I Will Praise You More and More

We are unbelievably grateful to tell you about our day now. However, it might have been one of the scariest days this mama has ever had.

Lily did not feel quite right last night, so I lay down with her. We woke up around 5:30, and she needed to use the restroom. She tried to get up, but could not get up on her own. Literally, she could not sit up or stand by herself. Jason and I helped her to the restroom, then back to her bed. At this point, she was talking to us, and we were getting ready to head to the hospital. We quickly packed a bag and spoke with a nurse, who directed us to come straight in. By the time we were ready to get into the car, Lily was having difficulty speaking and could not move any part of her body. By the time we arrived at the hospital, she could not speak at all. She was just answering questions by giving us a thumbs up.

As soon as we arrived, the hospital staff was amazing. They immediately began evaluating and working to stabilize her. Because of the way she was presenting, one thought was that she had had a stroke.

They rushed her into an MRI, which confirmed that she had NOT had a stroke. One of the side effects of the chemotherapy she had last like are stroke-like symptoms, and that was what the MRI confirmed. The symptoms she was showing were from the chemo she received last week.

The doctors let us know that we should start seeing an improvement, which we did. To see her go from not being able to talk at all, to being able to make noises, then to be able to begin to get words out again was amazing. It took most of the afternoon, but I am so grateful to say that before she fell asleep tonight, my girl was able to walk with assistance to the restroom, have a conversation with the nurse and doctor, and even watch some TV.

Childhood cancer is such a roller coaster. You can go from just sailing along, into a free fall so quickly. Then, just as quickly - things are smooth again for the moment. It is never something you can get comfortable with. You think you are prepared, then your are reminded that there is no preparation for this.

We are spending the night in the Special Care Unit. We are hopeful that we will get to move to a regular room tomorrow.

As of tonight, I do not know how this will change the treatment as we move forward. Please join us in praying that Dr. X will have wisdom to know what needs to happen now.

Also, please join us in giving thanks that our Lily is back.

Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Psalms 51:15

But I hope continually and will praise You more and more.

Psalms 71:14