Thankful

Ammy is thankful not just for all of you and the amazing miracles that are taking place in her life but also she gets to leave the hospital December 11 and then receive out patient care from then on. YEAH!!!!

It was so good to be home this weekend and see so many of our friends and family. I will be able to download the pictures and give some fun details tomorrow. One of our many fun activities was going to church. Ammy had so much fun with her friends. She was very worried to go because she thought everyone would laugh at her. She was excited that everyone was very kind and the kids treated her "normal" as she said. I am continually amazed by how God uses people in my life to teach me the lessons i need to hear right when i need them and this week he used my brother, Well technically brother in law but in our family he's just another brother, and my sister mel. My brother was in charge of worship and played the song blessed be your name. For those of you who dont know the song i will type out just the verse that hit me
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with Suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
blessed be your name.
I have been doing my best to keep my spiriuts up and praise god for all the great things that he is doing, but honestly sometimes it's hard. I look at all that my family has been through and I can't help but ask why.

Later that same day my sister mel and i were discussing this very song and we realized how incredibly blessed we are. Our family has been through some hard times, but i cant think of another family who has seen so many blessings and miracles up close and very personal. I just want to take a minute to remember how great my God is
-The first was my Grandma she was extremely ill for a long time doctors couldnt figure out what was wrong with her, she even at one time had her heart stop and was declared dead and god brought her back. Just as myserously as her illness came it left and we had another good 10 years with her healthy and extremely active.
- My brother S was in a bad car accident. Looking at pictures you cannot see how he could have lived the drivers side was extremely smashed in. He walked away with just a few stitches.
-My dad was diagnosed with Cancer and given 2 weeks to live. 2 months if we were lucky. My dad lived for another 2 years, and spent most of it healthy and active.
-Brother s had an appendix rupture, and did not get it taken care of for several days after. Since he is so stubborn and thought it was nothing. He should have died from all of the poisen in his body. Instead his body made an abcese which kept the toxins contained and he is still healthy.
-Nephew E born extremely premature and had to be incubated for a few months. They did not think that he would make it and he's happy and healthy
-Nephew C had some complications when he was born, a nurse listening to her intuition checked his blood sugar level, even though this is not routine, his was extremely low and could cause all kinds of problems including brain damage. Those of you who know this little guy know he is the smartest 4 year a person could find.
- and now to my little princess. Just a few weeks ago she was completely paralyzed from the neck down. The doctors hoped that she would regain feeling, and said that if she ever walked it would take years of rehabilitation. Well, thanks to God's amazing miracles it's only been weeks and she can walk with the help of a walker.
I know there are dozens of other miraculous things that we have encountered that we just don't remember.
It is so easy for us to be angry for god for allowing these things to happen. It is much harder to remember to praise God through these things. After today I'm choosing to praise God for defeating Satan's attempts to knock us down. I praise him for giving me so many people in my life to pray for Ammy. It is making such a difference in her recovery. Her Doctors are so amazed by her. It's amazing what can happen when you place your faith in God.

Movie Night

Sorry these pictures are a little late. Last week Ammy had us over to the hospital for movie night. We ordered Pizza and the kids watched Wallie together in the star room. Ammy had fun and so did her cousins. Emmanuel does a good job of providing lots of fun activities for all the kids.

Ammy likes to hold her cousin on her lap as we walked to visit or friend Miss Jen.

I dont have any pictures to go with this post, I just wanted to let everyone know that Ammy was able to get a pass for the weekend so we are at home until Sunday night. I will make sure to take some time on Monday and tell you all about our many adventures

Sorry it has been so long since my last blog. Things stay so busy here with all of our meetings and therapy! Today Ammy had a great time playing with her friend sarah and I managed to get a few pictures.

This is Ammy after she pulled herself up from sitting criss cross applesauce. She was able to use the bars on her bed to pull herself up. She also gave me a nice dancer pose for the camera!! Ammy also told me that she was able to ride a bike in physical therapy today and is getting really good at walking. Everyone is amazed by how fast she is recovering. Her nurses and therapists are sad to say that she will not be staying here much longer. She is getting rather spoiled by them and is really starting to love it here. I think she will be sad to go.

fundraiser

I forgot to add to my last post that Ammy's soccer coach has set up a fundraiser to help me out with the expenses that are adding up!! On December 3rd Papa's Pizza with donate 50% of everything purchased to help out. All you have to do is go to the website and print out the flyer and present it with your order. The address is 15700 NW Blueridge dr. Bvtn. Thank you all so much for all you do to help. I thank God continuelly for blessing me with so many great people in my life.

Ammy had another fantastic day today. Her cousin's joined her for her hard work in therapy today. To the left is the product of her first day of Art therapy. The therapist gave them the assignment of painting their favorite place to be. Ammy painted disneyland and her cousin of course painted the brain!! On the right Ammy and her cousin are "making pizza". It was nice for both cousins to be able to play with each other again. Ammy worked harder with him their then her therapists had seen the entire time she has been here. Ammy and I also made a thanksgiving picture while we were waiting between apointments.

Ammy also had so much fun with her friend sarah from school, and her friends from church, and miss hilary!!

The picture to the left is the nightly call to Aunt Michelle telling her about all the things we have been doing. She is sitting up all by herself at the edge of her bed, with her Aunt Sissa. I would love to be able to tell you all of the wonderful things that she did in therapy today, but for the first time she was okay with me not coming. I took this oppertunity to get some much needed sleep. Normally it would make me a little bit sad that my little girl did not want me, but in this case I am so excited. Ammy's biggest struggle in getting better is her ability to trust that the therapists wouldn't ask her to do something that her body couldn't do. I can't imagine how scary it must be for her, but the fact that she didnt need me there was a very good sign. During our break between therapy sessions Ammy was able to play some bingo. She was very excited to win a new checkers set of her very own. this has become one of her very favorite games and very much enjoyed beating her aunt sissa at it this evening. Ammy is having a hard time eating the hospital food so she had a great time when we all went to the cafeteria and got spoiled by all who had come to visit. She even got to play the WII with her Aunt Sissa in the special theater room tonight!

way to go!

Ammy called today and shared something that she said was not a secret, trust me I asked a few times to make sure. She wanted me to tell you that she knew she had to go to the bathroom so she told her mom. Beth was able to carry her there and she went on the potty! Way to go Ammy. It must be so exciting to be able to do new things each day.
She worked really hard in PT today and walked with assistance about 15 feet. As Little Mister said today with deep concern " Ammy has to learn to walk all over again?! poor Ammy that's going to be hard work!" Ammy keep up the hard work we are all cheering for you.

Beth had a good meeting today with the Doctors and different therapist. She did find out that Ammy will most likely be there for another 4 to 6 weeks. Please continue to pray for her miraculous recovery. Ammy is still working hard and looking forward to the movie night today.
To clarify any miss understandings Ammy will be at Emmanuel for PT and OT therapy only not treatment for her cancer. As far as her cancer is concerned they will be doing another MRI in February to determine what some of the things they saw on the last MRI that were "murky" are still there and what they might be. A course of treatment will be decided then. Meaning they will decide between wait and see, surgery, or radiation. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask and I will do my best to get you some answers.

A day in Pictures

Spent the day with Ammy today and took lots of photo's to show what her day is like.
9:30-10:30 Occupational Therapy

Some bubble blowing and popping while on the swing with Brit.

Bean bag toss at Aunt Michelle and clean up. She loved the throwing the bean bags not the clean up part.

On the swing all by her self and even pushing with her feet to make herself move.She also sat there and held the bubble bottle and blew bubbles by herself. Each day stronger and stronger. This picture is my favorite of the day, look at how proud she is of herself I just wish she knew just how proud we are of her too.

Writing her name and drawing a picture using both hands!


Cutting out a ladybug using her right hand which she has been refusing to use.


Gluing on her lady bug dots and legs she cut out.


Sitting up after just falling over and getting back up on her own!


10:30-11:00 combined Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy

Kneeling at table to play Lego's to help build leg strength.


11:00-11:30 Physical Therapy
No pictures here as I was busy passing the ball back and forth as Ammy sat on a Peanut ball to help with balance. She also tried rolling over but was not so excited about that.
11:45-1:00
We head back to her room for a potty break, lunch and a visit with Miss Jen.
1:00-1:20 Meet new Doctor who is very nice and even made Ammy laugh, Then we are back down to another floor for School
1:30-2:00 School
Practice counting and two step directions by placing the right magnet animals on each page.


More counting with a fun game.


More writing and counting combined, Ammy practice writing numbers one through ten.


head back up stairs for fun with Aunt Michelle
2:10-3:00 Fun in the Star room playing dinos. and checkers which she won of coarse.


3:00-4:00 Walk around the hospital. We went to get a treat in the cafe, to see Miss Jen's Office, and for a nice walk outside in the Children's Garden. We looked really hard to see what new things we could find today.

We then went back to her room for some rest before any visitors might be coming or mom might get back and wonder where her little girl got to. I don't know how she was not ready for a rest I know I was :)
As for the rest of her day I am not sure but I bet it included a few more trips to the Star room for a game of checkers.
Hope this gave you some understanding of what her day is like. Thank you again for all your continued prayer and support. She loves to hear from and see you all.

sunday = fun-day

Today Ammy got a break from PT and OT. She spend the day hanging out with friends and cousins. When I got there today we found Ammy and cousin K playing video games in the starlight room.

After a few games and playing we headed outside to...

The cousins chased each other, followed the yellow brick road, and ran from Uncle Brian. Good thing Aunt Molly could push Ammy fast.

Look at that smile, laughing at all the fun.

good thing today was full of fun as tomorrow is full of work!

Today Saturday 11/8

room change
Ammy has changed rooms she is now in room 3540 you can take elevator A to get there. The visiting hours are still the same.
Mon-Fri 4pm-8:30pm Sat 2pm-8:30 pm and sunday all day. Ammy spent the day after PT hanging out with visitors and practice her checkers skills.

Friday 11/7

Sorry for no update yesterday. Will you forgive me if I give you some more pictures?
Ammy is really liking Emmanuel, Thank you for your prayers. She was doing do much stuff yesterday. She is sat up on her own. moved over in bed, rolled over, getting good at rolling around in her wheel chair and even learned to play checkers (thanks tutu Barb) She is happy here and is doing really well so far. Here are a few pictures as promised.

Playing one of her many checker games of the night in a really cool room called the starlight room. I am sure there will be more pictures from this room in the weeks to come.

Talking to her Cousin about her day. yes they do have matching pants what can say some things may never change, Little Miss loves anything her "IM" loves.

Will try to update later about how the weekend is going. They got to sleep in this morning and both were very happy about that.

Thursday 11/6

Well Ammy has now official moved to Emmanuel children's hospital in the rehabilitation center. Both of them are nervous and anxious but know this is the best place for her right now. Aunt Melissa is being a huge help in getting them settled and being with Ammy while Beth is going thru paperwork, meeting people, and trying to process all the info given to her. My good friend Jen P. works there and is on her way to welcome them and bring her great big smile.
Ammy will be doing intensive PT and OT therapy or as Beth calls it boot camp. This means visiting hours are very strict here. Ammy can have visitors mon-friday 4pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday 2pm to 8:30pm, Sunday all day. unfortunately it can change day to day depending on if Ammy chooses to be part of any of the events offered. I will try to let you know here or a note on her door. She is in room 3536 elevator B
The neurologist spoke with Beth today and her spinal tap came back clean. THey also gave some information on the treatment plan for the cancer. Disclaimer here this may not answer your questions just create more but this the info we have. Because of the fact that radiation stays in your system and the harm it can do to your body the doctors have to weigh the effects of the cancer with the effects of the radiation. The have decided because this is such a slow growing type of cancer they would like to monitor it through MRI's and then maybe due surgery to remove some if needed. The surgery would not be like this last one at all. The effects and things happening now are due to the cancer in her spine not the surgery alone. keep in mind she went into surgery not being able to walk or use her arms. From my understanding they will do another MRI in about a month, then every three months and then we will see from there. To sum it up wait and see is what we got. So for now we pray and focus on PT and OT thus the need for "boot camp".
Sorry if this left you with more questions then answers but that is all we got :)
I will be up there on Monday so I will try to post more pictures then to show the kinds of things she will be doin

Wednesday 11/5

Spent the day with Ammy while Beth got some paperwork, laundry and a dentist visit done. We had so much fun together! Miss Ammy is deffinatly getting her spunk back. When I told her I brought my camera she wanted me to take some pictures of her making funny faces.
Her favorite funny face picture...

Her favorite smile picture and mine too...

The fun of being at the hospital and having your aunt with you is she lets you eat things like donuts...
Truth be told I was so happy to watch her feed her self I let her have most the things she asked for :)

Just when we finished playing her new favorite game feed the kitty. (a great game by the way, rolling dice, picking up pieces, and not to long for her) Ammy got a Sticker book in the mail and we had so much fun doing it together. She did most of it herself. She liked making up a story with where she put each one. We played with it for almost an hour before we were interrupted for PT.

She was ok with the stander today because she got to play BINGO. Anyone who wants to play can from there room or in one of the playrooms. You turn the TV to a designated station and watch them call out the numbers. When you get a Bingo you call the playroom they are in and the announce your name on the TV. they play till every one wins. Ammy won twice.

Once the game is over the prize cart comes around and you get to pick a prize. Ammy won 2x so she got two prizes. She picked a cinderella doll and a snow white doll. We played with them for so long. My favorite thing she said was Belle could not come to the ball because she was busy doing laundry.

my goodbye smile

Tuesday 11/4

Today Ammy practiced standing again and tried some new things in therapy. She also had a spinal tap this afternoon to make sure there was no more Cancer cells in her spinal fluid. I have not heard the results yet.
Beth found out Ammy will be transfered on THursday to Emmanuel for in patent Physical therapy rehab. Please pray for the Girls as another move brings with it more questions and uncertainty. Beth has confidence in the care Ammy will receive but it is new staff and a new place.
I should have more information on the radiation treatment and plans tomorrow after the Dr. meets with us. I hopefully will have some more pictures too.

Tuesday 11/4

good financial news
Beth got news today that she has been excepted on The Oregon health plan! That means they have set it up so that it will be retro active as of the thursday before Ammy went to St. V. I can't begin to tell you what a blessing this is to Beth and Ammy. Beth feels like a huge burden has been lifted off of her and she can focus even more attention on Ammy's recovery and treatments. This will cover all medical cost but there is still lots of new cost that will occur and we will continue to pray that God provides for those as well.
Thank you again for all your prayers.

Saw Ammy last night and I can't tell you how exciting it is to see the new things she is doing each day. Plus her spunky attitude is back which makes me smile!

Monday 11/3

proud Ammy
Ammy called last night to tell me her latest news, she can touch her chin to her chest and turn side to side. When I told her I was proud of her she replied " I'm proud of myself too".
This morning during PT Ammy stood on her own! Her recovery is moving so fast I know it is the work of answered prayers.
The doctor spoke with Beth this morning and told her that Ammy is already months ahead of where they thought she would be!
Go Ammy!!!!
Thanks you all again for everything you have done to help our family

Sunday 11/2

Biopsy update
The doctors spoke with Beth today on the results of Ammy's biopsy. Ammy does have cancer but the doctor is hopeful that the radiation treatment will take care of it. The good news is it is a very slow growing type of cancer and the Doctor seemed to think this was a good case as far as treatment plans go. Beth is not sharing the type of cancer at this time as the doctor suggest not because the information online is harsh and not true to Ammy's case. Ammy knows she has Cancer and that it is not the same kind as Grandpa, she has been told the doctors are going to take care of her and try to get all the cancer out of her. However I don't think she is really wanting to talk to anyone but her mom about it right now. I don't really know what else to say but please continue to pray.

Saturday 11/1

Today Ammy was having a tough time. She is refusing the pain meds (she doesn't like the taste) but is in lots of pain. So it was hard to get a smile but we finally got some. Well Uncle Sean got most of them. Ammy got to see more of her cousins today and that made her so happy. Unfortunately her Cousin K who is like one of her best buds is sick so she missed them.
She did great during PT again today. Practicing sitting to stand motion 3 times. Was in her stander and played potato head, throwing a ball at Uncle Sean and princess stickers. Not her favorite time of day but she was a real trooper.
When I talked to her a bit ago he was going to go on a wagon ride and have a movie and popcorn party with mom while in her big girl chair. We will see if that makes the time in the chair more bearable :)
Hopefully tomorrow will bring more smiles then today with the pain meds under control. Thanks again for all your prayers, visits and encouragement Beth and Ammy feel so blessed and up lifted by all of you!

Friday 10/31

Ammy got to go trick or treating today on the ninth floor she was a little leery at first till she found out her cousins could go too. She was the most beautiful Cinderella I have ever seen!
She was not to sure if she really wanted to smile for her picture.

Little Miss wanted to help her "IM" by pulling the wagon with Aunt "sissa".


LIttle Misters "job was to be right next to Ammy. He told her they could talk together because he was good at talking. Ammy smiled in agreement. I love to watch them together. It's a relationship that is so special to them both.


Other big news Beth was telling Ammy that she missed her hugs and Ammy said she could try. So Beth lend in and got a great big hug from Ammy. Then I got the phone call to make sure we tell everyone Ammy can hug her mommy. She worked really hard today in Physical therapy. She stood with little help with out her stander!!! She kicked her legs and bent her knees. She is even beginning to feed herself. I feel like I can't keep up with all the updates because she does so much. The doctors are very impressed with her progress, one even called her a little miracle. I truly believe God is working miracles. Thank you for your prayers.

Thursday 10/30

I asked Ammy today if I could take some pictures of her therapy time and she agreed to all photo's shared today. I am trying my best to respect her privacy and keeping everyone informed, sometimes a fine line. She likes her physical Therapist just not the work they make her do. Today she showed them all the things she can do different from yesterday. She touched her nose, lifted her legs up and different things she was asked to do.

She sits up but hates it the whole time. It is a bit scary for her and she is afraid it is going to hurt like before her surgery. I was kind of surprised she asked me to take a picture of it.



This is her playing a game with the occupational therapist she had to slide the cards around and make a match while in her stander. Another thing she is not so fond of.


Walking around the hall in the stander. Again she was not to happy about it but she still did it anyway.


Is that a smile for the therapist? No, Aunt Sissa is helping her practice pushing the buttons on her princess wand.



Ammy listening to a story with her friend from church read by the one of her teachers at OHSU.


All of these things plus all the doctors checking in on her have her pretty warn out by about noon where she eats a little then tries to get some rest. If you do come to visit between 12 and three please keep in mind she is very tired. Beth has noticed she does not want to sleep while visitors are there so she ask if you could keep your visit brief during that time it would be much appreciated. Ammy and Beth both enjoy the visit and seeing friends and family it is uplifting to them both. THANK YOU!!!

Thursday 10/30

Thursday updates from sassy Ammy
Spending the day with Ammy and having so much fun! She is doing so well today. She is lifting her legs on her own. bending her knees and moving her arms. The doctors face was pricless he was so surpised at how fast she is recovering. I took some pictures today so I will post them later tonight. She is doign so much I know I am going to miss something.
We did not find out the official results of the tumor but what we did find out is that they are pretty sure it is not malignant. So they will decide the corse of treatment hopefully this weekend. It will either be radiation or observation. The doctors seem hopefull when talking to us.
I will try to post pictures of her physical therapy.

Wednesday updates from Ammy

sorry no update sooner today. We spent the morning at home with the kids carving pumpkins trying to keep some normal things in their little world that seems to have turned upside down too.
Ammy called me late last night and she was able to move her thumb to her hand and tell that she was touching her skin not a bandage. She also was excited that she thought she wanted to move her hand up closer to her and her hand did it with out her having to concentrate and work hard at it. I was very excited!!!
She is in a new room now on the 10 floor but is still having a hard time sleeping at night. Her dad got her a nightlight today so she thinks that might help tonight.
She has her IV out right now but is not wanting to drink much. So we are encouraging her to drink as much as possible.
She had PT today and did great as usually. I am so proud of how brave she is. We have been reminding her that being brave means doing something even when you are afraid. Please believe me when I say this is a very brave little girl. She got to be in a stander today and blow bubbles throw a ball with help and lots of other things. The therapist were very happy with how much she is gaining each day.
She got her bandage for surgery removed today and it looks good according to the doctor.
We are hopping to hear about the biopsy tomorrow and start a plan regarding treatment. I know I have not spoken much on that but really we are busy making plans for physical therapy and not thinking much about the tumor as we really are not sure what that medical road will look like till we know what kind of tumor it is. Honest moment I am not really ready to write to much about it yet either. So I promise to let you know as we find out.
Ammy loves seeing all of you and we appreciate so much all of you. We have put a note on her door to remind us mostly and if you could helps us out that would be great. The note states that we are only discussing what Ammy can do and her progress she is making while in the room with her. We would like to refrain from any talk of what she is unable to do. Also Any of the family would love to answer any medical questions you might have but please ask to speak with us outside of her room . Ammy is being informed of her medical situation as needed and in terms she can understand. So Beth would like all of us to be careful that we are not using words she doesn't understand or things she hasn't had explained. Thanks to all of you for being understanding and I hope I explained this as kindly as it is intended. We want you to feel welcome to visit and ask questions .

Ammy just called again and she wanted everyone to know that she played with her princess wand that has buttons to push and she did it all by herself. Ammy knows we are keeping a blog and the things I update on for the most part is what she wants people to know. I think she looks forward to telling everyone the things she is learning and likes the idea too that somethings she can keep private. Really though most everything she wants to share with her friends and family.
Thank you seems so little that is why we say it so much. So again I say Thank you too all of you for your prayers support and encouragement.

Tuesday 10/28

Tuesday progress
Today Ammy made some more progress with Physical therapy. She was very happy to see her cousin K and G so she asked them to stay with her during PT treatment. I also got the privilege of staying with the little girls. Ammy worked so hard she was able to move her arm a little bit, shrug her shoulders, and turn her head a bit. She was able to tell if the doctor was touching all over her arm and, on her upper leg and foot. The therapist was happy to hear that she could tell them where they were touching her leg. She is still struggling a bit emotionally , and trying to figure out just what happened and why her body is not working when she wants it to. Other Kids and crazy adults seem to perk her up and keep her mind off things. Night time seems to be the hardest for her.
We were originally told that we should find out the results of the biopsy on Wed. but it sounds like it will be on Thursday or Friday.
Beth would like to thank all of you for all of the many things you have done for her and Ammy. She wanted to thank each of individually but the list is growing so fast and her time is so full of medical stuff. I told her I would post it here please pass on the thanks to those you know who are praying and have done so many things for all of us.
I would also like to thank those of you who have played with and watch over my kids so I could be there with Beth and Ammy. What an amazing family and friends we are privileged to be a part of

Tuesday 10/28

Ammy ate cereal,fries, a little bit of a hamburger. She seemed to really perk up and started to respond to people more and even was laughing and making jokes. She is enjoying the cards and pictures other kids have sent up. Her room is looking very bright and cheery. Last night she started screaming out in pain about her legs while a bit scary and sad to hear it was a good thing. She moved her feet on her own while yelling out and they think it may be due to feeling returning to her legs. You know that tingle you get after your legs are asleep, that what the think she was feeling.
I just got a call and this morning she was able to bend her knees on her own!!! All these things are so amazing as I was told yesterday that the chance was very high that she would not be able to use her legs again. She still has a long road ahead but each movement is a cause for celebration.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask in the comment section and I will try my best to answer them.
please keep praying for her and her parents.

Ammy and Little Mister with the Child Life Specialist Mrs Joan. Who was amazing not only for Ammy but really helped Little Mister and gave me lots of answers on how to ask his every growing questions. He came home with two stuffed animals and doctor stuff. Last night he helped his Spider get better. Ammy even let him practice on her. He asked her with deep sincerity when he was done giving her pretend shots and bandages if he made her feel better. She respond with a smile and said yes. It's these moments that really get to me.

Monday 10/27

We found out more results on the MRI today and to be honest not really sure what to think. It seems the tumor is so large and because of the position it would be inoperable. If the tumor turns out to be cancer they will treat it with chemo and radiation. We should know the result of the biopsy on Wednesday.
Ammy meet with the Physical therapist today and he made her work pretty hard so she is very tired. I am not sure what the PT had to say on how she is doing

Monday 10/27

Spent the night at the hospital with Ammy so Beth could get some much needed rest. She was running a fever most the night so they are checking to make sure there is no infection anywhere. As of this morning the fever was gone and she had some reflexes in her feet. Which as the Dr said not an answer just a good sign. She was able to give a thumbs up to the Nuro surgeon, which is the most we have seen her use her hand. Our concern this morning is now she is off sedation she is beginning to realize something is wrong and her body is not working like it should. Her spirits seem low and she will be meeting with a child life therapist this morning who will be able to talk with her and enplane to her what is going on. around 4am she asked me where she was and then has been very quite but awake for about an hour after that. I did however hear a laugh as we decided to watch Cinderella to take her mind off things. I will update again later when I know more about her meeting with the life therapist. Right now I am off to some needed time with my two little ones. Thanks again for all your love and support.

sunday 10/26

MRI completed and the surgeon did a great job! all the fluid build up is gone. Ammy is in her room now fast asleep. The ventilator has been removed and she is receiving warm moist air to help break up any mucus in her lungs. Beth is sleeping too. thank you for your prayer and to all of the many of you how called , e-mailed and stopped by. you have no idea just how much it means to us!

Ammy is waking up and early this morning she could move just her right arm and nothing else. However about 20 min ago she moved her toes on both feet! YEAH!!! The doctor did warn me however that is not really a sign that her legs are going to be fine but it is still a good thing to see. Hey at this point it's all about celebrating the small things. She will be having another MRI today to make sure there is no need to do another surgery today. It will be probably another 5 hr before we know anything else. Thanks again for your prayers!!!

Cousin A got done with surgery around 4:30 it is still kind of hazy to me so sorry if the times are a little off. It seems the tumor is larger and much more in the tissue then they thought so they were only able to remove some. The thing we do now is wait. They were waiting for her to breath on her own before they woke her up from the surgery. We will not know probably till tuesday when the PT looks at her if she will be able to walk or what the damage may be. They tried to remove the fluid from where her sensory nerves are rather then where her mobility would be. We will know on wednesday what the results of the test on the tumor is. From there it will be decided what corse of action to take. I will continue to update as they day goes on and we know more.

Cousin A is currently in surgery to remove fluid from her spine. Bear with me and I will try best to give the most current information without getting to technical. It's kind of hard to write as that makes it real. She has a large tumor that starts at the base of her neck to her chest. They are unsure if it is cancer or not but as this time that is not what they are focusing on. It seems the mass is causing some blockage and fluid on her spine. They need to remove it ASAP as it could leave her paralyzed.
Another update as in the operating room the tumor is bigger then first thought they will have to remove some around the spinal cord along with the fluid. They fear that if they do not remove it. It could calasp onto the spinal cord causing permanent damage.
I will keep you all posted as we hear more updates. Thank you so much to all of you who are praying. We have seen so many blessings already from Gods people showing his love to A and her mom.

Working Hard

Ammy had such a big day today. She met her new physical therapist and her occupational therapists. We got to ride on a big swing together today and she pushed herself in a special bike type thing. Her biggest "trick of the day" as we call it is that she sat up all by herself. She is also doing a great job on feeding herself. I continue to be amazed at how quickly she is recovering and hope that she will be back to herself soon. It continues to seem that Ammy can do much more than she is comfortable doing. She is extremely scared of being moved especially by anyone new. I think that being here and having the same pt's and ot's will really help her to recover quickly. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. I really do feel like that is what makes the biggest difference.

A big thank you for Michelle and all her help in keeping everyone informed with the whirlwind of events in the last week. Thank you also to all who have been here for us over the week. Without your prayers, and God's mighty hands we would never have come this far. Ammy and I pray a special prayer for all of you every night that those who have blessed us recieve the Lord's blessing as well. It is amazing to see so many friends and know that we are so loved. Thank you again.