Abby update - March 1

Today was one of those mixed days...in more ways than one. It was beautifully sunny in Central Texas, but sometimes that cold wind made things uncomfortable. Abby did great in therapy in the pool and in playing some kickball and soccer (who said therapy is boring?), but she'd probably say that today's schoolwork and spatial tasks in OT were kind of uncomfortable. Still, we know how far she's come, so we can work through this discomfort too...

As far as some good news about discomfort--Abby has not been bothered by the "foreign object" (the detached piece of her gastric tube) in her abdomen over the past two weeks. When I spoke to her surgeon yesterday he suggested that we not interrupt therapy at St. David's or our hopes for her to return to school later this month, but instead wait until summer to try removal. I was overjoyed to hear that suggestion (and Abby was happy too). He's also hopeful that it can be removed laparoscopically.

The other encouraging news is that yesterday we mailed her entry form for her club's agility trial on March 10 and 11. Though we knew that Abby would want to attend the trial and perhaps help with it, I had not dared hope that she would be ready to enter Arby in it. After our practice last week, however, she says she's ready to try. I can't wait. We'll be sure to let you know how it goes, or you can stop by the San Marcos Civic Center yourself and watch some agility (we probably won't know when her runs are).

We want to close with a fond thank-you to one of Abby's therapists at St. David's. Jeremy is a PT student at Texas State who was doing a rotation there. Today was his last day, and we're going to miss him. Even as a student, I'd say he's one of the best therapists we've run into, and I really appreciated his rapport with Abby and all the other clients. We have gained immeasurable respect for all the therapy professions over these last five months.

Finally, just a warning: You'll be missing your "Abby fix" for a couple of days. We're all headed to Lake Jackson as a family tomorrow. Gordon will be attending a meeting, but the kids and I will be sleeping late, swimming in the heated pool, watching cable TV, slipping down to the beach, and, maybe, doing our therapy exercises every once in awhile...we'll catch up with you when we get back!

Until then,
Lee Ann, Gordon, Abby & Frank