Hi all – I just wanted to thank everybody for their kind words in the comments section of last night’s post as well as the texts and the emails of support I received over the last day. The first time Sally was diagnosed with Leukemia, I was a mess the whole first week, but it allowed me to be strong after that. The second time I was basically numb this whole time, so the last 24 hours was a boiling over of building emotions and worries – Sally’s health, Sally’s treatment, the odds, financials, the boys well-being. It was a perfect storm, but a needed release. I also felt a burden knowing the odds and never sharing, which most people aren’t aware of when it comes to infants with ALL/MLL.
Sally is a tough little girl, she even fought this off once. She’s in one of the best cancer hospitals in the world with one of the best doctors in the world. She has a ton of love and support. We intend to get her though this, with good days and bad. We’re allowed to have bad days from time to time, and its OK to be a little fearful, as long as its overshadowed by hope and faith, which in our case it clearly is.
Sally had another good day, very happy and cheery. The poor little girl has had cradle cap for months, which was there but not noticeable with all her hair. With most of the hair gone now, its totally visible. Nicole did the oil and wash thing and got half of it out, but will take 2-3 more times. Without hair we can also see she still has a soft spot, a reminder of how young she is.You’ll see in the cute photo above with William how chunky she has gotten from the steroids. Our two sons were in the 100th percentile in weight at her age, so now she just fits in. That’s right Sally, you’re a Kabel.
Nicole brings Sally into MSK tomorrow for her tests starting at 9am, as well as a dose of chemo, the final of this cycle. Likely by the end of next week, we’ll find out if she’s in remission yet, the first goal of many of the next two years.
On a lighter note, I am participating in a sprint triathlon this Sunday, I decided to enter it this week after choosing to drop out of a half ironman distance next month when we got Sally’s diagnosis and knew finding training time would be an added stress on all of us. I’m gonna wing this one for fun, and decided to float the idea of wearing a yellow tutu during it yesterday. Low and behold, I get a text message from my big sister Sarah this morning that a yellow tutu will be arriving at our home on Friday. So with no excuses, all 6ft 7in of me will be racing in a yellow tutu to try and raise money and awareness for my little Sunshine. If somebody gets pictures, I will post them. Anything for my girl.
As a heads up, I may be adding a password to access this blog. Spammers are overwhelming me with advertisements in the comment section. The idea of somebody targeting a blog for a child with cancer angers me to no end, so adding this simple step might be necessary. Will let you know, and make it something easy.
Please keep Sally in your thoughts and prayers, tomorrow is a big day.
Matt
Thank for all this Matthew…..Good Luck tomorrow Sally. I love you so much!
Aunt Cindy
You are definitely entitled to an occasional freak out. You are an amazing Dad, and married to an amazing woman. Many prayers and positive thoughts flowing your way. Patti
MATT, ETAL..PRAYING EVERY NIGHT FOR YOUR GIRL.
If a password is needed .. then go for it…
I have three friends that their children/grandchildren have ALL.
So I “get what you are going thru.”
God Bless you and your little family.
Go Bills…
Carol
Good luck on Sunday and prayers for Sally , tomorrow.
Matt,
We are amazed at your composure and wonderful in depth updates you send. We feel we are growing to know and love Sally more each day. Our daily prayers continue for Sally and your entire family as well.
Bless you!
Hi Kabel Family! I’ve been following your blog and I am truly inspired by your love and dedication!! When I go to donate blood for Sally, can I be swabbed then to see if I’m a bone marrow match? God Bless you, I am praying for Sally everyday.
Good Luck and Sunday! You are a Special Dad…….Love and Prayers for Sally…xoxo
Hi! This is not spam, I promise. I sent you a message thru your FB page.
I’m on the administrative team for a wonderful organization that provides birthday/celebration cakes to children with critical illnesses and to their siblings.
I’m glad to see that Sally is doing better. Will continue to keep her and your family in my thoughts. Good luck to you on Sunday.
You are definitely entitled to freak outs! Good luck in your race Matt.
Just promise me you’ll be wearing something under the yellow tutu…
(Btw, I read that article about the two-year-old yesterday as well and had my own little freakout, so I can’t imagine how you must have felt).
I am a friend of January Hagan and have been following your Sweet Sally and sharing your blog with my fb friends. I figured the more prayers we can get, the better. Good luck tomorrow and Matt, I think you will look lovely in that tutu! What a great idea! Is there some way you can post the spammers and perhaps as a group we can get them to stop targeting the families of children with cancer-shame on them! Here’s to a great night and a good day tomorrow.
Keep fighting Sally – you are an inspiration for all of us and we are learning much from our little princess. Matt – do well in the sprint triathalon – I know you will. So proud of you for what you are doing even though I can still beat you in golf. Sally Gramma K. and Jeff are on their way to see you and they are so excited to spend some time with you. Hope to see you on the weekend of September 14th.
Matt,
You’re so entitled to a freak out or more. I don’t personally know you but from your posts can tell that you and Nicole are wonderful parents. Glad to hear that Sally had another good day. Storming the heavens with prayers for Sally and all of you. Adorable pictures of Sally and her brother 🙂 Good luck with the triathlon on Sunday. Love the idea of a yellow tutu for Sally Sunshine. Hate spam so count me in for wanting to block it out.
Good luck tomorrow! Always in our thoughts and prayers. With love and hope, Margaret
Matt and Nicole, you are very lucky to have an army of supporters behind you. Lean on us, on good days and bad.
Where is the “Yellow Tutu Sprint” going to take place? I’m sure anyone who can make it will be there wearing yellow – and taking lots of pictures!
Good Luck tomorrow Sally, prayers and lots of love flowing your way.
Renee
Good luck on the event… Cannot wait to see the pics Matt!
Not a day goes by that I don’t thing of Sweet Sally Sunshine, you, your wife and your boys. My family and I are praying for all of you. Know that you have a much bigger community of friends and people that care for you than you can imagine.
Good luck in the Tri and have fun.
Warmest regards
Harry
I am racing this weekend too, an 11 mile outrigger canoe race. I have not been feeling cherry about it, but have decided to race for sally and will try and get some yellow to wear. Good luck.
kristi (physio Logic),
I think I’m one of many that am intrigued and/or horrified at the thought of seeing you running in a yellow tutu . . . but know that it is for a great cause.
Sally and your entire family are certainly in my prayers!
And, it was great seeing you again yesterday (“Surfer Matt”)!
Hi Guys
Good luck today
The kids look great in the pictures and it is proof you both are doing a great job as parents in a very special situation and you know I can relate. Tell Thomas my new house has a pool and big yard for them to play in when you come to visit. Love you guys…Sally
HI –I’ve been reading your blogs and going onto the site since I’ve heard about your daughters illness ( from the NYCBBB newsletter)–know this -you guys are never far from my thoughts and constantly in my prayers– I’m happy things seem to be getting a little better — I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers– hey-Thats how we roll back in Bflo! Right?– God bless–Paul