Lauren is feeling and looking great. She had a checkup at the Valerie Center on Nov 8 and had blood drawn for counts and HAMA test. Her poor veins are so shot that it took a couple of tries to get the blood. She was not a happy camper. She kept yelling "This is the worst day of my life!" Since it was so much trouble finding a good vein and since Lauren had a CT scan scheduled the next day (for which she would need an IV), I talked them into leaving the catheter in overnight.
Lauren breezed through her scan the next day. It was the first time she'd ever done a scan without sedation of some kind. She told them she didn't want any sleepy medicine and that she promised to lie very still. I was so proud of her!
Last Saturday we had Timmy's birthday party. Fourteen 7 year olds at the bowling alley. What a blast! Lauren made her bowling debut. I never knew they made bowling shoes that small! She had a great time. I think she even came close to beating Aunt Nean LOL
This past week was pretty normal. Preschool Mon, Wed & Thurs and physical therapy Tues & Friday. Lauren is making great progress in pt. She still fatigues easily but you can definitely see she has stronger, better muscle control. Since she's doing so well Karen (her therapist) said that hopefully after the first of the year we can cut back to once a week. We also saw the orthopedic this Friday for a checkup on her back. I'm happy to report that the scholiosis/kyphosis curves have not progressed from last time (July). She's still on the borderline for needing a brace but since there has been no progression and clinically she looks so good, we get to hold off again Yeah! And this time he said we can go six months between checkups.
After pt on Friday Lauren had a lunch date at McDonalds with Billy. (Billy is just a few months younger than Lauren and also has nb). It is so cute watching them hold hands and hugging each other. First we met them at the hopsital and got to visit with some of our favorite nurses. We even got to see Dr John & Dr Sheryl. Everyone commented on how great Lauren looks and nobody can believe how curly her hair has come in. Lauren also got to visit with another favorite friend, Sue, who was inpatient this week.
Friday night we all went to a fundraising event at the Lake Mohawk Golf Club in Sparta. It was called the Festival of Trees and was put together by the Jr Womens club of Sparta. There were 31 christmas trees that were decorated in different themes to be bought by silent auction. We got involved because the monies raised this year are going to the Valerie Center. Bill and I decorated a tree in honor of Lauren and called it "Butterflies in Winter". The trees were all magnificent and the kids loved looking at them all. Lauren did get a little upset when she realized we weren't bringing her tree back home with us. Bill said a few words about the Valerie Center and Lauren was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Timmy had a karate tournament yesterday in which he came in third in his group. He got another trophy to add to his collection. We are so proud of him! Last night we all went out to dinner with grandma, grandpa, Uncle Gary, Aunt Nean, Uncle Dylan & Elizabeth for grandpa's 60th birthday. Lauren serenaded everyone with her version of "God Bless the USA". We had such a good time. I honestly can't remeber the last time my whole family has gone out together.
And last but not least Lauren's HAMA results are in. She is still negative so Round 8 is scheduled for Dec 10 - 21. While I'm a little bummed about having to go back for more antibodies, at least we'll all be home for Christmas!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
