Most of the time, I don't notice JT's progress.
I think it's a combination of trying to bury the old memories (I swear I have PTSD from the early days of aggression and non-stop screaming when he was 2-3) and just seeing it unfold slowly - so I'm not seeing the overall monumental steps he's taken.
Then every once in a while, something happens where I think, "Oh my God. This is INCREDIBLE!"
Yesterday was one of those days.
This time last year, we had a snowstorm here in Central NC. I had to take JT to the grocery store to buy groceries for the few days we'd likely be stuck inside. It was a disaster. He tried to knock things off the shelves, threw himself on the floor, even tried to toss a case of bottled water on the floor. To clarify, I never took JT to the grocery store back then because this was not uncommon. I just had no choice that day.
Fast forward to yesterday. I was in the bottled water aisle with a calm, happy JT. He was talking my ear off, giggling with his sister and picking out items for his lunch this week.
Suddenly it clicked, and I had to stop. What the hell happened?! I can't even explain in words how amazing and astounding JT's progress has been. Or how lucky we've been (because trust me, I know not everyone is as lucky as we are). But how, in one year, did we go from single words, not going in public, constant tantrums, anger, rage, diapers... to THIS? This happy go lucky, funny, ornery, smart little guy?
The enormity of his progress just paralyzed me for a moment.
And I said my thank you's to God, the universe, and whoever else played a part. I kissed his head, laughed at his silliness, and moved onto the next thing he wanted for his lunch next week. And I prayed that in a year, I can have that moment again.
Showing posts with label progress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label progress. Show all posts
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
So thankful...
My little man is doing awesome things. Just astounding things. Some of this is because of the meds helping him to calm down, and he's finally enjoying the world around him. Some of it is because he loves being out of school (weird, I know, he digs not having a structured school day) and he's learning so much from Audrey.
I've already posted about his huge gains lately on his blog, so I won't re-do the entire list here. What I will say is that this progress is making us, as a family, so happy.
We can do things now. We were trapped here by autism last summer. JT couldn't handle going anywhere. He would run off in stores, scream, hit - you get the picture. This summer he *asks* to go places. He wants to see people. He is SO good - staying with me, doing what I ask - it is unbelievable that we really don't stick out at the grocery store. In fact, the only way we DO stick out is he listens to me and does exactly what I say - and the typical kids are usually the wild ones! Kinda funny :)
We can play games - JT is a really big fan of Candyland now. He gets it, he loves playing it, and other than the annoyance of waiting his turn, he is enamored with playing games with all of us.
Our house isn't a complete wreck. Sounds funny, but this year he wants to play with US. He's not digging out every toy and tossing them around. He plays with a toy, then comes and gets us to play with him.
The best part is his mood. No meltdowns. None since starting the risperdal. He's so happy. The happy that comes with the adorable humming that signals bliss. He giggles all the time.
He tells us stuff. Feelings. Needs. Best part is just random stuff. I'm discovering he has an astounding memory - I'll ask (myself, out loud) where something is... he'll respond (he listens to EVERYTHING) with exactly where it is.
I cannot describe how many ways this has helped us all. Knowing he's happy. Knowing everything about him. Being able to relax - both at home and out. Being able to go out period without worrying about any behavioral issues or something else.
He is freaking hilarious. He has always been so funny and had the best sense of humor - but the more he talks the more hysterical it gets. We are almost always laughing at his practical jokes or funny something... He is so proud to make us laugh, too.
He's sweet. Snuggly, up close sweet. NEVER seen this at this level before. It makes my heart jump up in my throat when he climbs on me to snuggle or grabs his sister's hand just to hold it when we're out. Precious.
We still have stuff to work on. But it is SO much easier to be able to pick what you work on than to have a billion things on the 'crisis' list.
I've already posted about his huge gains lately on his blog, so I won't re-do the entire list here. What I will say is that this progress is making us, as a family, so happy.
We can do things now. We were trapped here by autism last summer. JT couldn't handle going anywhere. He would run off in stores, scream, hit - you get the picture. This summer he *asks* to go places. He wants to see people. He is SO good - staying with me, doing what I ask - it is unbelievable that we really don't stick out at the grocery store. In fact, the only way we DO stick out is he listens to me and does exactly what I say - and the typical kids are usually the wild ones! Kinda funny :)
We can play games - JT is a really big fan of Candyland now. He gets it, he loves playing it, and other than the annoyance of waiting his turn, he is enamored with playing games with all of us.
Our house isn't a complete wreck. Sounds funny, but this year he wants to play with US. He's not digging out every toy and tossing them around. He plays with a toy, then comes and gets us to play with him.
The best part is his mood. No meltdowns. None since starting the risperdal. He's so happy. The happy that comes with the adorable humming that signals bliss. He giggles all the time.
He tells us stuff. Feelings. Needs. Best part is just random stuff. I'm discovering he has an astounding memory - I'll ask (myself, out loud) where something is... he'll respond (he listens to EVERYTHING) with exactly where it is.
I cannot describe how many ways this has helped us all. Knowing he's happy. Knowing everything about him. Being able to relax - both at home and out. Being able to go out period without worrying about any behavioral issues or something else.
He is freaking hilarious. He has always been so funny and had the best sense of humor - but the more he talks the more hysterical it gets. We are almost always laughing at his practical jokes or funny something... He is so proud to make us laugh, too.
He's sweet. Snuggly, up close sweet. NEVER seen this at this level before. It makes my heart jump up in my throat when he climbs on me to snuggle or grabs his sister's hand just to hold it when we're out. Precious.
We still have stuff to work on. But it is SO much easier to be able to pick what you work on than to have a billion things on the 'crisis' list.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The pigeon was right!
"There's a good chance he'll never talk," the diagnostic team informed me with sad eyes, in March of 2008.
-At 3 years 3 days old, JT proved them wrong.
"I doubt he'll ever potty train," I lamented frequently to my husband.
- At 5 years 4 months old, JT started using the potty, and never looked back.
Other 'never's' that turned out to be false:
- be able to go shopping with me.
- behave at school.
- care what I say.
- want to be around us.
- want friends.
- pedal a bike.
- have a favorite anything.
I suppose the single most important thing this journey has taught me is never say never.
Perhaps I should take these words to heart (from one of my favorite childhood movies, no less!):
From An American Tail Movie Soundtrack:
Never Say Never
"Never say never,what ever you do
Never say never,my friend
(But I real...)
If you be that,your dream will come true.
They will come true in the end.
(But I...)
Keep up your courage,don't ever despair
Take heart and then count to ten
Hope for the best
Work for the rest and never say never again."
"Never say never,whatever you do
Never say never to me
If you be,if you come shining through
That's how it's gonna be
"Perfect"
Remember to look on the bright side
Until then never say never again."
Wiser words have never been spoken by a pigeon. Hat's off to you, Henri. :)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Potty Training... CHECK
SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!!!
Short story:
JT, for a long time, has been holding his urine all day at school.
He was almost pt'ed in December, but we ran into sensory issues with underwear.
He was wearing underwear fine for about 3 weeks.
Friday, I asked The Hubs when we should potty train. We were thinking the end of April. Then we decided: it's not going to be easier in a few weeks... or more fun. We might as well get it over with.
For more details, see JT's blog. Don't want to bore anyone with potty talk who doesn't want to hear it!
Weight off our shoulders, and some extra money in our pockets.
GREAT JOB, JT!!!! We are SUPER proud!
Short story:
JT, for a long time, has been holding his urine all day at school.
He was almost pt'ed in December, but we ran into sensory issues with underwear.
He was wearing underwear fine for about 3 weeks.
Friday, I asked The Hubs when we should potty train. We were thinking the end of April. Then we decided: it's not going to be easier in a few weeks... or more fun. We might as well get it over with.
For more details, see JT's blog. Don't want to bore anyone with potty talk who doesn't want to hear it!
Weight off our shoulders, and some extra money in our pockets.
GREAT JOB, JT!!!! We are SUPER proud!
Friday, June 11, 2010
JT's IEP Progress
We got JT's IEP (individualized education plan... special education 'list of things your child will accomplish' - legal stuff on progress) in his backpack yesterday...
Here's the short version: JT is going to meet all his goals by the year mark (which will be 10/29).
Here are some of the notes on his progress...
JT will increase overall communication skills.
-JT has shown growth in vocabulary, following directions, identifying pictures and using manipulatives to retell a story. We hear a few 2-4 word phrases at school, mostly when the other children have left for the day and the room is quiet.
JT will demonstrate improved social skills.
-JT continues to make great progress in his social interactions. He seeks out peers and adults to engage in interactions. He loves to play tickle games and chase games and shows the ability to take turns in these games. He is playing with toys in proper manner. He is able to use representational objects in his play. He is able to retell stories with objects!
JT will increase his ability to follow the classroom routines and rules.
-JT is transitioning wonderfully between activities. He is able to utilize his picture schedule. He is able to put up his schedule for the next day, at the end of the day, in the right sequence. He is participating in circle time. His attention span for morning circle is much shorter than literacy circle. He LOVES books. We are working hard on following the rules, keeping our feet on the floor, and our hands to ourselves.
JT will increase his self help skills in his preschool classroom.
-JT is doing well with washing his hands now. He needs only verbal cues, most of the time. We are still working on drying his hands. He is making great gains in the potty training area. Hooray!
**I should note here that JT is, indeed, potty training, and goes whenever you ask him.
JT will increase his early learning skills.
-JT's skills continue to increase in this area. We are thrilled with his progress with "school tools".
Teacher Comments:
JT continues to make us proud in all that he accomplishes at school. He is truly a delight to teach!
Here's the short version: JT is going to meet all his goals by the year mark (which will be 10/29).
Here are some of the notes on his progress...
JT will increase overall communication skills.
-JT has shown growth in vocabulary, following directions, identifying pictures and using manipulatives to retell a story. We hear a few 2-4 word phrases at school, mostly when the other children have left for the day and the room is quiet.
JT will demonstrate improved social skills.
-JT continues to make great progress in his social interactions. He seeks out peers and adults to engage in interactions. He loves to play tickle games and chase games and shows the ability to take turns in these games. He is playing with toys in proper manner. He is able to use representational objects in his play. He is able to retell stories with objects!
JT will increase his ability to follow the classroom routines and rules.
-JT is transitioning wonderfully between activities. He is able to utilize his picture schedule. He is able to put up his schedule for the next day, at the end of the day, in the right sequence. He is participating in circle time. His attention span for morning circle is much shorter than literacy circle. He LOVES books. We are working hard on following the rules, keeping our feet on the floor, and our hands to ourselves.
JT will increase his self help skills in his preschool classroom.
-JT is doing well with washing his hands now. He needs only verbal cues, most of the time. We are still working on drying his hands. He is making great gains in the potty training area. Hooray!
**I should note here that JT is, indeed, potty training, and goes whenever you ask him.
JT will increase his early learning skills.
-JT's skills continue to increase in this area. We are thrilled with his progress with "school tools".
Teacher Comments:
JT continues to make us proud in all that he accomplishes at school. He is truly a delight to teach!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Kisses and Kicking :)
JT has been giving me (and ONLY me - haha) lots and lots of kisses (on the lips!). SUPER CUTE!
JT also had fun at school today. He was playing in the sandbox, and after telling the teacher 'No' after being asked to sit down (it's a rule) he said 'Kick' and showed them - by kicking a bunch of sand out of the sandbox.
His awesome teacher got some soccer balls out and they kicked something a little more appropriate ;-)
HOORAY for little man!!!
JT also had fun at school today. He was playing in the sandbox, and after telling the teacher 'No' after being asked to sit down (it's a rule) he said 'Kick' and showed them - by kicking a bunch of sand out of the sandbox.
His awesome teacher got some soccer balls out and they kicked something a little more appropriate ;-)
HOORAY for little man!!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween!!!
Well, we had a good time in the end (haha).
It started with the mall trick or treating... JT was fine with the monkey costume (he loves it, that's why he wore it again). But when we got inside and started, it was just too much. Y'know, he's almost 4, people kind of expect (and wait) for him to say "trick or treat"... And he won't. Plus, people all in his face telling him he's a cute monkey, kids and other people bumping him and getting in his space, WAITING IN LINES (major meltdown starter there)... We hit 4 stores and we had to leave... Carrying a monkey that sounded like a velociraptor. Ugh.
We came home, JT and I stayed in to hand out candy while Audrey and The Hubs went out in our neighborhood. JT had an awesome time, he giggled, played with me, watched Alvin and ate our candy... He just doesn't like Halloween. Fine with me...
He said "cahkey" (candy), "poh-wee" (pony - he loves Audrey's costume of a princess on a pony), "twihtwee" (trick or treat) and "hee haw" (yee haw - as he was riding the pony). I'm impressed!
Audrey of course LOADED UP. She was the cutest Cinderella EVER, and she charmed all the folks handing out candy... One guy asked her what she had for HIM as he was giving her candy, and she promptly dug through her bag to pull out a piece for him. He told The Hubs he had an extremely sweet little girl, and explained to Audrey he was just kidding and could keep every bit of her candy (and I think they gave her more ;) ).
So, Halloween was a success in the end.
Nothing to report out of the ordinary family-wise. If you want to see more specific updates on the kids, they each have their own page... there's a feed on the sidebar for them. I have my blog under the blog list, just in case you ever wonder about my personal opinions or issues... I'm trying to streamline this blog into family updates/important info, so that everyone knows important stuff about fun family times!!!
It started with the mall trick or treating... JT was fine with the monkey costume (he loves it, that's why he wore it again). But when we got inside and started, it was just too much. Y'know, he's almost 4, people kind of expect (and wait) for him to say "trick or treat"... And he won't. Plus, people all in his face telling him he's a cute monkey, kids and other people bumping him and getting in his space, WAITING IN LINES (major meltdown starter there)... We hit 4 stores and we had to leave... Carrying a monkey that sounded like a velociraptor. Ugh.
We came home, JT and I stayed in to hand out candy while Audrey and The Hubs went out in our neighborhood. JT had an awesome time, he giggled, played with me, watched Alvin and ate our candy... He just doesn't like Halloween. Fine with me...
He said "cahkey" (candy), "poh-wee" (pony - he loves Audrey's costume of a princess on a pony), "twihtwee" (trick or treat) and "hee haw" (yee haw - as he was riding the pony). I'm impressed!
Audrey of course LOADED UP. She was the cutest Cinderella EVER, and she charmed all the folks handing out candy... One guy asked her what she had for HIM as he was giving her candy, and she promptly dug through her bag to pull out a piece for him. He told The Hubs he had an extremely sweet little girl, and explained to Audrey he was just kidding and could keep every bit of her candy (and I think they gave her more ;) ).
So, Halloween was a success in the end.
Nothing to report out of the ordinary family-wise. If you want to see more specific updates on the kids, they each have their own page... there's a feed on the sidebar for them. I have my blog under the blog list, just in case you ever wonder about my personal opinions or issues... I'm trying to streamline this blog into family updates/important info, so that everyone knows important stuff about fun family times!!!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
iPhone - ShapeBuilder App
I would have never guessed JT would understand electronics. And until his recent referral meeting, I thought he had a delay in fine motor (ps - he is age appropriate now :) ).
So, when he took the phone from Audrey as she was playing the ShapeBuilder app, I was shocked to hear Audrey say, "Good job, JT! You did it ALL BY YOURSELF!"
The ShapeBuilder app has an outline of the picture (ie a rooster, guitar, any letter, etc) and an outline of the piece shape. Some of them have ten pieces! The pieces are all different colors and weird shapes. You have to drag the piece into the right spot, and it makes a sound that indicates it's in the right place. It takes a good deal of finger (single finger) pressure/pointing to get it to move and into its spot. Once it's done, the image becomes the real thing, with all the detail, and it'll say something (identifies, then animal noise or noise the shape makes).
JT LOVES it. He plays it ALL THE TIME. He'll play it for 30 minutes sometimes, going from shape to shape.
Pretty cool stuff!!!
So, when he took the phone from Audrey as she was playing the ShapeBuilder app, I was shocked to hear Audrey say, "Good job, JT! You did it ALL BY YOURSELF!"
The ShapeBuilder app has an outline of the picture (ie a rooster, guitar, any letter, etc) and an outline of the piece shape. Some of them have ten pieces! The pieces are all different colors and weird shapes. You have to drag the piece into the right spot, and it makes a sound that indicates it's in the right place. It takes a good deal of finger (single finger) pressure/pointing to get it to move and into its spot. Once it's done, the image becomes the real thing, with all the detail, and it'll say something (identifies, then animal noise or noise the shape makes).
JT LOVES it. He plays it ALL THE TIME. He'll play it for 30 minutes sometimes, going from shape to shape.
Pretty cool stuff!!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
ESY and ABA
JT qualified for ESY (extended school year). In my last post, I was not thrilled about this... I thought this meant 'summer school' - as in all summer. It's not.
ESY is 2 weeks in June and 2 weeks in July. So, not bad at all... The hours stay the same - 4 days a week, 3 hours per day.
In addition, they gave us ABA (behavioral therapy, which works incredibly well for JT) - 3 hours per week 1:1, starting next week and continuing through the summer. This is AWESOME NEWS.
Not only that, but usually kids qualify for ESY based on regression. JT did not. Apparently kids can also qualify based on 'rapid progress'. In the past 3.5 weeks, JT has exploded in skills, and they are astounded. As a mom of a special needs child, I cannot even begin to tell you how great it feels to hear them use the words 'not typical' in a POSITIVE light... As in 'JT's progress is not typical, not something we would have possibly have expected. He is blowing us away.'
Miss Maggie pulled out some charts, and explained that JT is retaining skills, mastering them at an amazing rate, and basically just proving to everyone that he CAN do it, he just has to WANT to (which is what mommy told them.. lol).
We are SO excited... Not only that he got ESY, but that he got it for such an awesome reason. Also, that he got ABA (and 1:1 with an aide, which he'll be getting 90 minutes Wednesday mornings alone with the therapist, then 90 minutes incorporated into the classroom).
I walked in there thinking it was going to be a slap in the face, and it ended up being awesome and a very, very good meeting.
So, yay for JTmy! He is the one making the progress and working hard!!! Good job, little man!
ESY is 2 weeks in June and 2 weeks in July. So, not bad at all... The hours stay the same - 4 days a week, 3 hours per day.
In addition, they gave us ABA (behavioral therapy, which works incredibly well for JT) - 3 hours per week 1:1, starting next week and continuing through the summer. This is AWESOME NEWS.
Not only that, but usually kids qualify for ESY based on regression. JT did not. Apparently kids can also qualify based on 'rapid progress'. In the past 3.5 weeks, JT has exploded in skills, and they are astounded. As a mom of a special needs child, I cannot even begin to tell you how great it feels to hear them use the words 'not typical' in a POSITIVE light... As in 'JT's progress is not typical, not something we would have possibly have expected. He is blowing us away.'
Miss Maggie pulled out some charts, and explained that JT is retaining skills, mastering them at an amazing rate, and basically just proving to everyone that he CAN do it, he just has to WANT to (which is what mommy told them.. lol).
We are SO excited... Not only that he got ESY, but that he got it for such an awesome reason. Also, that he got ABA (and 1:1 with an aide, which he'll be getting 90 minutes Wednesday mornings alone with the therapist, then 90 minutes incorporated into the classroom).
I walked in there thinking it was going to be a slap in the face, and it ended up being awesome and a very, very good meeting.
So, yay for JTmy! He is the one making the progress and working hard!!! Good job, little man!
Friday, March 27, 2009
JT = AWESOME
Okay... So, this is totally a proud momma post.
JT walked up to The Hubs last night, and said 'Howee dada!' (his -ello words come out owee... Very cute). Anyway, so we were so excited... And he keeps coming up to us and waving saying 'Howee! Howee!'
Today, when we got to school, he didn't cry (!) - and as I was putting on his shoes, he was saying, "Soo, soo". SO great!
He got a little upset when I left, but didn't seem crazy sad... Yay for that, too (for both of us!).
I am going to upload a pic of JT at school yesterday... They had a hedgehog visit, and the teacher is holding it out for JT to touch, the aide is sitting behind him... And he's got this HUGE grin on his face... Kinda like 'you guys are nuts, I am not touching that thing... But it's hilarious that you will...'
Audrey has been such a MAJOR help in all of this... She is what calms me down when he cries as we're leaving... We wait for him together :-)
I'm going to the doctor today. I can't take the flippin headache much longer. I'll update ASAP when I know what she's going to do with this. Ugh...
That's all for the Duzan family update... Looking up!
JT walked up to The Hubs last night, and said 'Howee dada!' (his -ello words come out owee... Very cute). Anyway, so we were so excited... And he keeps coming up to us and waving saying 'Howee! Howee!'
Today, when we got to school, he didn't cry (!) - and as I was putting on his shoes, he was saying, "Soo, soo". SO great!
He got a little upset when I left, but didn't seem crazy sad... Yay for that, too (for both of us!).
I am going to upload a pic of JT at school yesterday... They had a hedgehog visit, and the teacher is holding it out for JT to touch, the aide is sitting behind him... And he's got this HUGE grin on his face... Kinda like 'you guys are nuts, I am not touching that thing... But it's hilarious that you will...'
Audrey has been such a MAJOR help in all of this... She is what calms me down when he cries as we're leaving... We wait for him together :-)
I'm going to the doctor today. I can't take the flippin headache much longer. I'll update ASAP when I know what she's going to do with this. Ugh...
That's all for the Duzan family update... Looking up!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
School Time!
JT has been in school for almost two whole weeks. It's very bittersweet... He is already doing great things - but he also does NOT like when Audrey and I leave.
He has been babbling more, singing (although I can't understand the words - it's SO precious!) and doing little hand motions with it (!), and just really interacting with us a lot more... He actually likes to play games *with* us the majority of the time - he was doing it before, but only a few minutes here and there. He let me read him a whole book yesterday (that has NEVER happened before) - of course it was Swiper, No Swiping - he LOVES Swiper the fox. Thinks he's hilarious!!!
He has been babbling more, singing (although I can't understand the words - it's SO precious!) and doing little hand motions with it (!), and just really interacting with us a lot more... He actually likes to play games *with* us the majority of the time - he was doing it before, but only a few minutes here and there. He let me read him a whole book yesterday (that has NEVER happened before) - of course it was Swiper, No Swiping - he LOVES Swiper the fox. Thinks he's hilarious!!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Oh man!
Surgery was rescheduled. My insurance company refused payment, so they can't do it.
It's now June 18th.
The neurosurgery scheduler told me "the doctor said you would *probably* be okay until June". Niiiiiice. Great. Very unconvincing.
JT's IEP went terrific. I was really impressed with the teacher (again) and all the therapists. With all the horror stories about IEP's, I feel like we are really lucky. They are trying everything to make sure JT has all the supports he could possibly qualify for.
So, please pray that Bob will behave, and that I will, in fact, be fine in waiting until June. Because I don't have another choice.
Audrey is ADDING! And JT is still just trucking along with his language and counting, the alphabet and colors.
Hope everyone else is doing well...
Love to all!
It's now June 18th.
The neurosurgery scheduler told me "the doctor said you would *probably* be okay until June". Niiiiiice. Great. Very unconvincing.
JT's IEP went terrific. I was really impressed with the teacher (again) and all the therapists. With all the horror stories about IEP's, I feel like we are really lucky. They are trying everything to make sure JT has all the supports he could possibly qualify for.
So, please pray that Bob will behave, and that I will, in fact, be fine in waiting until June. Because I don't have another choice.
Audrey is ADDING! And JT is still just trucking along with his language and counting, the alphabet and colors.
Hope everyone else is doing well...
Love to all!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wow!
Sorry for the delay in posts... We got rid of our internet connection at home (dial up was costing us $50 a month!!! and that's just rediculous... In the podunks, there is no DSL, and the phone company rips you knowing that dial up is your only option...), so coming to the library is my only chance to update... I will be more consistent now!
Latest news...
I found out I've met my first year max on my insurance. Because we had a 5 month lapse in coverage (between when I resigned and the next 'open enrollment' - insurance costs $260 A WEEK at hubby's job - it's through Great West - which is now Cigna - if anyone wants to barrage them with the rediculousness of the price), my personal max for year 1 was $25,000. Because of my two surgeries and multiple ER and doctor visits, I'm SOL until June 1. So, me and 'Bob' (yes, I gave my tumor a name...) are going to be thisclose. My doctor is working on finding something to help me, since she thinks it needs to be removed before then due to its rapid growth (duh) and nerve involvement. Not only is it growing (which means that something is going on that is not totally benign - although not necessarily cancerous yet), but the bigger it is the more they have to screw with my nerve - and that means more problems both short and long term with function.
I do have an appointment at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center with Dr. Kyle Weaver on February 24. I am looking forward to meeting him - hopefully he will have the experience necessary to do the surgery (even if it is in June, we can set it up and have everything ready to go... I'm paying out of pocket, but c'est la vie...). He might have other resources to help me get the surgery done if he believes it has to be done... Or, I would feel a lot better if he said it could wait in his medical opinion, and he would just set it up for June... Either way, I need to do this appointment. I almost peed my pants when I opened up a letter welcoming me to the Cancer Center, but I'm over it now... Mostly ;-)
JT is talking like CRAZY! I'm about to update his page too (see top right corner), so check it out to see his latest progress. Amazing!
The Hubs is off for the week, but due to the insurance issue (I maxxed the last week of December... So EVERYTHING I've had done with Bob is out of pocket... 3 GP appts, 2 ortho appts, 1 gen surgeon appt, 1 neurosurgeon appt, ultrasound, MRI and blood work) we are staying put... We can't really afford to go anywhere right now.
We found a church we really love. It's fairly close to our house (closer than most things... We don't really live 'close' to anything). I love the pastor, the people, and how informal it is. The people there are wonderful... And for the first time, going to church isn't about making me feel guilty about what I have done... But learning how to be a better person from now on. It's a wonderful experience. Never thought I'd look forward to church, but I honestly do!
That's about it for now.. Audrey is doing fantastic (as usual). Such a sweet little girl. She had a hearing test, and she passed with flying colors. The tech noted that 'when she pays attention' she was awesome. How my daughter got distracted in a soundproof booth is beyond me... But, have I mentioned I have ADD? Yeah, she's probably going to come by that one naturally... At least it's easy to manage - she'll just have to find her own 'The Hubs' to marry later in life to balance her out!
Love to all!
Latest news...
I found out I've met my first year max on my insurance. Because we had a 5 month lapse in coverage (between when I resigned and the next 'open enrollment' - insurance costs $260 A WEEK at hubby's job - it's through Great West - which is now Cigna - if anyone wants to barrage them with the rediculousness of the price), my personal max for year 1 was $25,000. Because of my two surgeries and multiple ER and doctor visits, I'm SOL until June 1. So, me and 'Bob' (yes, I gave my tumor a name...) are going to be thisclose. My doctor is working on finding something to help me, since she thinks it needs to be removed before then due to its rapid growth (duh) and nerve involvement. Not only is it growing (which means that something is going on that is not totally benign - although not necessarily cancerous yet), but the bigger it is the more they have to screw with my nerve - and that means more problems both short and long term with function.
I do have an appointment at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center with Dr. Kyle Weaver on February 24. I am looking forward to meeting him - hopefully he will have the experience necessary to do the surgery (even if it is in June, we can set it up and have everything ready to go... I'm paying out of pocket, but c'est la vie...). He might have other resources to help me get the surgery done if he believes it has to be done... Or, I would feel a lot better if he said it could wait in his medical opinion, and he would just set it up for June... Either way, I need to do this appointment. I almost peed my pants when I opened up a letter welcoming me to the Cancer Center, but I'm over it now... Mostly ;-)
JT is talking like CRAZY! I'm about to update his page too (see top right corner), so check it out to see his latest progress. Amazing!
The Hubs is off for the week, but due to the insurance issue (I maxxed the last week of December... So EVERYTHING I've had done with Bob is out of pocket... 3 GP appts, 2 ortho appts, 1 gen surgeon appt, 1 neurosurgeon appt, ultrasound, MRI and blood work) we are staying put... We can't really afford to go anywhere right now.
We found a church we really love. It's fairly close to our house (closer than most things... We don't really live 'close' to anything). I love the pastor, the people, and how informal it is. The people there are wonderful... And for the first time, going to church isn't about making me feel guilty about what I have done... But learning how to be a better person from now on. It's a wonderful experience. Never thought I'd look forward to church, but I honestly do!
That's about it for now.. Audrey is doing fantastic (as usual). Such a sweet little girl. She had a hearing test, and she passed with flying colors. The tech noted that 'when she pays attention' she was awesome. How my daughter got distracted in a soundproof booth is beyond me... But, have I mentioned I have ADD? Yeah, she's probably going to come by that one naturally... At least it's easy to manage - she'll just have to find her own 'The Hubs' to marry later in life to balance her out!
Love to all!
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