Abby update - November 10

Maybe a good night's sleep did us all some good. Abby seemed more rested and less frustrated today and we felt likewise. She had good therapy sessions. In her occupational therapy session the OT was working on having her use her hands to reach for or move things. She really has not been able to consistently demonstrate purposeful hand movement to this point. Today was tiny baby steps, but we could observe her moving parts of her arms or fingers in response to requests. She's still a long way from being able to reach her hands out, throw a ball, etc., but these miniscule efforts in response to the OT's requests were important. (And she didn't kick anyone!) She's also showing a lot more core strength--she's sitting up straighter, can lean herself forward, etc.

Several other things are progressing in the right direction. Today her doctor told us that she didn't think Abby needed to wear the neck collar all the time. Removal of that thing makes all the difference in the world in her appearance, and I'm sure it must be a relief to her to feel less encumbered all the time. Also this morning, a pulmonary doctor stopped by and in about four seconds downsized her tracheostomy tube. (It was pretty impressive--snatching the old one out of the hole and inserting the smaller one in one breath!) Downsizing is the first step in ultimately removing the trach tube. We may be able to take that step by the week of November 20. Finally, she's had some high blood pressure all along during her recovery, but her pressure levels have been pretty good during the past day or two.

Again, we appreciate everything you all are doing for us--you never know when it's going to be just the touch we need. Today I was reading a devotional book that one of you friends gave me that talked about the witness we can live through hard times. That gave me strength. Yesterday's reading talked about God pouring love out on us when we really need it, and we sure needed it then...

With gratitude and love,
Abby's family