Maintenance Treatment #1

I went in for my first maintenance treatment yesterday morning. The treatment went well and we were able to do just a small dose of Benadryl. Benadryl is used to reduce the allergic reaction to the medication. They also gave me steroids to prevent my autoimmune system from kicking into high gear.

I felt a slight allergic reaction -- reddening of my face and elevated temps toward the very end of the treatment, but it was nothing too bothersome. It was nice having such a small dose of Benadryl because I wasn't just knocked out.

When I came home I did take more Benadryl to prevent any further reactions and I took a short nap. I felt really droggy, but I wasn't necessarily sleepy.

As predicted by the doctor, the steroids then kept me awake all night. I'm so tired, but I can't sleep ... and haven't slept since around 6 yesterday evening. A large dose of Tylenol took care of the headache, and there was no nausea, so it wasn't too bad. Besides, I managed to write out (in excessive detail) our current budget versus my new proposed budget. I even assigned all the money out for the next year. It's sad to say that cause it's extremely true. We really are blessed to be able to keep our heads above water, but I sure look forward to the day when we don't have quite so many expenses. I know we have some pretty major expenses that we won't be able to avoid in the future ... like a wheelchair accessible van, but I'm just going to have to put that out of my mind for now. I just can't believe how crazy expensive they are!

Anyway ... The really great thing about treatments yesterday was it gave me the time to call one of my really good friends from high school. It was her birthday yesterday and I try to call her every year. I usually just get to leave her a voice mail, but she happened to be available to talk. It was so nice to hear her voice. I have tried to express to her many times how much I appreciate her friendship, but I'm not sure she ever really gets it. It's a little tough sometimes to know. She doesn't keep in touch at all. It's always me that makes the effort to reach her. I suspect she's really like that with everyone, but maybe I just want to believe that so that my feelings won't be hurt. :) Either way, I'll continue to call her each year because I do believe she's a really good person and I wish her the very best.

Oh, one more thing before I go, Ryan is doing much better now. Thanks to all those who have asked and called to check on him. I'm not sure why he was having such a hard time with eating and with seizures last Sunday through Wednesday, but things have started to settle back down again.

I'm off now to get the kids ready for the day. The older 2 boys have a Merit Badge Workshop today. They're pretty excited to get back to it after a 2 month break. I think we'll schedule Scouts into their weekly school routine. There are so many really cool merit badges to do. I'll just need to figure out how to find Merit Badge Counselors for each of them. :)

Thank You

Today while I was at the Oncologist's office, I was surprised by someone's generosity. I don't know who did it. Whoever you are, THANK YOU! It was such a kind, thoughtful thing for you to do and such a sweet surprise for me. Thank you!

Birthday Celebrations

What do you serve a 42 year old who doesn't love cake and a 2 year old who can't eat cake? Well, a ding dong "cake" with Charms Blow Pops, of course. (The kids tried to talk us into lighting the tops of the sucker wraps like candles, but the adult in each of us thought it best not to do it.)


What did Ryan think of the cake?
Well....

Perhaps it wasn't exactly what he was expecting.


Then we introduced him to lollipops.


At first he wasn't so sure about it,
then he seemed to really enjoy it.


For about 3 seconds.
Then he was just content to be with the family.


We love and adore you, Mr. Ryan!