Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Best Days In Weeks!

*DAY +56 POST TRANSPLANT & 63 STRAIGHT DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL*

     I came back to the hospital on Tuesday after a much needed break at home and a quick weekend getaway with Aaron (something we absolutely needed much more than we realized), and our little Hazelnut has made some huge strides!  She has been saying words and even took a few steps!  When she walked yesterday, she was so proud of herself and started smiling halfway through.  She walked back and forth from the couch the the bed about three or four time and that tired her out for the rest of the day and after seemed to shut down.  When she woke up this morning, she still seemed to be in a bad mood and quite tired, so we didn't push her at all.  But then, as we watched the movie "Brave", she started laughing and perked right up.  After this mood change things started happening!  She spent the whole afternoon and evening saying so many different words (mostly just one at a time, but a few two-word phrases), smiling and giggling, and answering simple questions!  She would also complete song lyrics by filling in words.  For example, I would sing "Twinkle, twinkle, little:" and she would say "star"!  While watching her favorite movie "Tangled" she would say words just before a line was spoken.  And, most preciously, she said "AMEN" after we finished praying before bedtime! She hasn't done any of this in weeks, and today I felt like we had the small first glimpse of our little Hazelnut, so I am absolutely elated! THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING US A MIRACLE!!!
     Another wonderful thing that happened today was that we were moved out of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit to the regular Oncology Unit.  This means Hazel is out of isolation and we can get her out and about.  I know this will do wonders for her!  It also means I don't have to leave the room every time I need to use the restroom or eat; I don't have to wear blue shoe covers at all times; and I can see more of my family while here at the hospital.  So this is great news for me as well.  
     Hazel still has quite a bit of recovery ahead of her, and tomorrow she will be evaluated by the rehabilitation team to determine if she will need be moved upstairs for inpatient rehab, and for how long.  Please pray that if she needs it, it will only be for a short while, and that God will aid her little body in a speedy recovery so we can get home!  Physically, her body is showing small improvements every day and we are so much more hopeful that it is being healed the way that it needs to be, so it is clear to us that God has been hearing all of our cries!  



68 comments:

  1. Thank God and I do hope and pray she gets to go home before Christmas and makes a full recovery!! What a precious child she is!

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  2. So happy for Hazel and your family.Such great news!Nothing like seeing her smile.<3

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  3. God bless you sweetheart! ♥♥

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  4. Praising God for Hazels recovery and praying that she gets to be home in time to celebrate Christmas!

    Coral

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  5. Such a wonderful entry. I'm so proud of both you and Hazel for the hard work you have done. You are a blessing during your time of trials. God will bless your family richly.

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  6. So cute smile! Thanks God for the news. God bless you Hazel and mommy.

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  7. Prayers! Such great news keep it up Hazel the warrior!!!

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  8. That is so awesome. I will continue to pray for her and your family. Cant wait for more updates. Prayers are being sent.

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  9. God please heal this sweet child Hazel .. bring her home with her family my prayer and Christmas wish... in Jesus Christs name. Amen.... prayers going up for Hazel and her family.....

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  10. Praise God, keeping up the prayers

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  11. I'm so happy to hear this great news! You and your family have been in my prayers...how old is your sweet Hazelnut? She is so precious...I will continue to pay for her!

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  12. Amen Sweetheart xoxoxo I pray for your every night. God Bless Hazel.

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  13. This made my day!! I am sooooo happy to hear she made such big improvements today....and I am sure you were ecstatic to hear her voice!! She is such a sweet little angel, and I am praying she makes a quick recovery and that you ALL are home very, very soon!! I don't really know you, but I am sending hugs to you all. May many more blessings come your way.
    Judy Collins

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  14. Such WONDERFUL news! Beautiful Hazel is back! The sun is finally shining down on your family after these dark few weeks. Hoping you are home, all together very soon, and of course for Christmas! Thinking of you always, from Oxford, England!

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  15. God bless you little Hazel...xxxxxx

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  16. God bless you sweet little Hazel!

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  17. Precious child, you precious Hazel, all my prayes goes to you and to your rcovery...you bring so much joy, you are a very special child, dont you never forget that!
    all my prayes for you/Jasmina from Sweden

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  18. Prayers for your sweet baby <3

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  19. I'm crying happy tears! Thank you God! Hazel, you have an army beside you and we will continue to pray for you. Seeing your beautiful smile this morning always starts my day out with such humble perspective. Thank you Lauren for sharing this update!! Love and prayers as always!
    Amy Kelly

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  20. Thank you Lord, so much for this family. Thank you to the family for sharing your struggles, and always placing your life in God's hands. HE is so good to us!!!! Prayers of continued growth and healing. So glad you were able to get a much needed respite. God is good and will continue to provide....

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  21. she is just so beautiful. Her smile warms my heart. Praise God for Hazel's healing and Father we pray that things move quickly from here so the family can be reunited. Father thank you for giving Hazel strong parents who know how to call on your name. Thank you for keeping us updated. Love and prayers from the Campbell-Graham family in London Ontario ;)

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  22. This is Awesome news! It brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart! God is so good. .I pray she's home for Christmas! God Bless little Hazel and continue to heal her little body. ..Amen....Mobile, Al
    .

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  23. Sending prayers for sweet Hazel ♥

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  24. Glory be to God for the healing in sweet Hazel's body! Continued prayers for full restoration and peace and comfort for your family.

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  25. This news just made me perk up too! I am in such a happy mood now. May God keep his hand on her and may she continue to steadily improve from here on. My prayers include your whole family as no child who is loved goes thru this alone. You each suffer and are affected just as much as she is.

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  26. Yay! Have been praying daily for her and your family since hearing her story. God is good!

    ~Laura in Wisconsin

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  27. I am so happy for all of you!! What a fighter!! I wish you the most wonderful Christmas!!!!

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  28. eres una guerrera presiosa dios te bendiga y te de la salud completa muy pronto. vamos a seguir rezando por ti prinsesa

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  29. Your little Hazelnut is absolutely precious!
    Positive thoughts and prayers coming from Wisconsin!

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  30. Gracias Dios!!! We will continue to pray for a fast recovery. Get well soon pretty girl!

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  31. I have a Good feeling! As I told you before on fb..I was praying, so hard for her..and I got this GREAT FEELING come over me.The is gonna get better.

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  32. PRAISE GOD!!! I was so happy to see this update this morning. I cannot even imagine your excitement!!! It really puts things in perspective when you see such a little peanut smiling and laughing after what she has been through and is still going through. Every day my prayers are with you and your family. Hazel...you make my heart melt every time I see that smile. May God continue doing great things through you. XOXOXOXOXO.........

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  33. AMEN! Isn't it a wonderful word to hear from sweet Hazel's mouth! Things seem to really getting better for the little Princess Warrior, and she is most definitely moving in the "get me home!" direction!! Hopefully, after she is evaluated, they will find that there is nothing that can't be done through home. That is my prayer for all of you. That Hazel will be home for Christmas, and I trust with all my heart that it's gonna happen!! I'm sending precious Hazel all of my strength today, and I hope that she's able to get around and socialize a little :) Prayers and love to your whole family! <3

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  34. Praise GOD!!!! So grateful for this news!!

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  35. I am so happy to hear that she was responding, talking and smiling. God does hear your prayers. My 4 year old son will start the stem cell transplant in January as he has Medulloblastoma too. Hazel is in our prayers.

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  36. Praise the Lord - way to go - God bless

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  37. Awesome news. I'm so very happy for all Hazel is doing and of course for the move out of ICU. You have all gone through enough and now time for steady progress! I love that you share pictures. Hazel has the most beautiful eyes and a smile that makes everyone smile. God Bless you all. It's all going to be wonderful. <3

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  38. Sending so much love to you all. This is wonderful news!

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  39. The Power of Prayer. Hazel's rapid improvement is a miracle. God hears our prayers. I have faith and believe that Hazel will be home with her family for Christmas. Praying that HE will continue to heal and comfort your family.

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    1. Thank you our precious Lord for total healing for Hazel, nothing is impossible when we put our trust in HIM.

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    2. Amen and Amen. Praise you LORD for your continous grace and unconditional love in hearing our prayers, and placing your hands on Hazel. May she continue to heal and be brought to total restoration, and may she be home for Christmas with her family.

      With men, nothing is possible, with God all things are possible...Amen and Amen.

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  40. I thank you again for keeping the Hazelnut community up-to-date. I am so touched by your journey, your grace and submission to His will. Hallelujah for the miraculous steps forward Hazel has taken. Will continue to pray for you and yours.

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  41. You go hazel! Stay strong baby girl you have the lord and many people who love you sending positive vibes your way!

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  42. Oh Thank you Lord for hearing all the prayers for Hazel and her family! Hallelujah, God is so good and His mercy and grace endures forever!

    Seeing Hazel's beautiful close up made our heart smile so wide! Precious gorgeous little doll, this entire post is so encouraging, Lauren--I can only imagine what it does to your heart and spirits if it is affecting "strangers" such as myself and family so greatly. But, then again...we feel as if we're family now having been with you all since the inception of Hazel's diagnosis.

    She WILL be home for Christmas. WE are all praying non-stop, and He is hearing us ALL. She will be home for Christmas right where she belongs!

    Thank you Lord, Praise you Lord, and we honor You Lord.

    All our love, Hugs, and Blessings~

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  43. Happy tears!!!!!!!! Thank you God

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  44. I have added her to my prayer list. She is so adorable. My two eldest daughters has cancer at the same time . I know God is the God of mercy and healing. One had an un-operable cancerous brain tumor and given 15-18 months to live . That was 4 yrs ago and God in his mercy healed her. Both are fine.

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    1. I just felt the need to comment after seeing your words. Praise the Lord for your miracle! He is so awesome and still performs miracles from His throne every single day. I'm so happy for your family, Thank you Lord for these miracles and those to come.

      God bless you and yours~

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    2. This made me cry happy tears!!

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  45. Oh, Sweet Little Hazel. We're doing a happy dance in Virginia! And we're doing one for you, too, Mama! (Sorry, hard to type through tears....) Being moved off the Transplant Unit will be such a boost to both your spirits. It will certainly help even more in Hazel's recovery. I am just so tickled that she is improving. I pray that any rehab she needs will be short and sweet. How can it not be? With a smile like hers -- she'll knock it back in no time! Thanks so much for sharing the good news. It really made my night. With love and continued prayers from here in Virginia.

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  46. I'm so happy for the good news. I will keep praying for her.

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  47. Sending love and light to Hazel and the rest of her family!.Varmest regards from Ylva Berglund Gävle,Sweden. <3 :)

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  48. Praise God! Soooo happy for you and all the good news! Yeah!!!

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  49. SO Happy I can't even explain the happiness I feel for her and you guys. It's funny how someone that you haven't met can touch you that much and I am from DR, so trust me this is big. I've been praying for all of you and specially for her, I remember the first time I heard about her (with the pizza) and today I just wanted to say that YOU all are so BRAVE AND AMAZING. Keep the Faith and You will see. Right now God is working and you will see what He's doing at just the right time. He may not be early but He won't be late!. Have a blessed day :)

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  50. Oh boy, tears of joy.... I have been following this blog ever since running across Hazel's story (well your whole family's story really) on Facebook. I check everyday for updates and this one has be smiling ear to ear through my tears. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me and how much love is being aimed directly at your beautiful little girl from strangers all over the world.

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  51. Susie and I had heard about little Hazel just a few days ago and have been waiting for the annual Christmas card from our dear Beverly and Richard so that we could find out what was going on. That led us to this blogspot. May we say that my Wife Susie, myself and all of us at Fab Hot Dogs are praying for the recovery of Hazel. Our thoughts, prayers and service is yours.
    Joe Fabrocini

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  52. I just wanted to say PRAISE THE LORD for the miracles He performs every single day! So happy for your children's outcome...Thank you Lord. Just wanted to praise the Lord and let you know I'm so thrilled when I learn about God and His hands of grace. Amen. May He continue to shine His light on you and yours.

    God bless~

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  53. I have been so touched by your blog as I have read of the very difficult journey that your gorgeous little Hazelnut has endured. I pray for her healing and comfort all the way from Johannesburg, South Africa. May you sense the hand of God as He gives you and Aaron the strength you so desperately need at this difficult time in the life of your beautiful family. Our thoughts and prayers are truly with you all.

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  54. I watched your video posted of the two of you singing, I am bawling! I continue to pray and pray for Hazel, you, your husband and all of your children and family. Prayers as well for her medical team. Lifting you up and praying with all my might that you will all be home and together for Christmas. Praying for your peace and Hazel's complete healing, praying for God's perfect peace. The two of you singing is so powerful and beyond precious, what a beautiful picture of courage, strength, hope and love and the furious fight of a Mother's love. You are strong beyond measure. God bless you and all and lifting you up. We serve a mighty God, sending you prayers and praise. Praying today is an awesome day!

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  55. si Dieu existe, je suis sure qu'il entend les prières qui vont vers lui et qu'il entoure votre petite fille de toute sa chaleur et de toute sa force. Je pense fort à elle, à vous. Qu'elle reprenne vite toutes ses forces !

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  56. Oh god how can I even say what I feel? Your experience will forever make me a better human being. I see the what may seem small but actually huge steps to recovery and realize how challenging this trial really is. I think about you every day and want nothing more than for everything to get better. I constantly think about the fact that through modern medicine your little girl was pushed to the brink of life, only to be brought back to a difficult road of recovery. Much love to the entire Hammersley family, may God bring his power to your sweet girl!!!!!

    -Redditor

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  57. Hi Hazel
    I have not stopped thinking of you ever since i seen your story on the internet. You are so beautiful and so very brave. I too am battling cancer(colon). I am 50 years old and have been lucky enough to live for so many years,i pray for you every night Hazel and ask God to take years from my life and give them to you. I want you to know Hazel,YOU ARE MY HERO!!!! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and I pray that God will see you are needed here on earth and heal you.I have asked all my friends to send you Christmas wishes through facebook and to have their friends do the same, So tell mommy to watch facebook so she can see how much the world loves you and we are thinking of and praying for you all. God bless your beautiful little heart. Big hugs to you Hazel
    Your biggest fan(besides your family)
    Lorie Button
    from Ontario Canada

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  58. Lord, thank You for the rest You provide. Thank You for every word Hazel says and every step she takes. Thank You for the words of prayer offered in her name and the steps towards full recovery that You so graciously provide. Thank You for every smile from Hazel as we all wait patiently for her to return to full and complete health. Thank You for the prayers of a child. And thank You so much for lifting Hazel’s spirit. Thank You that Hazel is able to have more freedom in movement and we ask for protection from germs and from trying to do too much. Thank You for all the blessings that You are bringing this family. Lord, we pray for Hazel’s complete and full recovery, protection from any complications, and ask Your guidance throughout. Thank You for hearing the multitude of prayers for Hazel and all Your blessings. Lord, we ask that Hazel be allowed to come home for Christmas if this is Your will. Amen.

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  59. please post an update on hazel!

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  60. Hazel little precious child, how is it going, Im so worried!!!????/jasmina from Sweden

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