Visit Rebekah's Page to get updates, read messages and send messages to Rebekah and her family through comments. This is a public "diary" of a family whose little girl started a battle with inoperable cancer in April 2005. In December 2007 our house burned down. And in September 2009 Mommy was diagnosed with a terminal disease (a genetic form of ALS) that took her to Heaven in July, 2011, leaving Daddy and two young girls to make it on their own. Over several years of ups and downs, you will get into our hearts, minds and souls as we share joys and sorrows. It can sometimes be very difficult to read. We hope it is also uplifting. Please find joy in what you read here.
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Tuesday, December 13, 2005



Tuesday Evening

Well, there isn't a lot to report. It has been a pretty quiet day. No throwing up, no major mishaps, housekeeping finally showed up at 9:45 this morning to clean up the mess (and clean the entire room at the same time).

Chemo is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm tonight - 1 hour earlier than last night and then at 6:00 pm tomorrow night. Shift change is at 7:00 and the chemical given during the first hour can be problematic for anaphylactic reactions, so they don't want that during shift change when all the nurses are busy. Also, they don't want to move it any more than 2 hours earlier because it would be much harder on Rebekah, so 6:00 pm tonight wasn't a possiblity. At any rate, we have a game plan and it is working to get us out of here earlier on Saturday. We were not looking forward to a 9:00 pm discharge.

Over the last few days, Rebekah has been eating a little. Sunday, she actually had a couple of bites of cake and a couple of bites of ice cream at her birthday party. It had been weeks that she hadn't eaten anything. Today, she wanted some of Grandpa's potato chips. Throughout the day, she munched on them. And she ate 3/4 of a popcicle, too with the speech therapist. That is more eating than we have seen since the middle of August. Let's pray that she continues to eat more and more. I would love to have her eating on her own and not need the g-tube. I know it will take a while, but improvement is GREAT! I hope for continued increase in eating without any setbacks.

She has played with Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Rx and Child Life as well as Grandma C, Grandpa, Dad and Mom. She went for a wagon ride and she has generally been pretty content. She is sleeping now and I'm sitting in the dark because she wanted all the lights out.

I continue to be emotional, but that is what we women do, isn't it? It is movie night, so I'm going to run and see what kind of chocolate is available. Chocolate is always good.

10 Shared:

At Tuesday, December 13, 2005 6:16:00 PM, Blogger Di Left a thought...

Chocolate is a woman's best friend. I hope you are able to rest and enjoy your evening as well as the movie.

 
At Tuesday, December 13, 2005 6:22:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

I agree, chocolate can do wonders for the soul. I hope you are able to find some, and that you are able to get some much needed, and much deserved rest. We are all thinking of you and praying for your strength, both physical and mental.

Tara Shannon

 
At Tuesday, December 13, 2005 8:28:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

Frances, I'm praying that God gives you rest, strength, and the emotional support that you are well deserving of. So glad that Rebekah is doing better, I know it is an answer to prayer. Enjoy the choc. and movie. Leanne from Pa.

 
At Wednesday, December 14, 2005 3:56:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

Chocolate is a a good friend :)
thinking and praying for ya :)
huggs
janice

 
At Wednesday, December 14, 2005 4:10:00 AM, Blogger Alison Left a thought...

YAY for eating on her own. That's very encouraging.

You keep on being emotional. And I hope you find much chocolate!

 
At Wednesday, December 14, 2005 5:51:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

Hello from Boston, Thank you for your notes on Gage's website. I have been checking in on Rebekah during our time away. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you. I also visited Josh's website and April is very good about expressing what it is like to be a parent of a child fighting cancer: 1) We are stuggling daily with uncertainty; 2) We are "waiting to exhale". A thought on eatting challenges, I can recommend Edamame (shelled soybeans). When Gage will not eat anything, I can sometimes cook up a bowl with a little salt and he will nibble while watching videos. It is a great source of Protein and Fiber. We return on Dec. 28 and will be inpatient for our next treatment on Jan. 3. All our best, Lauren, Trux and Gage.

 
At Wednesday, December 14, 2005 6:40:00 AM, Blogger mommyguilt Left a thought...

Emotional and chocolate are a common combination. Have as much of both as often as you want. I'm sure we could find SOME article SOMEWHERE that encourages the consumption of chocolate to increase emotional strength. Our prayers always for you and Miss Rebekah! Glad to hear she's nibbling on some food!

 
At Wednesday, December 14, 2005 8:56:00 AM, Blogger Katie Left a thought...

I love that all us gals mention chocolate in our first sentences. I say eat as much as you want, chocolate is the best comfort food I know of.

Praises for Rebekah's eating and playing. Simple, easy things the rest of us take for granted are HUGE in your life and I am thankful for that.

Prayers for chemo and timing of you release and that you will be surrounded by peace and comfort (in the form of chocolate and other ways)

 
At Wednesday, December 14, 2005 11:50:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

I was always more emotional when my child was in the hospital...lots of nights when I did nothing but cry. Very theraputic...and chocolate...well chocolate helps everything doesn't it...???

: ) Chris

 
At Wednesday, December 14, 2005 4:16:00 PM, Blogger Valerie Left a thought...

Yes, I get emotional, too, when my daughter is in the hospital. Come to think of it, that is also when my chocolate intake increases as well!!

Thoughts and prayers continue to be sent your way.

 

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