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copteacher
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Location: Teaching in the Halls of Justice
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 Posted: 11/05/04 - 18:22 Post subject: Finally some good news about Abby (long)
Though we will be in the hospital for a minimum of three more weeks, we have a clear plan in place for Abby. Which, hopefully will lead to a remarkable quality of life and recovery.
For two more weeks Abby will get monsterous doses of antibiotics to clear what is now 7 infections. Once the antibiotics are done, she will be going in for surgery to completely remove her large intestine. She will have a long recovery after that but will likely be healed.
BUT...
removing the large intestine could be wrong. The disease could involve her entire bowels, (small and large) and the docs may be wrong. All the best guesses, tests and indications are that the disease is only in the large intestine but the only way to be sure (100%) is to remove and do pathology studies on the Large intestine. Now this is not a "woops we are sorry, wrong diagnosis, can't put it back now." It is unknown how far the disease has spread.
We do know for sure that there is almost a 100 percent guarantee that she would have colon cancer before she was 15. So given the choices, our choice was easy. There are no medications that would work and she would eventually have to have her colon removed anyway.
Any medications she would go on would be life threatening from all of the side affects.
We have consulted some of the top docs in the world about Abby and all of them are in agreement about the course of action.
We formally sit down with the entire team, surgeon, GI docs, and our in hospital pediatrician to go over Abby's life for the next few weeks. This is a major step forward.
Even though this means a long admission, it may end a lot of her admissions or limit them big time.
Abby continues to wow the docs and nurses here with her resilient spirit and overall good attitude. She is remarkable considering how many meds she is on.
The resident who has taken care of her for the last month, just fell in love with Abby. He just finished his rotation and is amazed of how much he learned from Abby's case. By far he was the best resident we have ever had and I wrote a letter to the bosses about him expressing my gratitude. When Dr. Dave came into the room to say good bye, he was obviously moved by Abby (she has a profound affect on people) and left the room with a tear in his eye. Abby blew him a kiss goodbye and waved goodbye. That surely did not help the tear situation much.
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jrjo
Gone Fishin
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16450
Location: Lake Wobegon, MN
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Posted: 11/05/04 - 18:28 Post subject: Re: Finally some good news about Abby (long)
I'm sure it's hard to put it all in words. Thanks Joe for keeping us in your loop. That is one brave little girl. The prayers from Northern MN just don't stop I'll have ya know. Hang in there buddy.
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Kimba90
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Posted: 11/05/04 - 18:30 Post subject:
That's great. You are all on the same page and it sounds like a good plan to move forward with. Best wishes and speedy healing to Abby.
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HYPERASHEL
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Joined: 18 Nov 2003
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Location: The South's Sauna, Atlanta
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Posted: 11/05/04 - 18:31 Post subject:
First off the tear thing i can understand, i've never met Abby and i get a tear in my eye quite often.
the surgery thing, sounds like a big step but considering the options anyway might as well. I know i am not nearly as informed as you are. I sure hope this works and the poor darling can go on having som resemblance to a life of a child and not more of hospital life.
my thoughts go out and may Abby take this in stride as she has taken everything else.
i really have no idea how you do it man, i really don't.
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Dancer
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Posted: 11/05/04 - 18:31 Post subject:
I hope removing the large intestine will help her. I will be thinking of her and you often. She's so sweet and very special to all she touches.
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brie k
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Joined: 15 May 2002
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Location: where the wild things are
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Posted: 11/05/04 - 18:34 Post subject:
Continued prayers for you all. I think all of you are amazing, truly.
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Floridaboiler
POTFH
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Joined: 18 May 2002
Posts: 11322
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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Posted: 11/05/04 - 19:35 Post subject:
All I can say Joe is I hope this helps and you and your family can finally find some quiet peace in your life.
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Joined: 15 May 2002
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Location: unknown zone
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Posted: 11/05/04 - 21:04 Post subject:
wishing, hoping and praying for the best for all of you.
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copteacher
Adjunct
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Joined: 08 Jun 2002
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Location: Teaching in the Halls of Justice
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Posted: 11/05/04 - 21:06 Post subject:
| Floridaboiler wrote: | | All I can say Joe is I hope this helps and you and your family can finally find some quiet peace in your life. |
that is what I hope too. Abby has missed to many things in her life that she can never replace.
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JACKED UP
PRESIDENT
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Joined: 06 Jun 2003
Posts: 21238
Location: www.johnnydu.com
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Posted: 11/05/04 - 21:24 Post subject:
Good deal Joe. Maybe this is the answer. Best of luck to you. Sending prayers out there.
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bpdou
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Joined: 09 Apr 2004
Posts: 1713
Location: Louisville
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Posted: 11/06/04 - 12:55 Post subject:
| HYPERASHEL wrote: | | First off the tear thing i can understand, i've never met Abby and i get a tear in my eye quite often. |
"A" tear being a bit of an understatement.
Our thoughts are with Abby, you, your family and that team.
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Ms. Jenn
Fresh, Hot & Wild
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Joined: 14 Feb 2004
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Location: Suite 550
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Posted: 11/06/04 - 23:38 Post subject:
Wishing you all the best.
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mickeyvw98
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Posts: 2010
Location: Upstate NY
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Posted: 11/08/04 - 10:24 Post subject:
I hope it goes well for the family and Abby. She is such a strong girl! Thank you for sharing her with us. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
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coachmarkos
my boys could swim
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Joined: 14 May 2002
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Location: 1st in AFC West
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Posted: 11/08/04 - 13:06 Post subject:
Can't imagine what you guys continue to go through.
sounds like you have a pretty good plan in place.
Rock on, little Abby...I'll be praying for you.
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kristin31
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Location: Caught in the crossfire of childhood and stardom
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Posted: 11/08/04 - 17:21 Post subject:
| Floridaboiler wrote: | | All I can say Joe is I hope this helps and you and your family can finally find some quiet peace in your life. |
Continued best wishes to Abby and your whole family.
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