We are currently in the fourth week of Hannah's first month of treatment which the doctors call "induction therapy". During this month, Hannah has had four types of chemotherapy given by I.V. and inserted into her spinal chord fluid. She has tolerated the chemo pretty well besides an upset stomach and being tired. The worst part of this month has been that she has had to take steroids for the entire month. They have caused all kinds of issues including extreme personality changes, weight gain, and hunger among other things. The above picture was taken three weeks ago when Hannah got home from the hospital. The following picture was taken this past Friday at her last appointment.
She barely looks like the same child and definitely doesn't act like the same! We have four more days of the steroids after which the doctors say that she should get back to normal as far as her weight and attitude within a couple of weeks.
We go back on Thursday for an early morning appointment on Friday. During that appointment the doctors will do another lumbar puncture to give chemo in her spinal chord fluid and another bone marrow biopsy to determine what the cancer looks like and what will be the next steps of treatment. PLEASE PRAY that we will get good reports (we should have the test results back early next week). The results from this bone marrow biopsy are crucial and determine whether she will either continue the standard care of treatment or be considered high risk and have to undergo much more intense treatment in the following months.
21 comments:
Hannah Banana! We are praying for you and your family! You have such a great personality and sweet smile. I remember sharing my pretzels and hummus at the field trip to Mark's Melon Patch. Do you remember that? Such great fun riding on the trailer. We will have to do that again when the weather cools down.
Merri Beth,
Thank you so much for sharing your blog. As I pray for Hannah, I will now have specifics to lift up to our Heavenly Father. I read this verse this morning, and want to share it with you. Ephesians 3:20 " Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask, or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." I am trusting this great Power to do just that in Hannah. I love you Merri Beth. Hugs to you all,
Tammy Lowe
Praying for safe travels tomorrow and for the doctors to be well-rested to perform her procedures.
Merrie Beth,
Thank you so much for this update. I am asking boldly for your requests as you list them. I am very grateful for excellent medical care and God's providence.
Hannah looks so much like you did as a child, in the first picture.
Love,
Jill
Praying for Hannah!!!
We are praying for Hannah and for all of you!
So great to hear from you Merri Beth. I think of Hannah and your family every single day, and pray for her complete healing. I wear my Pray for Hannah shirt often and wear it with pride! I know from our Bible study nights together how strong your faith is and hope this provides you some comfort in these most difficult times.
She looks beautiful with those chubby cheeks! We miss you guys at church. Hurry and get back to your row behind us. Love yall, Marcia
Just wanted to let you guys know that Travis, I and the girls are constantly praying for you guys. Abby and Allison want to wear their "Pray for Hannah" shirts everyday!! I know you hear this day in and day out but please let us know if there is anything we can do for you guys!! We love you!!!
I am praying for Hannah continuously for her healing and for her to have strength through all of this. I am also praying that GOD's love will cover you through these times and you will continue to rely on HIM for your strength. Stay close to Jesus. Love y'all! Pama
I am praying for Hannah continuously for her healing and for her to have strength through all of this. I am also praying that GOD's love will cover you through these times and you will continue to rely on HIM for your strength. Stay close to Jesus. Love y'all! Pama
Merrie Beth,
Thank you for sharing your blog so that I can pray for Hannah, you, and your family through this time. I had no idea and it brought tears to my eyes to learn about Hannah. I am confident, though, that the Lord doesn't give us anything we cannot handle and we are always stronger for the trials we go through. Even without this, you are one of the strongest women I know, too!
I will pray for you all, for laughter when you need it, and especially for good test results next week.
All my love,
Julie
So good to see Hannah today as well as you and Eric. ABC loves the Eubanks!
Merrie Beth,
Even though I have been taking care of other family issues, you all have remained in my thoughts and prayers. We are always here to help you and Eric with whatever you may need. Please tell Hannah we are so proud of her for being so brave and we know God has big plans for her. You keep your strength and faith, stay well yourself and know we are praying for a quick recovery. Believe me I know there are times we wonder if we can take any more but God will give you the strength and your family is here when you just need to talk and know we love you all. Jennifer
We don't know each other,but I happened upon your story. I have little girls close to Hannah's age. I am praying for you all, that God will wrap you in his hands and give you all comfort and healing. God is good all the time!
Merrie Beth,
We appreciate you posting this blog to give updates on Hannah. We are daily lifting you all up in prayer. We are praying for God's strength, guidance, peace and His presence surround you. We will specifically lift Hannah up in prayer for tomorrow's test results and procedures. We heard about the t shirts after you placed the order. If you plan to order any more please let me know. I will pass on the specific prayer request to our CC group and my Sunday School class.
In His Love,
The Crenshaws
We're SO here for y'all. Thanks for the blog. It'll keep us all informed so we don't have to bother you with all the details 6 bazillion times every day! Miss you a lot and still wish I could give you that big bear hug!
Thank you for sharing your journey. We are praying and hurting too. Sunni said it best. Love Ya'll! Kim, Will, and Luke
Dear Merrie,
Julie just forwarded the address for this blog, and I wanted to say that I'll be praying for Hannah's healing. She is a beautiful girl! Just like her Momma :)
May God bless you and and may His presence be felt by you and your family during this rough time.
Love,
Earecka (Tregenza)
We keep Hannah in our prayers every night. Abram gained 8 pounds on the steroids... She will be back to her old self soon! We will be there tomorrow too. Hope to see you. Stay strong!
Tasha Gainous
We are praying for Hannah! The Moore's ....Mike & Jackie.
So glad Hannah's tests came back negative! We are all praying for her and her family.
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