Abby Girl
Donation protected
Abigail is the middle sister of 3 adopted biological sisters. They made a huge impact in our lives. But Abigail was different, (as they all are). Abigail is fearless, bullheaded, and very sassy young girl. Love that about her.
She has always been full of life, love and some anger (as to be expected.) She connected very quickly with everyone. Her ability to connect so quickly comes from her ability to be so empathetic and compassionate. Her keen attention to others, be it verbal or physical signs, is very apparent. She is the first to rush to someone’s side when they get hurt, or are clearly bothered by something. She has a saying, “it’ll be ok”. Too cute. She is the first to share her food or toys with others. When we have one on one time, she ensures that we either get something for the others or she will save a portion of her treat or toy with the others when we get home.
We all have a special nickname for her, whether its Crabby Abby (not a morning girl!), Punky Brewster, Abby Dabby Do, Abby girl or Abby Cakes. All terms of endearment.
So,
On 3/19/19, Abby had her MRI done. Shortly after completion we were met by the Neuro Surgeon and escorted to a conference room, where our worst nightmare came true. The MRI showed a lemon size tumor located at the back of the head between the cerebellum and brain stem. The surgeon recommended immediate surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible and have the tissue sent to pathology for diagnosis. She was admitted that night with surgery scheduled at 830am 3/20/19.
The surgery lasted 7 hours. In the end he was successful in removing 99% of the tumor leaving slivers on the stem.
On 3/22/19, we had a care conference with the Director of Pediatric Oncology and his team. The tumor was malignant, and it had a name, Medulloblastoma. It is an aggressive cancer but is curable in children with Abby’s stats 70 to 80% of the time. The subsequent MRI’s showed no tumors on the spine.
The treatment for this type of cancer happens in 3 stages.
1. Remove the tumor.
2. Radiation treatment
3. Chemotherapy.
We have agreed to a clinical trial called SJMB12. The trial has been active since 2011 and has seen over 400 cases. It is a trial being conducted through St Jude’s where they look at the molecular biology of tumor cells that allows them to give less/same/more treatment based on the molecular profile of the tumor cells.
Providing she has no complications in recovery or gets an illness, they seek to start radiation treatment by 4/25/19. It will be 5 days a week for 6 weeks. She will have a 30-day break then enter into a 4-cycle chemotherapy treatment every 3 to 4 weeks for 4 months.
The funds would be used to help supplement our single income family so that we can ensure a parent is with her always and that the mortgage and utilities are still being maintained for our children still at home. We have a total of 6 children. Abby is number 4.
Any donations are welcome. Please visit Abby's Facebook page called "Abigail's Fight" for further and ongoing updates.
She has always been full of life, love and some anger (as to be expected.) She connected very quickly with everyone. Her ability to connect so quickly comes from her ability to be so empathetic and compassionate. Her keen attention to others, be it verbal or physical signs, is very apparent. She is the first to rush to someone’s side when they get hurt, or are clearly bothered by something. She has a saying, “it’ll be ok”. Too cute. She is the first to share her food or toys with others. When we have one on one time, she ensures that we either get something for the others or she will save a portion of her treat or toy with the others when we get home.
We all have a special nickname for her, whether its Crabby Abby (not a morning girl!), Punky Brewster, Abby Dabby Do, Abby girl or Abby Cakes. All terms of endearment.
So,
On 3/19/19, Abby had her MRI done. Shortly after completion we were met by the Neuro Surgeon and escorted to a conference room, where our worst nightmare came true. The MRI showed a lemon size tumor located at the back of the head between the cerebellum and brain stem. The surgeon recommended immediate surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible and have the tissue sent to pathology for diagnosis. She was admitted that night with surgery scheduled at 830am 3/20/19.
The surgery lasted 7 hours. In the end he was successful in removing 99% of the tumor leaving slivers on the stem.
On 3/22/19, we had a care conference with the Director of Pediatric Oncology and his team. The tumor was malignant, and it had a name, Medulloblastoma. It is an aggressive cancer but is curable in children with Abby’s stats 70 to 80% of the time. The subsequent MRI’s showed no tumors on the spine.
The treatment for this type of cancer happens in 3 stages.
1. Remove the tumor.
2. Radiation treatment
3. Chemotherapy.
We have agreed to a clinical trial called SJMB12. The trial has been active since 2011 and has seen over 400 cases. It is a trial being conducted through St Jude’s where they look at the molecular biology of tumor cells that allows them to give less/same/more treatment based on the molecular profile of the tumor cells.
Providing she has no complications in recovery or gets an illness, they seek to start radiation treatment by 4/25/19. It will be 5 days a week for 6 weeks. She will have a 30-day break then enter into a 4-cycle chemotherapy treatment every 3 to 4 weeks for 4 months.
The funds would be used to help supplement our single income family so that we can ensure a parent is with her always and that the mortgage and utilities are still being maintained for our children still at home. We have a total of 6 children. Abby is number 4.
Any donations are welcome. Please visit Abby's Facebook page called "Abigail's Fight" for further and ongoing updates.
Organizer
Edward Brinkley
Organizer
Rhome, TX