Saturday, December 31, 2011

12-31-11.....New Years Eve? or Old Years End.....


‎12-31-11.....Old Years End and a New Years Eve, Where did the last 364 days go? All gone. Never to be brought back again. Thank you Lord for all Your blessings on us as a family. Thank you Lord for Your tender hand and Your loving tenderness and we pray for Your healing touch in the New Year.

Also, Heaven is doing well this morning...she is fussing me because she has to drink about a 4 oz. frui...t smoothie each day, can't figure out why she is having a hard time with it. She is on the antibiotic until Thursday...we are praying and need you all to pray with us that her ANC number goes up and all the others climb with it to where they need to be.
She had fun with her friends yesterday and we took a short trip to the library to fax some info out. I think it done her some good to get a little fresh air. I'll be headed out here shortly to go a get a few groceries..... but this family is gonna start eating a whole lot differently and better, not because of a new years resolution, but because that is the way the God intended it. We are gonna be eating more salads, fruits and fresh veggies (out of our garden) and try our best to do the things that Jesus would have us to do.
Again, we thank everyone that is praying for Heaven and our family and we ask that you conmtinue on with praying....."The fervent prayer of a rightous man availeth much"..... "Pray without ceasing"..... ♥ you all.


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Well.....New Years Fellowship at one church and a Night Watch Service at our church...Praying you all have a wonderful time and don't forget to put Christ as the for-front of your New Year. ♥ to all and many blessings too.

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A New Year! A New Day! A New Life!
Not only on New Years but all the year through God gives us a chance to begin life anew, For each day at dawning we have but to pray that all the mistakes the we made yesterday will be blotted out and forgiven by grace, For God in His love will completely efface all that is past and He'll grant a new start to all who are truly repentant at heart--
And well may man pause in awesome-like wonder that our Father in heaven who dwells far asunder could still remain willing to freely forgive the shabby, small lives we so selfishly live, and still would be mindful of sin-ridden man who constantly goes on defying God's plan--
But this is the Gift of God's limitless love a gift that we all are so unworthy of, but God gave it to us and all we need do is to ask God's forgiveness and begin life anew

Friday, December 30, 2011

12-30-11....A good day

‎12-30-11......heaven is still feeling good today. S couple of her friends from church, Rebekah and Rachel, came to spend the day with her, now if i can jsut get Heaven to slow down. lol. Conserve that energy is what I tell her. lol. Anyways keep praying for the ANC #'s to rise to 1000 and that she can stay on schedule with the treatments. Also, Praise the Lord!!!!, we purchased a leather sofa for only $150,,,God is good. We have been looking for one for a couple of weeks and the Lord placed this one at the right tome, and alo, the fella Wayne purchased it from was a Christian man. Glory to God!!!! We love you Jesus ♥

Thursday, December 29, 2011

12-29-11.....Nurse day for taking labs

12-29-11.....The Home nurse jsut left and Heaven has gained 1 1/2 pounds....YAY!!!! Praise the Lord!!!!! Glory to God!!!!! Her BP was good, her temps was good, her Oxygen was good, adn now we are waiting to hear about what her blood counts are. Keep praying.....dont' stop. Will update when counts come in.

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Attn::::: Preacher Larry, Dennis, my Momma Brenda and any others...I'd liek to let you know that when Heaven and I go back to Roanoke that you all are invited to come by anytime you'd like to sing. We'd love to hear ya and maybe even some of the other patients too. Well, anyways we can leave our room door open so everyone can hear. Thought I'd invite ya. Love you all <3
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OK at 10:40 a.m.the nurse just called with some good news!!!!!!!

Update on Blood Counts:::::
WBC--- 1.7.......up from 1.2
Hemoglobins---8.2.....up from 7.9
Hematacrits--- 22.4.....up from 21.7
and this next one is such a blessing.....
Platelets---60.....up from 17.....

Glory to God and all Praise goes directly to Him. Yes, Gloria Wolfe Helms, your right, Jesus is taking good care of her ♥ Thank you Lord. Please continue to pray and also we have another prayer request ask of all of you. Pray that there will be an increase of the Chemo that is being produced.....the Dr's told us while we were at the hospital that there is a shortage NATIONWIDE...saying that pharmeceuticals aren't producing as much, for some weird reason.

Anyways, if you can, make that a matter of prayer also. We love and thank you all for all you have done. ♥


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Just received a call fom the Carilion Clinic and we need specific prayer though for her ANC number to go up. What this is, is they multiply the white blood count by the nutrafill numbers that help fight infection. Her ANC number is 100 and ...it needs to be 1000 and her Platelets need to be 75 for her to begin the next phase of chemo and also to have the surgery she needs to place the port, the bone marrow biopsy and the lumber puncture...please pray with us this specific prayer. Christ is able and will make this happen if we all pray together. Thanks again and ♥ to all.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

12-28-11.....Friends show up

‎12-28-11...Heaven had another good nights sleep, after her and Samantha finally went to sleep, sometime after midnight. lol. Kids...I love them so much. Sher has had lots of energy today but I have asked her to conserve as much as she can.
She was very excited when her friend Anna from church was able to come and spend the day with her and then was doubly excited when another friend dropped in for a while...she has had lots of fun hanging out with both of them today.
We will find out tomorrow what her blood counts are and I pray that they all have increased. Please continue to pray for Heaven and the family. Thanks again for all everyone has done. ♥ to all.
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Heaven and Anna just went outside, not for long though, but long enough for Heaven to get some fresh air. That will do her a little bit of good. She will be getting her antibiotic at 4:00 and so far that is going good...I hope her counts are up enought o get her off those antibiotics. We ordered pizza for the girls and Daddy went to pick them up, while he was gone and Samantha was listening out for the girls, I went and helped my neighbor that is down with her back do some cleaning around her house. She appreciated it so much but was telling me that she should be helping me, but it is the older that should teach theh younger to be there when needed. The Bible says "For him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin" She needed me and Praise God I could be there for her. Now back to my cleaning duties....anyone know of any cleaning fairies that is ready to help? lol. :) Thats what grace is for.....strength in the time of need.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

12-27-11.....Heaven gets a suprise visit


‎12-27-11.....Heaven had a great night sleep last night. She has eaten good today. Her friend Tiffany from Myrtle Beach came by to visit and Heaven was so happy to see her. If only they could have seen how her eyes lit up when she heard that they were coming...so glad they got to see each other. Maybe once everything gets better maybe we can all go to MB and vacation and visit too.
We were informed yesterday that Heaven will have to stay on the antibiotic until Thursday or further notice. Also, Carilion ...Clinic called and confirmed that if Heavens blood counts are up that she will be in surgery on Jan. 6th at 11:15 a.m. to have the port placed, another bone marrow biopsy and another lumbar puncture...all while she is sedated. Heaven wants me to be in the OR with her but I told her that I don't think they will let me but she says she is gonna pitch a fit until they do...LOL...I can see it now, but I can also understand why she doesn't want to be left alone.
Please keep praying for her and the family...so many changes are having to take place and we are trying to not let it overwhelm us by letting Chirst take care of all that needs to be done. Love to all. ♥

Monday, December 26, 2011

12-26-11....Monday....

‎12-26-11....The home nurse cam by around 10 a.m. this morning and changed the pic line bandage and took some blood work. Heaven has been doing well, but when she gets tired it happens very quick. Anyways, I went to the store to pick up a few things and Wayne called me to give me the results of the labs taken....
WBC....up to 1.2
Hemo.... holding
Hema....holding
Platelets.....down from 33 to 17

She now has to take the antibiotics until Thursday or until further notice. Labs will probably be taken again tomorrow if not it will be Thursday. Please continue to pray for Heaven and our family....we love you all so very much. To God be the glory.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

12-25-11.....Happy Birthday Jesus

We'd like to say Happy Birthday to the greatest gift of all.....Jesus. Thank you for giving your life for mine and for shedding Your Blood on calvarys cross. Thank you for all the blessed gifts you have given us throughout our lives and for all the many more gifts you have waiting for us in the future. Thank you Jesus and Happy Birthday.
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Today Heaven and I will be staying at home due to the fact that her throat is still sounding scratchy and beings her blood counts were down, I think it will be safer to keep her here. To all of our church family...we will be there in spirit and we pray that you all have a wonderful, praceful, joy-filled Merry Christmas. Love you all. Please keep praying.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

It's CHRISTmas Eve

‎12-24-11.....It's CHRISTmas Eve.....where has time gone? Anyways, Heaven slept soundly last night but woke up with a throat that sounds scratchy...gotta keep an eye one it, might give her a little honey in a little bit in hopes that it helps.
She didn't take well to be woke up early to get her antibiotic hooked up not to drink her chocolate breakfast drink.

Trying to think back as to where this year has gone and it jsut amazes me at to what the Lord ahs done in our familys life. God is so good and deserves all the praise and glory that we can give Him.

Friday, December 23, 2011

12-23-11.....Laying off of solid foods


‎12-23-11... This morning was rough for Heaven. Last night she tried eating a turkey burger but, this morning it came right back up so...we are gonna lay off the solid foods and focus on the nutrient rich drinks and smoothies. My heart goes out to her when she is feeling so bad...I just cry out inside.
She will be taking it easy today but please pray that she will start to see how she can' t let t...his get the best of her. She wants to fight against taking her meds adn vitamins and I try so hard to explain to her that she needs to take them to defeat this monster. I even showed her yesterday ehr blood count numbers, explained to her that she needs the nutrients to get those numbers up.....Lord I ask you give me the strength that I need to help Heaven to understand...please.
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I am so tired.....I sure could use the merry-maids about right now.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

12-21-1.....Finally heading home

‎12-21-11.....Dorothy had it right when she said "There's no place like home". Amen!!! Made it home last night at about 10:15, the home care nurse was waiting on us for Heaven needed ehr antibiotic and we had to fill out a buch of papers so, at about 1:30 a.m. I finally got to go to bed.
Heaven slept well, and took her antibiotic this morning. Please continue to pray and thank you for everything everyone has done.....
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Thank you all for welcoming us home...please continue to pray for you all know that this is just the beginning of this journey. Love you all and may you and yours have a very Merry CHRISTmas.

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12-22-11....The home car nurse just left, bless her heart she is going to be making a run to the store for me while in Martinsville. This way I won't have to take Heaven out. Heaven is doing well. Yesterday we did go out and she bought her a new hair style (wig) and it looks great on her....I may even borrow it, lol.  We did go to church last night and jsut being there just filled my heart so much that I couldn't stop crying...I guess my soul was just longing for the Word of God..
I'd like to thank our church family for being such soldiers in this Army for Jesus Christ. We thank everyone for praying for us and Heaven, and please continue to pray, for we are jsut beginning.
Also, Happy Birthday to my Dad.....hope you have a wonderful day <3
Now, all I need to do is try and figure out where to start when it comes to cleaning the house...lol. Merry CHRISTmas everyone, we love <3 you all.....

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

12-20-11.....Lord willing, we are going home

12-20-11.....Praise the Lord!!!!! 26 days after arriving at Carilion Roanoke, being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, going through numerous test, having IV's and Pic-Lines, 9 blood and 4 platelet transfusions, and so much more that I cant think of right now.....Today is the BIG day!!!!! We are moving out and will be heading home later this afternoon. Glory to God.
We ask that you all continue to pray for Heaven and our family. We will be returning to Carilion Roanoke for the next Chemo Phase on Jan. 6, 2012. She will be in surgery on that day (if her blood counts are ok) to have a Port placed and then she will have another Bone Marrow Biopsy done and she will also receive her first intravenious Chemo treatment. She will then (the following day) start her 8 days of treatment then we will probably be here for about 2 weeks after that. We will see hoe htings go but they have said that the second round is about as rough on the kids as the first was.
Thank you Jesus for your mercy and grace. Thank you for allowing us to bring her here before it was to late. Thank you fer keepingyour hand upon her while here. Thank you for the very knowlegeable Doctors that she has. Thank you for the fact that she is doing well. We pray Lord, that you will continue to keep your healing hand upon her through-out this entire journey and beyond. Thank you Lord for loving us the way you do. Thank you for being right on time even though we may think you late. Lord, Thank you.

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To all the Mothers of special needs children!

Mother's of special needs Children are awesome because:
1. Because they never thought that "doing it all" would mean doing this much. But they do it all, and then some.
2. Because they've discovered patience they never knew they had.
... 3. Because they are willing to do something 10 times, 1,000 times if that's what it takes for their kids to learn something new.
4. Because they have heard doctors te...ll them the worst, and they'e r...efused to believe them.
5. Because they have bad days and breakdowns and bawl fests, then they pick themselves up and keep right on going.
6. Because they manage to get themselves together and out the door looking pretty good. Heck, they even make sweatpants look attractive.
7. Because they are strong. Who knew they could be this strong?
8. Because they aren't just mums, wives, cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks and women who work. They are also physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, nurses, researchers, coaches and cheerleaders.
9. Because they understand their kids better than anyone else does - even if they can't talk or gesture or look them in the eye. They know. They just know.
10. Because just when it seems like things are going OK, they're suddenly not, but they deal. They deal even when it seems like their heads or hearts might explode.
11. Because when they look at their kids they just see great kids. Not kids with cerebral palsy/autism/Down syndrome/ADHD/developmental delay/whatever label. ♥

Monday, December 19, 2011

12-19-11.....The good news.....


‎12-19-11.....Heaven had another great night, she only woke up once with a sore mouth, but the magic mouthwash worked well and she slept until almost 8:30 this morning. Also, today is gonna be another busy day with getting her to walk even more and to eat a little more than yesterday.

And we do have a Praise Report::::: Dr. Edwards and Dr. Dino cam in this morning and let us know that if all goes... well we can go to the house tomorrow if all continues to go well between now and then. AMEN!!!!! I think once Heaven gets home that she will improve so much the more.

We jsut want to thank Jesus Christ for all the strength, mercy and grace that He has given to us to get through this, for without Him we can do nothing.

Please understand that we have to limit her contact with others beings she is still Neutrapenic (sp?) which makes her more susceptable to infections and viruses, so please call before dropping in. Thank you all so very much and please continue to pray for the road ahead is still long. Thanks and ♥ to you all.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

12-18-11.....Things are looking a lil' better

12-18-11.....Heaven slept very soundly last night, but she did have to have a 1/2 dose of the morphine due to her throat, but other than that, she slept good. Today we will be getting her to eat on her own...she has went 24 hours without a fever which is wonderful news but now she has to get to where she will eat and if her blood counts keep climbing.....we can go to the house for a copuple of weeks before were back in here for the 2nd phase of the chemo.
We did get her up yesterday to walk around and she did great....we are going ot do that again today, several times, so there will be a lot going on here today at the hospital.
We would like to thank Jesus today for His mercy and His grace that He has shown to us in the last 24 days, Christ is so dear to our hearts and we love Him so much for all our blessings. I pray that there will soon be a cure for cancer for I know that Christ has the power to make it happen, but only in His timing and until then, we, as a family, will trust and continue to lean on Him and serve Him like never before. He has been so gracious to thus far and the strength He has given this family is out of this world. Thanks you Lord for your blessing on all of us. <3 to all.

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Heaven has gotten up and walked the floors for the 2nd time today. She ate 3 bites of chocolate pudding and she now has a big bottle of chocolate milk for later. We are pushing her to do this and she is taking it well. All the nurses love it when they see her coming down the hall becaue she has made so much progress in the last couple of days. Thank you Lord for the strength you are giving her and please keep your healing hand upon her.

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I would just like to take a moment to thank my Lord and Saviour for a BIG BLESSING that He has just blessed us with.....
Several churches have come together and have raised enough money for 2 HEPA Filters for the house. PRAISE GOD!!!!! I sure wish you all could feel what we are now feeling inside. This was the biggest thing that was needed and the Lord stepped in and showed us HIS power and what HE is capable of doing for His children.
We would like to send out a heart felt thank you for each and every person that had a hand in the huge blessing from above. Thank you all so much and may our Lord and Saviour bless you all so very much <3

Thank you so much from the Cobler Family

Saturday, December 17, 2011

12-17-11.....List of items needed if anyone would like to help.

12-17-11.....Heaven had a great night. Praise the Lord!!! Also....more great news.....no temp spikes. Glory to God!!!!! This morning tho, she had some strong sharp pains in her lower abdomin,so bad that she asked for the morphine, but we think that was due to the low rate digestive system or it could be from where they up'ed her intake of calories. Either way...she is feeling much better today. Her throat is still raw but not as bad as before. Please keep praying and keep those engouraging words and scriptures coming. Blessiings to all. <3

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Update::: Heavens blood counts are still good except for the platelets but they may go up due to the fact that she had a platelet transfusion today. Her temp was taken at about 5:40 p.m. and her temp was 100.1....the higest its been all day today and last night. She walked with me to the elevator and then walked back to the room, she is so tough. She is now resting in bed with her little bear tobogin on that her Aunt Cynthia bought her...She is so beautiful!!!!!
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O.K. There have been several people that has asked us how they can help us. I have told everyone the same thing and that was to pray but they say they would like to help in other ways.....So here is a list of the things that we could use and will a lot when we get home.....
Dreft Laundry Detergent (Heavens skin is now more sensitive)
Baby Lotion
Baby Wash
Baby Shampoo
Baby Wipes
Fabric for making mask for Heaven (and for other kids at hospital)
Then for the house we will need,,,,,
Lysol Spray
Clorox Wipes
Dusting Wipes
HEPA Filter Machine PRAISE THE LORD!!!! THESE WERE PROVIDED BY GODS CHILDREN
Oxy-Clean (mainly for whites)
Filters for the Electric Heater (size 16x20)
Anti-bacterial Dish Detergent
Fabuloso (for cleaning the floor)
The above list is items that will be needed to help Heaven stay as healthy as possible when we arrive home and we do expect anyone to go out of their way but I know many have asked about ways to help and this is what we could think of. Blessings to you all and please keep praying.....we have just started on this new journey.

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When Heaven ws done with her shower today and she was dressed...she looked up at me with the saddest looking eyes but yet filled with joy and held her arms out to give me a hug, I almost started crying and We hugged each other and I reminded her that she was not going to have to fight this battle alone. She is so amazing...all of our kids are amazing.
We love you all so much <3

Friday, December 16, 2011

12-16-11

12-16-11.....Well, I take you all know that we are still here at the hospital. Heaven slept great last night and this morning was a great morning. No sickness, no nausea, etc.....just she had to potty :). Her mouth and throat are still very sore and red inside. They will be starting her on a higher calorie food through the tube so that she can gain more energy. She weighs 110.6 lbs so she has only lost 3 1/2 lbs in 3 weeks.
Also, all of her blood counts are up except for the platelets but the doc says they are usually the last ones that start building. So this all is great news considering the situation.
I am so very grateful for everyone who has come together to pray for our daughter and as well as our other children. You all area very dear to my heart even though most of you we may never get to meet, but please know that all you prayers are appreciated and are precious.

Love in Christ to you all,
The Wayne 'n' Angela Cobler Family <3

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Update::: At about 5:00 p.m. the nurse and I talked Heaven into getting out of bed and taking a walk. We went to the Lobby to Java The Hut to get a coffee but Heaven didn't want one, so we went to teh 14th floor to tshow Heaven the Ronald McDonald room...then the way out Heaven noticed a drink machine and asked for a Dr. Pepper, I went to get the money out of my pocket and a man appraoched me with his 2 little girls and asked if I would mind if he bought her the drink. I said that it would be ok....I think momentarily he thanked God that his 2 little girls were healthy.
We then came back tot he room and Heaven wanted to get on the computer and she ws looking at more wigs. Today was a good day but Heaen still needs your prayers...she is very saddened at teh fact that her hair is gone and I'd like for everyone to pray that we here will be able to lift her spirits to try and make her smile.
Thank you all for all you have done.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

12-15-11

12-15-11.....Heaven had a good night last night and only had 1 temperature spike and that was 101.9. Allwas well until about 7:10 a.m. about 5 hours after the feed had been increased to 75 (which equals about 3 oz. an hr) but she can't tolerate it, she started vomiting it up, so....now we will only go as high as 50 (about 2 oz an hr), she tolerated that the majority of the night.

Lord willing today will be a much better day than yesterday and we pray that yesterday was the peak of it all. Please continue to pray for Heaven and that we will get past this to be home in time for CHRISTmas. Also, continue to pray for her sisters that they will remain strong through this.

Thay have also checked the blood again and her platelets are holding steady at 20, whichis good. :)

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 O.K. at 11:30 a.m. there was a temp of 101.6, so it is being treated with Tylenol. She is resting now and later we will be getting here a shower and Lord willing that will make her feel much better.

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 Update::: heaven had a nice hot shower and well.......most of her hair came out so we had to cut the majority of it off. So for anyone that may be coming to visit....she only has a little hair left. I pray that this does not depress her so if you all could...please pray for her.
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 I tell ya.....we have to be being tried as silver. I done one of the hardest things today...it has basicly torn my heart apart because I know exactly how she feels.....

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

12-14-11

‎12-14-11......Day 20......The morning started rough for Heaven. She had some bad nausea and dry heaves (due to the feeding tube) and then her nose started bleeding. Also, her stomach started hurting temporarily but she had to potty. Bless her heart. She has been given the medicine for nausea and it appears to be working quickly.
Please continue to keep her in her prayers.
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 Heaven is now comfortable...she had 2 mg of morphine to help with the pain in her throat. At times I do feel so helpless even though I am right beside her...but it does reassure her when she looks into my eyes and knows jsut how much she is loved.
Alex, Samantha & Kayla...I love you so much to and I miss you all terribly. ♥
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 I hear a baby crying in the room next door and it jsut makes my heart melt with compassion. Oh, I pray the family knows where they can gather strength from...if only they knew. I now know, jsut a little bit, of how Christ must feel in His own heart when He hears one of His own children crying out to Him. Overwhelming.

Update::: Heaven woke up and she isn't taking kindly to the feeding tube. She had what is to be the worst episode thus far. She was fine lying back in the bed, proped just a little, but then she sat up to go potty and then....it was on. She was vomiting and it was hurting her so much and with the tube I can imagine how she felt. She is a trooper a real trooper.

Another Update:::: The Chest X-ray, the CT Scan, and the Ultrasound came back clear as to say no infections found....also the blood work came back negative...as to say no infections found.

Forgot to add....she was given her Kytril for the nausea and she is now resting good.
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Heaven jsut had another spell about 30 or so minutes ago...it started when she threw the blankets off and was montioning that she was hot, she then proceeded to heave again with bile and mucus coming up. She was scrared and crying alot and I was trying to calm her the best I could. Why is sometimes when we want to do for our children...we can't? She was given another dose of morphine which calmed her down, the feeding tube, of course, if irritating her throat more when she heaves. The Dr. is going to give her a PPI which in englis terms is "acid reflux" medication to see if that helps with all of the mucus and all forming and going ot her stomach. My heart crys out for her when I know she is in so much pain. Lord help me to keep standing.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

12-13-11


‎12-13-11.....Last night Heavens throat pain was so intense that she started crying, the nurse cam in and geve her 2 ml of Morphine. She slept almost all through the nigh. She awoke around 11:00 p.m. and her nose was bleeding. She did receive her 2nd Platelet transfusion yesterday. This morning her throat is still hurting bad but she says its a lil' bearable. They are lowering her does of Morphine... to 1/2 ml this way she will not be sleeping all the time.
Today we start a new regimine on eating...she will wash her mouth with a prescription mouthwash, then she will rinse with the "Magic Mouthwash" and then after a few minutes she will have to eat. Dr. Edwards told her this morning that if her appetite doesn't pick up that they will have to put in a feeding tube. This morning her temp spiked to 102.4 so she had to take more Tylenol.
Throughout today and tomorrow they are going to do a CT scan and a Chest X-ray to make sure there is no sinus infection or a infection in her lungs that they may be missing. Please continue to pray for our little girl that Christ will reach down and heal her, but in His timing. Also, pray for Dad because he had to go back to work and I know the seperation is taking a toll on him, and remember her siblings...that they will continue to be strong for her.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.


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Update::: Heaven had a really bad nose bleed that lasted almost 25 minutes. This is a big concernt o the dr.s and they are trying to figure out what to do.
Earlier, right before the nose bleed, she was gettin gup to go to the bathroom and she then sneezed, she then started crying because it hurt her throat so bad and I tend to think that the pressure from the sneeze and her crying is what contributed to the bleeding.
She is back in the bed and resting quietly.

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Just got back form having an Ultrasound, Ct scan and chest X-ray done. The reason for all this is to see if there is an infection somewhere that may be causing the fevers. Heaven is so tired but she will be leaving again to get a shower to help her feel better. Thanks again to all for all you have done.

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The Nurse will be coming back in shortly because the will be inserting a feeding tube for Heaven.....Reason why? she can't eat due to her throat being extremely sore. Please pray that all goes well with this. It is breaking my heart right into to stand by and watch all that is going on with her....I just feel so helpless sometimes but, I will continue to lean on Christ.

Monday, December 12, 2011

12-12-11

‎12-12-11.....Heaven slept well last night.....this morning at 7:45 her temp was back up to 101.5. The Dr.s are going to keep an eye on her blood work today so they can see if they can find out whats going on.
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I would like to ask that everyone please remember that we have 3 other daughters and I want them to continue to feel that they are still dear and close to my heart and that they are still special to me and dad. So I guess what I am asking is that maybe you could send them a card or something else to let them know that prayers are going up for them as well. If you need the address please message me for the information. They need encouragment also. Thank you all and may Christ richly bless you.
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 I'd like to ask everyone to please pray for Heaven's friend Aaron Harmon, we just received word that his mother has passed away...Heaven is sadden about this because his mom had planned to bring him to visit her. He lost his father several years ago and I know htat this is devistating to him.
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Update::::Heaven just had to be given 2 ml of Morphine because the inside of her mouth is so raw with ulcers due to the chemo. Please pray for her, she is one tough lil' cookie, she held out for so long before they had to do this. Actually since friday.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

12-11-12


‎12-11-12.....14 days later Heaven had her last Chemo treatment for this phase giving a grand total of 32 treatments and this morning around 7 a.m. Heavens temp spiked to 101.9 so that puts us at tomorrow morning...her temp spiked again early this morning around 3 a.m. to 103 and she was having abdominal pains also that wound up with a little diarrehia(sp?)....that was before her last chemo treatm...ent. She is resting good right now considering the night she has had. Dr. Fisher should be coming in anytime to let us know whats gonna take place.
Please continue to pray not only for us here but also for her sisters that are at home and missing her dearly. Also, pray for her appetite...its hard for her to eat becasue everything has the taste of metal (due to the chemo) and therefore she isn't eating much.
Love and Thanks to all. Will keep you all updated.


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Update from Dr. Fisher...dispite all that has went on,.where Heaven is she is doing very good. She is now sitting in bed watching Polar Express...she is getting her antibiotics so she has to wait about 30 more minutes before she can shower.
Also, Heaven has been asking about skating...well, Dr. Fisher didn't say no but, she does not recommend it as of right now, she says that itw ould be better to wait until after this is all over with because...if she falls she could easily break a bone and if that happens...it will not heal and she will then have a lifetime of pain. So skating right now will not be worth the chance.
Here is an update also on her blood counts.....

WBC-- 0.5
RBC-- 2.6
Hemoglobin-- 7.9
Hematacrit-- 22.5
Platelets-- 27

ANC-- 100 or lower

Also, where her siblings are half-siblings...the chances of them being a match in the case that a bone marrow transplant is needed is very slim.But we know that God is in control and were not crossing any bridges unless we need to.

We will keep everyone updated as we gather the info ourselves. To God be the Glory

Saturday, December 10, 2011

12-10-11


‎12-10-11.....This morning Heavens temp spiked back up to 101.9.....the nurse administered some Tylenol. Last night after midnight her temps went up to 102.7,,,not good at all. She had slight abdominal pains this morning. Her gums have started to bleed (due to low platelets), she did receive a Platelet Transfusion and we are waiting for the blood for the Blood Transfusion today.
We are ready to g...o home, for sure, but I'd rather be here in case something happens.....her last Chemo Treatment will be tomorrow Morning at 3:45 a.m. and Heaven will have to go 24 hours after that with no fever, so in case of fever, I'd rather be here in case it happens.
Also, she has been given what they call "Magic Mouthwash" cause her mouth is getting raw inside and it hurts really bad, and the mouthwash helps alot with the pain.
Please, everyone, continue to pray for Heaven.....prayers are being answered even though it doesn't sound like it. Heaven is still smiling and that is so awesome...even the Dr.'s are saying that they love the fact that she is smiling through it all. Praise the Lord!!! Glory to God!!! Will keep updates through-out the day.
Love to all from all of us.

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 Heaven now weighs 111.4 lbs....yesterday she weighed more. bummer. I know its because everything taste like metal to her right now because of the Chemo, but Lord willing that will change soon.

Friday, December 9, 2011

12-9-11

12-9-11.....Heaven got up with abdominal (not as bad as last couple days) and side pains then started vomiting. The Nausea is from the Chemo, so that is normal, we are still trying to figure out the abdominal pains. Its been a long night beings her tekps kept spiking...anyone with Leukemia can't have a tepm over 100.5 without a Dr. knowing adn Heavens got up to 101.8....so the nurses and I kept vigil all night, when the Nurses weren't in here I was keeping track of the temps. Well early/later this morning, around 4 a.m., her temps were in a normal range beings she was given some Tylenol.
Right now she has been given her Kytril which is for nausea and she is taking it well but, her temps keep wanting to go up little by little. This is going to be the scary thing about it when we get hiome because we are so far from the Hospital. Please continue to pray for Heaven, she definately needs them all. I will keep you updated as the day goes on.

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As of today....Heaven has been here at the carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for 2 weeks....In that time alot has taken place, starting with her diagnosis of...
--- Acute Myeloid Leukemia which is the worse than the Chronic because it grows and spreads faster.
--- BP has been up and down due to the chemo...but has become more normal as time has went on,
---her temps are up and down....trying to keep them regulated
---She has had a Bone Marrow Biospy
--- 4 Blood transfushions (will get 5th one tomorrow)
--- a Bone Marrow Aspirate
--- 2 IV's (1 in each arm) thay have been removed
--- a Pic-Line (to replace IV's)
--- 27 Chemo Treatments (will be 28 at 3:45 pm today)(32 by Sun.)
--- a Echocardiogram
--- she has had her finger poked
--- a Lumbar Puncture (aka Spinal Tap)
--- 5 Oral Meds
--- been Sedated twice
--- had a X-Ray (for the pic-line)
--- 3 rough mornings in a row
Even through all this....Christ is here with us and is comforting us and giving us strength to continue on in His will. Please continue to pray for Heaven...this is just the beginning of a long road ahead, but with the Lords help....we will make it.
------------
 Update:: Heavens temps has finally become stable....even enough to where we went downstairs and caught the end of a live performance of the NutCracker. She is doing much better.heaven and one of her Dr.'s
(Dr. Edwards) was playing the Wii to, so that showed whe is feeling a little better (she sat in a wheel chair). She also has the mouth ulcers showing up. Oh, and She received her second Project Linus blanket today...her first one she received about 5 or 6 years ago from getting her tonsils removed.
Anyways...I am thinking of having her to eat about 4 saltine crackers before she goes to sleep tonight to see if that helps with the morning nausea. Also she says tht her abdominal pains this morning wasn't as bad as yesterday or the day before, so maybe it is the chessy foods,,,I dont' know.
Again thank youall so muc, we covet every prayer we can get. I just pray to my Lord that a cure for Leukemia will soon be found.
Hugs to all our family and friends. XOXO

Thursday, December 8, 2011

12-8-11


‎12-8-11.....Heaven had another rough start to the day, but she was soon better. THe Dr.'s and I seem to think that it has nothing to do with the Chemo treatments. Reason for that is...she likes cheesy foods, but we will see in a couple of days. Then if the abdominal pains keep up then it may be caused by the treatments or something else.
Please keep praying...I can't stress this enough, please d...on't stop.
Her appetite has been the best today over any other day, and that is a blessing. Her temp. just now was 100.2 so I need to get here out of the room and wallking around. Her BP was 131/67....so yea, got a lil' walking to do. She is being weighed right now and she is 114.2 lbs. Ya!!! she gained a pound. Praise the Lord.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Dr.'s Discription-----Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the large bones of the body where blood cells are made. In AML, the bone marrow amkes large numbers of immature white blood cells called blasts. Thes blast cells crowd out the normal cells of the bone marrow. They may also invade the body organs including the brain, testes (in boys), ovaries (in girls), or skin. These cancerous AML cells can sometimes form a solid tumor called a chloroma.

Webster Difinition-----Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also known as acute myelogenous leukemia, is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. AML is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults, and its incidence increases with age. Although AML is a relatively rare disease, accounting for approximately 1.2% of cancer deaths in the United States,[1] its incidence is expected to increase as the population ages.
The symptoms of AML are caused by replacement of normal bone marrow with leukemic cells, which causes a drop in red blood cells, platelets, and normal white blood cells. These symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising and bleeding, and increased risk of infection. Several risk factors and chromosomal abnormalities have been identified, but the specific cause is not clear. As an acute leukemia, AML progresses rapidly and is typically fatal within weeks or months if left untreated.

12-7-11....Rough Start

‎12-7-11......Heaven slept well last night but had a rough start this morning. She was having abdominal pains to the point that she just croushed down. She also had some dry heaves until some yellow fleem came up.....but once she got some Coca-Cola in her she was fine...
We think it may be where it is so dry in the rooms here, buthte Dr. isn't gonna write it off as that, so they are gonna keep a close eye on her since this has come up. Other than this she seems to be doing fine. Now I know that we need to stock the house with Caffeine Free Coca-Cola.
I do believe that through all this that God is still getting the glory that HE deserves.
Psalm 66: 10-12, 16-20.......
‎8- O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
9- Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
10- For thou, O God, has proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
11- Thou br...oughtest us in to the net: thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
12- Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out in a wealthy place.

16- Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
17- I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
18- If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
19- But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
20- Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

To God be ALL the glory!!!!


-----Heaven seems to be doing much better now than she was this morning, thank you Jesus. I know this is a tough road to walk down for anyone, especially a child....but I believe that her faith in Chirst and knowing she has herSaviour, her family and close friends as a support system, that is whats keepin gher mind focused ont he positive things. I know somme people see cancer of any type as a death sentence, I did, until I saw how far treatments have come. I thank God that there are people out  there that has a burden to try and find a cure.
It saddens my heart to think about all the ones that has passed before all of the advancements in medicine came along.
And the charities that do all they can to help.....One charity I read about touched me deeply...the Make-A-Wish Foundation...
In 1980, 7-year-old Chris Greicius was being treated for leukemia. Every day, he dreamed of becoming a police officer.
U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin had befriended Chris and his mother, Linda Bergendahl-Pauling. He also promised Chris a ride in a police helicopter. When Chris’ health worsened, Austin contacted Ron Cox, an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer, and planned a day that would lift Chris’ spirits.
On April 29, 1980, Austin and a caring group of DPS personnel started Chris’ day with a tour of the city in a department helicopter, which also flew him to headquarters. Three cruisers and a motorcycle officer greeted him before his meeting with the DPS command staff. There, Chris was sworn in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in state history.
But his experience didn’t stop there. Cox contacted John’s Uniforms, which agreed to make a custom-tailored DPS uniform for Chris. The store owner and two seamstresses worked through the night to finish it. The officers presented the official uniform to Chris on May 1 and arranged a motorcycle proficiency test so he could earn wings to pin on his uniform. Needless to say, Chris passed the test with flying colors on his battery-operated motorcycle.

On May 2, Chris was back in the hospital. He asked to arrange the room so he could always see his uniform, his motorcycle helmet and his “Smokey Bear”-style campaign hat. DPS motor officer Frank Shankwitz presented Chris with his motorcycle wings. He accepted them with a smile that lit up the room.

The following day, Chris passed away, but not before seeing his dream come true and experiencing the hope, strength and joy that came from receiving his wish.

Another one that has touched my heart and has helped many of my friends in the past and now us....Th Ronald McDonald House....
Its Beginning.....It started with “the House that Love Built”®.  The first Ronald McDonald House® was opened in Philadelphia in 1974; When Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill’s 3-year-old daughter, Kim, was being treated for leukemia in 1974, his life changed. He and his wife, Fran, camped out on hospital benches and sat in cramped waiting rooms during Kim’s three years of treatment. The Hills watched other parents and families of seriously ill children do the same thing. Many of the families had to travel long distances for their children to receive medical treatment and couldn’t afford hotel rooms. The Hills knew there had to be a solution. Fred rallied the support of his teammates and the local McDonald’s and through fundraising and the generosity of donation the first house was built.
The network of Houses quickly grew after that and today there are more than 305 Ronald McDonald Houses across the world. One of them is right here in Roanoke, Va. you can always make donations at McDonalds or by sending you donations to.....

Ronald McDonald House
2224 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24014
540-857-0770
rmhc@rmhouse.net

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

12-6-11....Day 6 of Chemo Treatments

‎12-6-11.....Heaven had a great nights sleep, she had the 1st Chemo treatment this morning at 3:45 a.m. and the next one will be at 3:45 p.m. with 2 to follow after that. She is making great progress and the Dr.'s are still amazed at how well she is doing. Also, Dr. Atkinson came in this morning and let us know that Heaven will be able to go home sometime around Sunday afternoon!!!! Glory to God!!!! But don't stop praying, she has a long road ahead of her with this Luekemia, and if you stop praying....the Lords hand will stop moving...so keep those prayers coming.
Also, she is up by a 1/2 pound from yesterday....definately will take any gain over a loss anyday. :)

God is so good....

-----Right now Heaven is getting her dressing changed on the pick-line. Also, from now until Sunday she will only be receiving 2 Cytarabine Chemo treatments. Ya!!!

Monday, December 5, 2011

12-5-11.....Day 5


‎12-5-11.....Heaven is 5 days into the Chemo treatments...the Dr's came in this morning and checked her out. So far she has had 16 treatments with 5 more days to go. She has lost 2 pounds of the 3 she had gained. But her counts look good, her platelets are up, her WBC are down which is usual for this, the Dr. is very pleased with her progress so far and so are we. The Lord has shown us His power s...o much while here...We am so thankful that we have someone that we can go to for strength and grace. Also, please pray that her eating will pick up and that ehr taste buds won't be bother anymore by this. Thanks again fromt he bottom of our hearts to all of you who have offered up prayers, encouraging words and also who have helped financially. May our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ bless you all.

-----The Dr. just came in and let me know that she is in the Low Risk catagory!!!!!! Glory to God on High!!!!

----- Heaven is getting her 2nd Chemo treatment right now...it will lst for 30 minutes....then she will have 2 others after this one. Keep praying!!

----- This evening Heaven was able to go to the top of the Hospital on the Helicopter Landing Pad, then she got to go outide to see the CHRISTmas tree that is decorated up here....then we got to hear a group that came through and played CHRISTmas songs on hand bells. So pretty and peaceful sounding they were. So glad we will be home for CHRISTmas.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

12-4-11

‎12-4-11....Today Heaven has already had 1 chemo treatment at 3:45 a.m. She will be due for others later today. She also stayed up late last night and slept in this morning. Her blood pressure has been good and her temps have been right on target. I honestly know that the Lord is right here with her and is keeping a healing hand upon her. Dr. Atkinson came in this morning and is just amazed at her progress through all this.


----- Heaven has already had her 2nd chemo treatment while playing the playstation int he teen game room with her sister Kayla. lol. The Dr.s' and Nurses are amazed with her....but they know that we know who is in control here. She is now on her 3rd. chemo treatment right now and she is eating nerds and playing on the computer that her other sister let her keep with her here. God is so good. All the time!!!!

-----One thing we know... When the world around you seems to be going nuts, God has a way of making smooooth peanut butter!  Our God is REAL and is still in control.

Yea!!!!!! Heaven has gained 3.2 pounds......woohoo!!!!!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

12-3-11

‎12-3-11---Heaven had a good nights sleep...I guess I did to, I slept until 8:30 a.m. which is very unusual for me.....the sun is shining outside but it looks like rain, for some reason the tears just won't stop coming.....will update status later 

    •  Heaven had to have another blood transfusion and it started at 2:50 and she is getting ready for Heaven has had 1 blood transfusion and for some reason she became drowsy, she also had 1 treatment of chemo (Cytarabine) after that she will be getting a treatment of chemo( Etopaside) and then a 3rd treatment of chemo of ( Donarubison) (sp?) please pray that all goes well.....it just saddens my heart deeply that one of our kids are lying here having to go through this. Lord be with her.
       

Friday, December 2, 2011

12-2-11......Another day of chemo

-----12-2-11----Today Heaven has had one chemo treatment at 3:45 a.m. and they also took some labs (blood work). Dr. Atkinson came in around 9:00 a.m. at told me that her Hemoglobins were at 9. I will ask later what all the total counts are. She will be receiving 3 more Chemo treatments today. Her spirits are high because she knows that God will get the glory through all this.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine!!!! And this is going to be her medicine for healing.

----- Heaven is receiving another chemo treatment of Cytarabine for 30 minutes and after that she will get Etoposidefor an hour which is also chemo, these two are done back to back.Then again at 3:45 a.m. she will receive another Cytarabine. With the Etoposide they say it tends to make your blood pressure fall so her vitals have to be checked every 15 minutes.
Her Blood counts today are as follows:::WBC 2.4 RBC 2.4 Hemoglobins 7.6 Hemacratics 22.4 and her platelets are 38

Please continue that all keeps going well, I know that the Lord has her in the palm of His hand.

Psalm 46.....Christ showed me this morning during my quiet reading time that He is going to take really good care of Heaven.


-----Heaven just received received from "Victorious 4 Teens" a large bandana pillow that is pink on one side and white on the other and it was hand-made by other teens, She also received a bag full of goodies like cards, mirror, a bop it game, gum, etc. it really made her smile.
We have been informed that there is a Ronald McDonald House not far from here and that her ein the hospital that there is a ronald McDonald House room for family and its all funded by donations. Now those little boxes below the drive-thru windows and in front of the registers at Mcdonalds have an all new meaning to me.

-----
To all my family and friends.....I now that I think about those little boxes under the drive-thru windows and in front of the registers at McDonalds, they now serve anall new meaning to me. If it weren't for those donations my family wouldn't be able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House and they wouldn't be able to use the Ronald McDonald room here at the hospital on the 14th floor, and other fami...lies wouldn't be able to use the facilities either.

So, the next time you go to McDonalds and you see a box in front of the register or hanging in the drive-thru...please toss a lil change in there for all the families that need the use of these facilities....think of Heaven and all the other that will be so blessed by your small donation. Thank you all ♥

Thursday, December 1, 2011

12-1-11 December is here with a whole new outlook

----- Heaven slept good last night beings not one but the nurse was allowed in the room. The had night sweats but I think that was due to a high stress issue form yesterday. At about 7:40 a.m she has already had an EKG done and they will soon be coming in to try and run the picc-line again....Dear Lord please let it work this time. I will be back later with more info.
Also, she misses her Daddy so much, everyone please pray for him for he had to go back to work and with all this on his mind, we know it is gonna be hard for him.
Love and blessings to you all.

-----I now have a whole new outlook on things. Our lives will no longer be as they were before, our lives will be better. I believe this whole ordeal has brought us so much closer together as a family and I also know that my Lord and Saviour is going to use this for His glory. Maybe a lost family member will get saved, maybe broken ties will be put back together, family bonds brought back....whatever it is, God will get the glory. I never thought this would happen to us, you always think its someone else....we know that Jesus is here with us, comforting us, holding us in His hands, giving us grace when our strength runs low, we know He will stay with us through it all. Heaven will get through this and with your prayers and support that will also help with the process. So please keep praying....just keep praying.

-----Heaven will be leaving to go to PICU at 11:00 a.m. for the picc-line and the LP. As before she will be sedated through this process. While doing the LP Dr. Edwards will be putting in her first batch of Chemo called Cyterabine (sp?) she will then have to lay flat and still for 30 minutes so it can get through her body without any interruptions. Heaven seems to be in a good mood now that she will be put to sleep and won't have to be in so much pain with the needles.

-----Today was Heavens first day of Chemo.....
O.K. Late UPDATE----Heaven got the piccline inserted and it went perfectly!! AMEN!! She also got the LP. It went great!!! She was given fentanyl to be sedated. She has already had 3 chemo treatments with the first being Cytarabine 500mg and she is being a trooper through this. The only complaint I have heard her say is that her back was a little sore where they done the LP.
We got back to the room and she had ordered Chicken Nuggets, a Cheeseburger and a Cheese Pizza. I am thankful that she has an appetite, but you all remember that she went from 9 P.M. on Wednesday night until 2:00 p.m. Today without anything to eat or drink due to what she had to have done.
We are going to have to be careful with her beings her immune system will be weakened, so, she has to be an avid hand washer and keep her teeth really clean (beings that is where germs love to hang out).
One of the young ladies here has been such a blessing with trying to help Heaven keep her spirits up by working with her and getting her involved in activities here.
Though she misses her daddy dearly and she is doing a great job. She has Jesus on her side and this AML will not get the victory!!! Praise the Lord. Please continue to pray for she has a long road ahead, but we are only going to cross the bridges that we have to.

----Blessing are such a....well....blessing :)
Also, had a wonderful blessing tonight.....Heaven and I were sitting here in the room and she was on the computer and I had just gotten off the phone with Wayne and proceeded to read some of the papers of info that I had received when suddenly there was a knock at the door. Well, normally the rns, dr's, cna's knock before entering the room, well I went to open the door and there stood the Bishop family, some of our church family.....they were in the area at a benefit and decided to stop by and visit.....oh, what a blessing!!!
I loved it, Heaven loved it, it was such a blessing to see them. I am so glad to have friends and family who care. Oh, and to see lil' Faith, she came and gave me a big hug and later played in one of the cars with her brother Jarred while Rebecca let Heaven paint her nails and Racheal supervised. This is what is going to get us through this....support and fellowship from family and friends. Freddie...Pam...thank you so much.
Also they brought us a gift from Gloria Wolfe Helms and her family and oh, Gloria the pillow is heavenly :) thank you so much and Heaven loves the skittles (she is eating them now and its like 11:50 p.m. at night) lol. We thank you and your family for thinking of us while we are here. And how did you know I liked word searches? hehe you are so sweet and kind. We hope to see you all soon. We may be able to be there on the night of the CHRISTmas play...or that is at least the day we are shooting for.
You all have been such a blessing to my heart. I love the phone calls, the post here on facebook, emails....dont' stop...we need this to help us through this.