I got the idea of "Slash with a side of Smiley" from an incident at work last week. Funny how life experiences give us the very topics for which to write about. The story goes like this: I sent an mail asking for communication to include me. It was a very simple, polite request that made complete sense for the situation in which it was intended. What I got back was some really harsh and stinging words followed by a smiley face. I felt like I had been slashed with a knife! Here's the deal...a smiley face doesn't ease the pain, nor does it negate the ugliness of the words. The lesson here is that we all need to be careful what we say. There's no need to be ugly to people. Words, both written and spoken, cannot be taken back so be careful what you write and say. Choose your words wisely. Most importantly, use smiley faces appropriately. Let's reserve them for happy words!
We will be taking a day-trip to Albuquerque Tuesday for a follow-up with the dentist. This is the visit to determine if the tooth knocked loose during our last appointment can remain or if it has to be pulled. Mike can't go so my mom will be making this stressful trip with us. Please pray for our safety there and back and a successful appointment. Pray for Brooke to be as tolerant as possible with the process, for lessened stress, heightened tolerance, and no sedation issues. Pray for minimal bleeding, no more x-ray cuts in her mouth and most importantly for no infections or complications. There are no words for just how stressful dental appointments are for Brooke. Please pray for mom and I for patience, tolerance and strength. Other than surgeries, dental appointments are the most stressful things we have to endure. May God be with Brooke, holding her hand, letting her know she is never alone.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Hmmmm....
Hello friends. It's been a while since my last blog so here goes...
Good day at work. MADE IT HAPPEN. Willed it to happen. I decided that today was going to be a good day so it was. Should I try two for two?
Do you ever wonder why some people have quirky pet-peeves? I usually don't mind them as long as they keep they're kept to themselves. I had one "thrown at me" today that has left me scratching my head ever since it happened. Actually, it's left me devising ways to purposely drive this person nuts. Ha. I was nice...I obeyed and kept my mouth shut, but I wanted to say, "What does it matter? Does it affect how I get things done?REALLY! Guess some folks just feel better nit-picking their way through life. Whatever floats their boat. Do you feel like a bigger person now? Woooo. ***INSERT SARCASM***
Ok, so I just learned that my 85 year old grandmother has a date in a few weeks to an event I will be attending. Serious. She has a date. How odd will that be? Something I keep reminding myself of...no one deserves to be alone. Hope she has lots of fun!! You go Granny!
Brookie is still feeling well - Praise God! She is so much fun. She's has been a hugger, a toe kisser, a noggin rubber, a birthday song singer, the boogey-woogey queen, and a chronic giggler for days and days and days. It's cute. Entertaining too! I invite all friends to our house for a good dose of BROOKE. She's just the ticket for whatever ails you!
Prayers out to the sick, the hurting, the lost...
Good day at work. MADE IT HAPPEN. Willed it to happen. I decided that today was going to be a good day so it was. Should I try two for two?
Do you ever wonder why some people have quirky pet-peeves? I usually don't mind them as long as they keep they're kept to themselves. I had one "thrown at me" today that has left me scratching my head ever since it happened. Actually, it's left me devising ways to purposely drive this person nuts. Ha. I was nice...I obeyed and kept my mouth shut, but I wanted to say, "What does it matter? Does it affect how I get things done?REALLY! Guess some folks just feel better nit-picking their way through life. Whatever floats their boat. Do you feel like a bigger person now? Woooo. ***INSERT SARCASM***
Ok, so I just learned that my 85 year old grandmother has a date in a few weeks to an event I will be attending. Serious. She has a date. How odd will that be? Something I keep reminding myself of...no one deserves to be alone. Hope she has lots of fun!! You go Granny!
Brookie is still feeling well - Praise God! She is so much fun. She's has been a hugger, a toe kisser, a noggin rubber, a birthday song singer, the boogey-woogey queen, and a chronic giggler for days and days and days. It's cute. Entertaining too! I invite all friends to our house for a good dose of BROOKE. She's just the ticket for whatever ails you!
Prayers out to the sick, the hurting, the lost...
Friday, August 13, 2010
Rough Day
Yesterday was just one of those days. There are really no nice words to describe it. It started out with Brooke having a seizure early yesterday morning. I don't think it was a grand mal, but I can't figure out exactly what kind it is? She has had 3 or 4 like this now and they all pretty much mimic each other. Either the sound she makes or the shaking wakes me up and I find her propped up on her right elbow jerking. It typically lasts anywhere from 10 seconds to maybe 25 seconds and then stops. She usually breaks a sweat and has labored breathing for a minute or two following it. She is coherent within a minute or so and the entire process from onset to totally ok is less than 5 minutes. These are very odd.
The day proceeds with communication issues regarding the respite providers which led to other issues which still have not been resolved. My people tolerance is pretty much gone by this point in the ballgame. Now it's time for the bi-weekly trip to the cancer center for a Neupogen shot. Ok, this was the first time I've taken Brooke with the shot being done in the treatment room. Was not mentally prepared for this! My nerves were already frazzled so it's easy to understand my sadness with seeing the 3 people who were in there undergoing chemotherapy. And while I'm wondering about their situation, I got the sense that they were just as curious about ours. After all, a trip to the treatment room at a cancer center for any reason can't be good. And there we sat. Just a note here to say that these guys are awesome. So patient, and compassionate. So, the shot was given and we walked out of the room. I was fighting back the tears and Brooke managed not to...she proceeded to grab a hold of the bathroom door handle and throw a big fit. It was all I could do to pry her away. In fact, it wasn't until the nurses brought her the basket of goodies that she did give in. Not exactly sure what was up? We fInally made it to the car where I fell apart. Just "one of those days."
The rest of the day was shot for me, I didn't know whether to hide under my desk or cry all afternoon. So...I did what unfortunately seems to come so easy to me these days...I gripped. (Thank you L and D and T for being such a captive audience.) Mike came home exhausted from his first day of school and Brooke's stomach hurt from the high-powered antibiotics she's been on for the past week. We all spent the evening chilling out, which is exactly what this family needed!
The day proceeds with communication issues regarding the respite providers which led to other issues which still have not been resolved. My people tolerance is pretty much gone by this point in the ballgame. Now it's time for the bi-weekly trip to the cancer center for a Neupogen shot. Ok, this was the first time I've taken Brooke with the shot being done in the treatment room. Was not mentally prepared for this! My nerves were already frazzled so it's easy to understand my sadness with seeing the 3 people who were in there undergoing chemotherapy. And while I'm wondering about their situation, I got the sense that they were just as curious about ours. After all, a trip to the treatment room at a cancer center for any reason can't be good. And there we sat. Just a note here to say that these guys are awesome. So patient, and compassionate. So, the shot was given and we walked out of the room. I was fighting back the tears and Brooke managed not to...she proceeded to grab a hold of the bathroom door handle and throw a big fit. It was all I could do to pry her away. In fact, it wasn't until the nurses brought her the basket of goodies that she did give in. Not exactly sure what was up? We fInally made it to the car where I fell apart. Just "one of those days."
The rest of the day was shot for me, I didn't know whether to hide under my desk or cry all afternoon. So...I did what unfortunately seems to come so easy to me these days...I gripped. (Thank you L and D and T for being such a captive audience.) Mike came home exhausted from his first day of school and Brooke's stomach hurt from the high-powered antibiotics she's been on for the past week. We all spent the evening chilling out, which is exactly what this family needed!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Our Brookie is Back!
Hooray...Brookie is back! Yesterday was her turning point. She's back to being silly, giggley and bossy. Ha. She set out all of the usual cake-making ingredients last night and insisted I bake her a spice cake. Plus, she's taken over my iPAD. What's up with that? She is hooked on You Tube videos...she watches totally G-rated things like: Wheels on the Bus, If You're Happy and You Know It, and Itsey Bitsey Spider. OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER!! It looks like Santa may have to start saving up to buy her one of her own! OUCH.
First day of school for Mike today...NOPE, HE'S NOT HAPPY TO BE BACK. Usually I make fun of him since I work year-round and he doesn't have to, but life really is easier when he's home with Brooke taking care of things that I don't have to while he's off. I love that! I also get bummed now because it means winter is around the corner. Winter bums me! I don't like cold weather nor the illnesses that come with it! It scares me with Brooke's health problems.
Had some friends asking for WDW info last night on FB. Little did they know that their request was right up my alley! This psycho trip-research girl was all over that request! I sent them 8 emails. Seriously. I apologized in advance, but I LOVE planning trips! I really think I missed my calling...should be a travel planner. The downside to tonight's trip down Disney lane is that now I want to go back. My dream is to go at Christmas so I can see all of the decorations. I hear it's gorgeous. Maybe some day. It's on my bucket list! T & C...send me a postcard in December!
Prayers to Tina's mom, the baby who shot himself with a brad-nailer, the 14-year old with a brain tumor, my co-workers friend with a mass in her kidney and anyone else who is suffering, struggling or lost. May God bless and comfort everyone.
Night all and God Bless.
First day of school for Mike today...NOPE, HE'S NOT HAPPY TO BE BACK. Usually I make fun of him since I work year-round and he doesn't have to, but life really is easier when he's home with Brooke taking care of things that I don't have to while he's off. I love that! I also get bummed now because it means winter is around the corner. Winter bums me! I don't like cold weather nor the illnesses that come with it! It scares me with Brooke's health problems.
Had some friends asking for WDW info last night on FB. Little did they know that their request was right up my alley! This psycho trip-research girl was all over that request! I sent them 8 emails. Seriously. I apologized in advance, but I LOVE planning trips! I really think I missed my calling...should be a travel planner. The downside to tonight's trip down Disney lane is that now I want to go back. My dream is to go at Christmas so I can see all of the decorations. I hear it's gorgeous. Maybe some day. It's on my bucket list! T & C...send me a postcard in December!
Prayers to Tina's mom, the baby who shot himself with a brad-nailer, the 14-year old with a brain tumor, my co-workers friend with a mass in her kidney and anyone else who is suffering, struggling or lost. May God bless and comfort everyone.
Night all and God Bless.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Post- dental appointment week
Monday:
Nothing went right at the dentist. They have gone digital so x-rays of Brooke's entire mouth had to be done, while she is screaming at the top of her lungs. This process (and I'm not sure they finished it) took an hour. Brooke screamed so hard and violently that I was afraid she'd throw a clot or have a stroke. It was pretty intense.
The bite block they used, along with Brooke's resistence caused a tooth to become loose so the dentist was called in to evaluate. An x-ray was taken of that tooth and to make a long story short...that was the end of the process. Her teeth didn't get cleaned except for some scraping on one side nor did the two teeth that have holes in them get evaluated. We have to go back in 4 weeks to re-evaluate the loose tooth to see if it has healed or if they'll have to pull it.
Brooke was angry with Mike and I (more so than usual) but we did manage to somewhat buy her forgiveness in the toy isle at Target later that day. She slept all the way home with mom sitting in the backseat with her rubbing her with her hammar.
Tuesday:
Swollen right cheek, extremly sore mouth, fat lip, cuts at both corners of the lips, drooling, no energy and just feels bad.
Wednesday:
Called the dentist because the swelling is not getting better. Dentist relays message to me that we need to bring her in. WHAT? I nicely told the receptionist who was acting as the go-between that I'm not driving 4 hours for a fat lip. I just need to know what to do to help relieve some of her discomfort. So...a different antibiotic than the one she was on was called in and we started "trying" to rinse her mouth with warm salt water.
Thursday - Today:
Still somewhat swollen, lip still big, drooling only at times, no energy and still doesn't feel well. Sometimes we wonder why we bother? I mean, I know we have to do our best to try to maintain her oral health, but if maintaining it brings her down this low - is it worth it? Brooke's mouth is a mess anyway and I figure the x-rays probably cut it all up inside. And for a kid without the ability to fight ANYTHING or HEAL...the process is a super slow one.
I'm really working at not being angry. Prior to this dental appointment Monday, she looked and felt great. She was happy. Now we're back in worry mode. Please pray for the ability for her to fight. For healing. For comfort. And for our Brookie to return back to her sweet, happy self soon.
Love you all.
Nothing went right at the dentist. They have gone digital so x-rays of Brooke's entire mouth had to be done, while she is screaming at the top of her lungs. This process (and I'm not sure they finished it) took an hour. Brooke screamed so hard and violently that I was afraid she'd throw a clot or have a stroke. It was pretty intense.
The bite block they used, along with Brooke's resistence caused a tooth to become loose so the dentist was called in to evaluate. An x-ray was taken of that tooth and to make a long story short...that was the end of the process. Her teeth didn't get cleaned except for some scraping on one side nor did the two teeth that have holes in them get evaluated. We have to go back in 4 weeks to re-evaluate the loose tooth to see if it has healed or if they'll have to pull it.
Brooke was angry with Mike and I (more so than usual) but we did manage to somewhat buy her forgiveness in the toy isle at Target later that day. She slept all the way home with mom sitting in the backseat with her rubbing her with her hammar.
Tuesday:
Swollen right cheek, extremly sore mouth, fat lip, cuts at both corners of the lips, drooling, no energy and just feels bad.
Wednesday:
Called the dentist because the swelling is not getting better. Dentist relays message to me that we need to bring her in. WHAT? I nicely told the receptionist who was acting as the go-between that I'm not driving 4 hours for a fat lip. I just need to know what to do to help relieve some of her discomfort. So...a different antibiotic than the one she was on was called in and we started "trying" to rinse her mouth with warm salt water.
Thursday - Today:
Still somewhat swollen, lip still big, drooling only at times, no energy and still doesn't feel well. Sometimes we wonder why we bother? I mean, I know we have to do our best to try to maintain her oral health, but if maintaining it brings her down this low - is it worth it? Brooke's mouth is a mess anyway and I figure the x-rays probably cut it all up inside. And for a kid without the ability to fight ANYTHING or HEAL...the process is a super slow one.
I'm really working at not being angry. Prior to this dental appointment Monday, she looked and felt great. She was happy. Now we're back in worry mode. Please pray for the ability for her to fight. For healing. For comfort. And for our Brookie to return back to her sweet, happy self soon.
Love you all.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
A Week in Our Shoes (pre-dental appt.)
Monday: Take Brooke to Hematologist for her pre-dental appointment appointment. Call dentist in Albq. to confirm appointment following Monday and ask for the sedation meds to be called in.
Tuesday: Free day. Time to start dreading the dental appointment and start worrying about the risks.
Wednesday: Run by the pharmacy after work to pick up the sedation meds. They're not there.
Thursday: Call dental office to ask that the sedation meds be called in. Again. Also ask for a refill for another bottle of Chlorhexidine for her gums. She bleeds awful when we brush her teeth. I run by the pharmacy during lunch to pick up the sedation meds, Chlorhexidine and a gallon bottle of Hibiclens ($64.98) that I ordered Monday while I was there.
Friday: Appointment with Hematologist to get Neupogen shot to help protect Brooke for the dental appointment Monday. Did I mention that these shots are $3,000? Take Brooke off Coumadin and leave her off for 3 days. Have to thicken up the blood to eliminate bleeding risks!
Saturday: Start Brooke on antibiotic and remain on it for 4 days. No Coumadin.
Sunday: Antibiotic. No Coumadin. Travel 3 hours to the Hankins Hotel in Edgewood (Rick and Vera's house). This has become our "home away from home." Brooke never sleeps well here because it's not "her bed at her house." Too excited about seeing Uncle Rick.
Monday: Antibiotic. Sedation meds at 9:00 AM. Travel to dental appointment. Turn off I-40 onto University and wait for Brooke to start crying. She begs us to go straight because if she knows we don't...we're turning into the parking lot at Carrie Tingley dental clinic. The kid knows Albuquerque! We turn into the parking lot and look at the petrified face of this innocent little girl with eyes begging us not to go in. We go in. The dental appointment is at 10:00. Brooke is strapped onto an adult papoose board, head, arms, legs, chest...every inch of her is strapped down. She looks like a Brooke-Burrito. We're use to doing this, used to seeing it done but it bothers most people. She's not happy. Our nerves are already shot by now. Brooke tries to kick and does manage to scream for the entire 30 minute appointment. The hygenist has to be fast, patient and have a steady hand. Hopefully she's compassionate. The sedation meds have slowed Brooke down some, but her adrenalin keeps her fighting with all her might. Hopefully, not much bleeding occurs since the Coumadin has been stopped. The appointment ends...and SURPRISE...there are multiple issues with her teeth that will require subsequent appointment. "What? You're booked 5 months down the road?" "OK...we'll take it". What choice do we have since they are one of two dentists in our state that will see kids like Brooke. Besides, you go where insurnace pays! Amarillo and Lubbock are not options, even though they are closer. We leave the appointment, usually in her wheelchair because she's sedated. We put her in the back seat where she begs mom to "hold her." She's asleep within 1 minute. Isn't it amazing what will power can do? She refuses to sleep until after the procedure yet she sleeps pretty much for the next 4-5 hours. Note to self: NEXT TIME, GET A WHEELCHAIR THAT RECLINES! We got eat, run by Target, stop at Sam's and head home. I ride in the back seat with Brooke so she will sleep. I massage her head the full 4 hour drive with her famed Home Depot orange plastic hammar. (This is her comfort item and she likes me to rub her with it.)Our nerves are fried. Brooke is worn out. Mike is alone in the front seat listening to his iPod. The next 2-3 days are spent trying to get Brooke caught up on sleep and trying to ease her frayed nerves. It's back to work for me on Tuesday and the start of Mike's last week of freedom before school starts.
We pray for no seizures caused from the stress, no infection and no bleeding. We just pray! Please pray that all goes well Monday. We don't say the "D" word at this house because it's Brooke's greatest fear. God, be with my baby during her cleaning and afterwards. Protect her from blood issues, clots and infection.
Tuesday: Free day. Time to start dreading the dental appointment and start worrying about the risks.
Wednesday: Run by the pharmacy after work to pick up the sedation meds. They're not there.
Thursday: Call dental office to ask that the sedation meds be called in. Again. Also ask for a refill for another bottle of Chlorhexidine for her gums. She bleeds awful when we brush her teeth. I run by the pharmacy during lunch to pick up the sedation meds, Chlorhexidine and a gallon bottle of Hibiclens ($64.98) that I ordered Monday while I was there.
Friday: Appointment with Hematologist to get Neupogen shot to help protect Brooke for the dental appointment Monday. Did I mention that these shots are $3,000? Take Brooke off Coumadin and leave her off for 3 days. Have to thicken up the blood to eliminate bleeding risks!
Saturday: Start Brooke on antibiotic and remain on it for 4 days. No Coumadin.
Sunday: Antibiotic. No Coumadin. Travel 3 hours to the Hankins Hotel in Edgewood (Rick and Vera's house). This has become our "home away from home." Brooke never sleeps well here because it's not "her bed at her house." Too excited about seeing Uncle Rick.
Monday: Antibiotic. Sedation meds at 9:00 AM. Travel to dental appointment. Turn off I-40 onto University and wait for Brooke to start crying. She begs us to go straight because if she knows we don't...we're turning into the parking lot at Carrie Tingley dental clinic. The kid knows Albuquerque! We turn into the parking lot and look at the petrified face of this innocent little girl with eyes begging us not to go in. We go in. The dental appointment is at 10:00. Brooke is strapped onto an adult papoose board, head, arms, legs, chest...every inch of her is strapped down. She looks like a Brooke-Burrito. We're use to doing this, used to seeing it done but it bothers most people. She's not happy. Our nerves are already shot by now. Brooke tries to kick and does manage to scream for the entire 30 minute appointment. The hygenist has to be fast, patient and have a steady hand. Hopefully she's compassionate. The sedation meds have slowed Brooke down some, but her adrenalin keeps her fighting with all her might. Hopefully, not much bleeding occurs since the Coumadin has been stopped. The appointment ends...and SURPRISE...there are multiple issues with her teeth that will require subsequent appointment. "What? You're booked 5 months down the road?" "OK...we'll take it". What choice do we have since they are one of two dentists in our state that will see kids like Brooke. Besides, you go where insurnace pays! Amarillo and Lubbock are not options, even though they are closer. We leave the appointment, usually in her wheelchair because she's sedated. We put her in the back seat where she begs mom to "hold her." She's asleep within 1 minute. Isn't it amazing what will power can do? She refuses to sleep until after the procedure yet she sleeps pretty much for the next 4-5 hours. Note to self: NEXT TIME, GET A WHEELCHAIR THAT RECLINES! We got eat, run by Target, stop at Sam's and head home. I ride in the back seat with Brooke so she will sleep. I massage her head the full 4 hour drive with her famed Home Depot orange plastic hammar. (This is her comfort item and she likes me to rub her with it.)Our nerves are fried. Brooke is worn out. Mike is alone in the front seat listening to his iPod. The next 2-3 days are spent trying to get Brooke caught up on sleep and trying to ease her frayed nerves. It's back to work for me on Tuesday and the start of Mike's last week of freedom before school starts.
We pray for no seizures caused from the stress, no infection and no bleeding. We just pray! Please pray that all goes well Monday. We don't say the "D" word at this house because it's Brooke's greatest fear. God, be with my baby during her cleaning and afterwards. Protect her from blood issues, clots and infection.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Stepping Outside the Box
I'm about to embark on a journey that until now - has always been tabu with me for Brooke. I'm about to start her on some non-traditional medicine. I have a really good friend who is in to homeopathic and other alternative treatment options. Her son, like Brooke, is immune compromised and has other severe medical problems. Yet he is super healthy. She swears by her products and has turned me on to a few for myself which I like. She recently introduced me to what she gives her son. Being Gena...I have to research everything, dig for the negative feedback online, talk to people about what I should do and then think it over for a few days. Well...it's like this...what other options are there? This product is sold as a natural antibiotic and is said to be effective against fighting and killing bacteria, fungus, parasites, etc. It's also touted as an immune booster. The things that Brooke can't fight or handle on her own.
I have the gel, which is going on Brooke's hands tonight to see what it will do for a couple of sores she has (she tends to suck, pick and knaw when nervous). I also have the liquid which can be drank, put in the ears, the eyes, up the nose...whatever. It's a totally safe and flexible alternative. I called the company several days ago to ask if it would have any interaction with Coumadin, GammaGlobulin or Neupogen and was told no. So, starting tomorrow morning, Brooke will start taking 1 tsp. in the AM and 1 tsp. in the PM. I'm excited to give this a try. It helps me "see" and "know" someone who is walking, talking proof of its success and I thank my pal for talking to me about it. I pray that Brooke will be another success story. This stuff has been proven to kill SARS, MRSA, Pseudomonas (this is Brooke's enemy) and many other types of infections.
Please never be afraid to go to a friend with a suggestion that could change their life. If you say or do somethat that offends them - they'll get over it. It's easier to say I'm sorry than to live with the regret of having said nothing at all. Thanks P; I love you and G and D!!
Please God...let this natural remedy work. Let this be the weapon that works against our war!!! And help ME know how to help HER.
I have the gel, which is going on Brooke's hands tonight to see what it will do for a couple of sores she has (she tends to suck, pick and knaw when nervous). I also have the liquid which can be drank, put in the ears, the eyes, up the nose...whatever. It's a totally safe and flexible alternative. I called the company several days ago to ask if it would have any interaction with Coumadin, GammaGlobulin or Neupogen and was told no. So, starting tomorrow morning, Brooke will start taking 1 tsp. in the AM and 1 tsp. in the PM. I'm excited to give this a try. It helps me "see" and "know" someone who is walking, talking proof of its success and I thank my pal for talking to me about it. I pray that Brooke will be another success story. This stuff has been proven to kill SARS, MRSA, Pseudomonas (this is Brooke's enemy) and many other types of infections.
Please never be afraid to go to a friend with a suggestion that could change their life. If you say or do somethat that offends them - they'll get over it. It's easier to say I'm sorry than to live with the regret of having said nothing at all. Thanks P; I love you and G and D!!
Please God...let this natural remedy work. Let this be the weapon that works against our war!!! And help ME know how to help HER.
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