavy heart .... thanks you.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
21 comments:
So happy you had a good few days at home but I know you missed your Lil' buddy. I wish I were there to give her big kisses. Heather, I know you are going to be reluctant to this which is why I am posting it in a comment so others can chime in perhaps but I REALLY wish you would allow a for a 'donations' on your side bar. I can only imagine as well as know very well first hand, how expesive it all is. Gas alone for your drive back and forth is outrageous. A sweet friend of yours contacted me and wants so badly for us to do this, I am hoping you will allow... So very many will want to help and give H. Allow them that, if you will.
Dear Heather, thanks so much for keeping us updated. A lot of people here in germany light candles for Zoey and pray for her as well; Zoey, you and your familiy are in the thoughts and in the hearts of a lot of people over here. Again, thanks so much for letting us know, even in these hard times you go through, emotionally and physically. We`ll keep on -until the battle is won.
Love,
Claudia
Dear Heather, dear Zoey!
I found my way here through Claudia and I am amazed by your little girl and by your increadible way of dealing with this hard time.
Our prayers are with you!
iko
Hi Heather. You don't know me, but we just learned about Zoey and what you are all facing. Zoey and all of you are in our prayers. We will be praying that her counts come back up quickly, that she will stay free from infection, and that she will have minimal side effects from the chemo. Also praying that God will give you both strength, peace, and rest. You are all heavy on our hearts and we will keep you in our prayers.
Just wanted to let you know that my family and I will be praying for you. My daughter Alexys was diagnosed with ALL at 2 1/2 and she also has DS. She did chemo for 2 1/2 years and is now been off treatment for almost a year. It is a tough time but with God and family, you can do it!! Take care
Heather and Mark, So glad Little Miss is tolerating the CHEMO so well. You're an awesome team!! Heather, I hope you got some sleep, and ate something.Please allow us to help you guys in ANY and EVERY way that we can. We feel helpless here on the East Coast that we can't be there to cook meals for you, shuffle the boys around, grocery shop etc. Please allow us to help you in this way. Gas prices are outrageous, you have to eat and drink on the run all the time or eat hospital food. The boys need some extra TLC- an ice cream, a movie, etc. Wouldn't it be nice not to have to worry so much about the financial end, and just concentrate on being there 100% for Zoey? We love you, So let us DO SOMETHING!!
Heather,
May there be peace within you today.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be, doing exactly what you are meant to be doing, being with your amazing Zoey Grace, helping her in every possible way.
May you remember the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use your courage and love to help Zoey in her healing journey.
May you be content knowing Zoey and all of you are children of God and he is there with all of you, holding your hands, every step of the way. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your souls to receive his strength.
May Zoey Grace continue to be healthier and stronger day after day ~
Keeping Zoey, you and your family in my positive thoughts and daily prayers.
Sending loving and healing energies your way.
(((HUGS)))
I'm glad she's doing so well, that's wonderful news!
I was thinking last night, I bet she has a double port doesn't she? So maybe when you said they poked her for platelets it was just to access the other port? I was thinking they put in an IV! Sorry, I get loopy in the evenings when I'm tired!
Also, if you can get the address of the hospital and email it to me, I'd like to send you and Zoey some real mail!
Hugs from Chelsea and I!
it is wonderful that she is doing well, we continue to pray for her healing and your strenght.
my God wrap his arms of love around you so that you will feel his presence and know that all will be well.
Dearest Heather, it lifts my heart to read your blog and visualize Zoey smiling. Thank you for sharing that, such a gift. We are with you every step of the way and send you peace and comfort today, love and prayers, Christi Harman
I'm going to second Kele's comment. We ALL want to bless you in the same way that you have blessed us. PLEASE!
Alison
Heather,
So nice to hear from you...I miss my friend. I know how exhausting all of this is on you and I'm just so glad that you had somewhat of a break this weekend. I want so badly for this all to be over and for both of you to go back home...prayers that you'll get to do just that before she starts her next round.
Love,
Tera
Thank you for the updates in the midst of your storm. I continue to pray and will not stop. I hope, somehow, in your week that you can find some blessings! Love to you from Oregon state.
Heather - Yes, that husband of yours is a charmer, but then I've known that forever. You both are doing an amazing job! So glad the girls were able to get home on the weekend. I'm sure the younger ones were excited to see them and their "fellas".
Take care of yourself Heather - try to eat and rest-
Good job Zoey - what a fighter
you are... Everyone is praying and pulling for you (and the whole family) here in Upstate New York
Love to all
Bluebelle
I learned of Zoey's condition through another blog and have been reading about her fight the last couple of days. Life isn't fair and I get so frustrated sometimes. I am hoping and praying that she beats this and I admire the strength and love your family is showing. Please know that strangers out here are keeping her in our thoughts.
Dianna
Add one more to the list. I've been reading your blog, and I am amazed at the strength you and your family are showing. I will be thinking about you.
My BIGGEST hugs and prayers to you and precious little Zoey! God bless you all. All I can think about is her amazing and darling little face smiling, thank you for allowing us to follow you on your journey.
Heather,
I think about and pray fr your family daily. Zoey's story has captured my heart and I will continue to check on her progress.
Molli
Heather...been thinking about you so much. Wouldn't it be fantastic if Zoey could maintain this spirit throughout her treatment with all she is enduring, it makes it so much easier on all of you. That will be one of my specific prayers for her. I love popping on my blog and seeing her cute little face up in the corner each time, I just wish it were for other reasons. When she has beat this, let's keep the button, but change the words to say something like...Thanks for praying for me...I'm all better now!
Hugs to you!
Heather, I am so happy to hear so much hope in your words... I know we don't always feel hopeful, but it never really leaves us I guess. I am thinking of you and Zoey all the time! Many hugs from NY :)
Wow! I am so behind in my blog reading that I didn't know you all were going through this. I have been up to my eyeballs with my own meaningless issues. Carey had asked my Saturday to make you a button only I didn't realize it was for you and it was Gabi's birthday and I had worked all night. So glad Kele was able to do it. She did a great job. So sorry that you all are having to endure this. I will keep her in my prayers for sure. Take care and I will keep checking for updates.
Post a Comment