Thursday, May 21, 2009
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A site dedicated to Abby. You can get updates on her diagnosis and treatment and leave comments for Abby and her mom and dad.
Abby Summer 2010
How We Got to Here-Updated August 2010
It all started with very small seizures. We are not sure how long she had been having them but they were getting more frequent. On April 23, 2009, we took her to Dr. Baker who sent us to the ER at Arkansas Children's Hospital. An MRI revealed a large brain lesion and Abby was taken to the ICU for 3 days. She moved out of the ICU and spent a total of 8 days at Children's. We saw several doctors who were all pretty stumped by what they saw. It didn't look like anything-tumor, infection, swelling. They put her on an anti-viral medication in case it was infection. Another MRI showed no changes. Some doctors thought it was gliomatosis cerebri but some didn't agree with that diagnosis so they decided to take some spinal fluid to analyze. They had to take it from the brain though because of possible swelling. We spent another night in ICU.
After she was discharged we contacted MD Anderson in Houston and St. Jude's. We flew to Houston where another MRI was performed. They informed us that it was gliomatosis cerebri. St. Jude's called later that day and informed us that they felt it was gliomatosis cerebri. That was not what we wanted to hear-gliomatosis cerebri has a 5% survival rate. However, St. Jude's neurosurgeon, Dr. Boop, wanted to try to remove some of the tumor. This allowed for a biopsy of multiple pieces of the tumor. On May 22, 2009, Abby underwent brain surgery. Almost all of her right temporal lobe was removed. Abby had to spend another night in ICU, this time at LeBonheur in Memphis.
The biopsy results surprised us all, it was not gliomatosis cerebri, it was a low grade glioma! God had answered everyone's prayers! The plan was to begin chemotherapy to stop the tumor from growing but our neuro oncologist, Dr. Armstrong, wanted to wait a few weeks to see how this tumor was going to act. We were once again surprised-the tumor wasn't growing. No need for treatment!! And that is where we are today. It has been over a year, and the tumor still has not grown. It's still there, big and nasty, but it is quiet right now. We go to St. Jude's every 3 months for an MRI and other appointments to monitor the tumor.
After she was discharged we contacted MD Anderson in Houston and St. Jude's. We flew to Houston where another MRI was performed. They informed us that it was gliomatosis cerebri. St. Jude's called later that day and informed us that they felt it was gliomatosis cerebri. That was not what we wanted to hear-gliomatosis cerebri has a 5% survival rate. However, St. Jude's neurosurgeon, Dr. Boop, wanted to try to remove some of the tumor. This allowed for a biopsy of multiple pieces of the tumor. On May 22, 2009, Abby underwent brain surgery. Almost all of her right temporal lobe was removed. Abby had to spend another night in ICU, this time at LeBonheur in Memphis.
The biopsy results surprised us all, it was not gliomatosis cerebri, it was a low grade glioma! God had answered everyone's prayers! The plan was to begin chemotherapy to stop the tumor from growing but our neuro oncologist, Dr. Armstrong, wanted to wait a few weeks to see how this tumor was going to act. We were once again surprised-the tumor wasn't growing. No need for treatment!! And that is where we are today. It has been over a year, and the tumor still has not grown. It's still there, big and nasty, but it is quiet right now. We go to St. Jude's every 3 months for an MRI and other appointments to monitor the tumor.
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Blog Archive
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2009
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May
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- Sunday, May 31st
- Saturday, May 30th
- Friday, May 29th
- More Info from St. Jude
- Thursday, May 28th
- Fundraiser/Benefit on June 13th
- Wednesday, May 27th
- At Home
- Going Home
- MRI
- Sunday May 24th
- Back in Her Room
- She's OK
- Surgery Has Started
- Bed Time
- What the Doctor Said
- We're Here
- t-shirt orders
- Wednesday, May 20th
- Tuesday, May 19th
- surgery update
- Sunday, May 17th
- Saturday, May 16th
- Friday, May 15th
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May
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Thanking God in advance for the blessings coming your way. I know He will hold you all safely under His wings. What a great place to be. Dr. Boop has a wonderful reputation. On my knees and in your corner, Melody Moody
ReplyDeleteMorgan,
ReplyDeleteI have been hearing about your daughter for sometime and praying for her but until yesterday I didn't realize I knew her family. I'am so sorry and wish there was more I could -o but just know she and all of you are in my p-ayers and If you need something just call 870-613-2372. I'am praying real hard about today's surgery. Just know God has something in his plans for Abby and I know we don't understand but we're not meant to.
All my love,
Debbie Cannon
You are All in our prayers - by name. You are all like family to me. Praying God's very best for Abby today, and for God to bless and guide the hands of all who care for her. Isaiah 40:31 We love you.
ReplyDeleteKatrina and Randy Stevens
Morgan. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me last night. I am so glad that I could finally read the blog. We will be praying for you here in Conway. You have moved me and I will be forever changed too!
ReplyDeleteLove you all! Kindra
Morgan,
ReplyDeleteHey this is your cousin Tammy. Just wanted to say I wish I could be there for you guys during the surgery. I have prayer though and I know that God is going to pour his blessings down on you , Abby and your family. My kids said a prayer on the way to school today. We are all thinking of you and praying for a great recovery and prays that God would guide the hands of the surgeon during Abby's surgery. I LOVE YOU DEARLY! GOD BLESS!
Morgan, this is Twyliah Acklin, I am Shelley's cousin/sister. I am so sorry for what you guys are going through with Abby. I have been praying for her, along with my mom. I hope she liked the prayer shawl my mom made for her. Let me know through Shelley if you need anything. Love, Twyliah
ReplyDeleteHello Abby and Family! My name is Lisa Wiegand. You do not know me, but I went to school with Brian Yeager and have gotten these posts on Facebook. You all are in my thoughts and prayers and I live in Memphis. If you need anything at all, you are more than welcome to get a hold of me. My email is lisaann0307@yahoo.com. Don't know about posting my cell phone # :)I will bring you food, snacks, anything at all you may want or need. You just let me know. I wish I could do something to make it easier for you all. I know St. Jude is a wonderful place. I'm so glad you all have the faith that you do in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Miracles do happen and the power of prayer is wonderful. God Bless each and every one of you! Lisa Wiegand
ReplyDeleteHi Connor Family,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Tammy Poole and Abby's Grandma Brenda works for me at Citizens Bank. Your family has been and will remain in our prayers, especially today. We pray that God will give you courage, comfort, peace, and strength over the next few hours while Abby is in surgery. We are going to the fundraiser at Southside School tonight and my daughter, Whitley, is going to sing for Abby. We are working to get Whitley's Abby's Army shirt so that she can wear it when she sings and tell everyone how to get one. We wish there was more that we could do. G
My name is David Plotkin and am the father of Max Plotkin. He too is undergoing treatment and is only six years old. He was diagnosed at 3 with B cell-lymphoma. Maxcurefoundation.org is our site- prayers are with Abby and you all.
ReplyDelete