All She Wants To Do Is Dance

So, that is Pumpkin, now 14, graduating from 8th Grade, junior high, and stepping off into the world of high school...

In March we found out Pumpkin was not having growing pains in her feet, ankles and knees, but instead it was a form of systemic arthritis. Since then it is confirmed that Pumpkin has JRA, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Of course, having me as her mom, there was a higher chance of it happening than if I didn't have the lupus etc. Sigh. How do you deal with that? Well, you don't really. You feel like shit. You feel guilty. You feel angry. You feel sad.

Then, you realize none of those emotions - and certainly not the 'blame game' is going to help anyone. Especially, not Pumpkin.

So, you shove all that down and focus on her and her needs, wants and desires and making her life as uncomplicated and easy as you can while coping with a chronic disease.

We have a great pediatric doctor. Her office is also fantastic and I am very happy with their responsiveness and help so far. Believe me - that is half the battle.

We address the symptoms by helping her cope with the pain and anti-inflammation via medicines and we address the disease directly by adding a DMARD (disease modifying anti rheumatic drug), in this case methotrexate. It suppresses her immune system so it will be more difficult for it to attack itself. I, too, am on the same drug once a week.

Pumpkin just started this bigger gun last week with a small dose and this week with her regular dose of 15mgs, and she has tolerated it well and I am happy to say she is feeling better.

Usually, it takes a few weeks for it to kick in, but a lucky few get instant relief. It seems she has been that lucky. :::knocking wood:::

In fact she is walking on the treadmill right now, second day in the row!

The road ahead will not be without its obstacles. However, I will be there paving the way the best way I know how.

I may not be able to bend the universe to my will but I WILL make it quiver a bit when it comes to my babies and making life right for them.

And when she wants to dance... she will.

be well,
Dawn

Thankful Thursday

Time to count blessings and not a minute too soon!

Panic mode is over, and I am firmly entrenched back in my denial place! LOL

1. I am grateful for my house, my home and my family.

2. I am grateful for my health insurance.

3. I am grateful for the meds that I have to help me and the doctors that are my partners in my healthcare.

4. I am grateful for the friends I have in my life.

5. I am grateful for my online friends, their availability and support have been invaluable over the last 7 years of coping with chronic illness. (rheumatoid arthritis, and for the last two years the brain thingy)

6. I am grateful for the technology that allows me to not only keep in touch but that lets me play stimulating and challenging games - some for fun - some for brain exercise - all of which help me cope and keep my mind off of worrysome stuff.

7. I am grateful for my pets. Yes, even though cleaning up cat hairballs and dog puke sucks, the unconditional love and joy they give daily far surpasses the difficulties they present on occasion.

8. I am grateful for Boy Scouts. Hammer has begun the planning for his Eagle Scout project which should be executed in the next 2 weeks. Fuzzy will begin planning his in the new year as he is just completing the last badge. Scouts has afforded the boys many opportunities for leadership, community service and personal growth.

9. I am especially grateful this week for my Hubby realizing that a hug, a cup of coffee and a snack would go a loooooonnnnng way.

10. I am grateful for the outlet that my blog and Facebook give to me and therefore, I am for YOU, the reader.

11. I am also grateful for the clarity health issues have given me in life. It sharpens into focus that which is truly important; those special gifts and blessings that no illness can take away.

Life is good. Thanks for being a part of it!

be well...

Thankful Thursday

It has been a week... that's about all I can say off the top of my head... but I know when I start this week's list, my blessings will come to light!

1. Mia. My friends Bob and Ilene adopted a kitten for their daughter, S. Last night when they brought R, their son, here to stay over they brought sweet little Mia to visit me. I held her and she slept in my arms for over an hour. Such a sweet little kitty. Best thing to happen to me since we returned from lake.

2. Tom. Your hospitality at the lake was wonderful and we had a wonderful time. The silence and beauty of the lake Saturday morning in the sun is something that will revisit in my mind often in times of stress or pain. Thank you.

3. Pumpkin Muffin. My sweet daughter. You have seen that this has been a tough week for your mom and you have tried to take care of me with extra hugs and 'I love you's' whenever you can.

4. Coffee. No way I would moving today without it.

5. Facebook. I have reconnected with some old school friends and have had my faith restored in the kindness of people in general. Thank you. You know who you are...

I should explain why that means so very much to me. Since becoming more actively chronically ill (after Pumpkin's birth), I have lost some friends here in town, and even a cousin, one town away. And, it hurt. I thought after being diagnosed with the brain thingy that maybe it would bring back one particular friend, because at first she seemed to be very concerned and wanting to reconnect. But, that was short lived. Once she found out I wasn't going drop dead any second from it, she ignored me again.

I have found more understanding and kindness from those who haven't seen me in over 20 years... Strange how life can be, isn't it?

6. My mom. The manicure and pedicure you treated me to last Friday before we headed to the lake still looks great! And, everytime I look at my cute pink toes, I smile! Thank you!

7. My dad. For stopping on his way home today to get me a large iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts because today isn't a good day for me. Thank you.

8. Icanhascheezburger.com. For never failing to make me laugh outloud at the new updates, and we all need laughter. Lots of it. :-)

9. Farkle. My new addiction. I even bought the application for my iphone so I can play in on the computer or on the phone! lol

10. Bagel Bites and mini-hotdogs. My kids favorite summer lunches that they make themselves in the toaster oven, and even make for mom sometimes! lol

Well, I am feeling better already. Maybe the stairway to heaven will be open now, or at least purgatory... lol

Off to go watch the kids plus R play Guitar Hero for me! They are going to do 'Crazy Train' as a band. Can't miss it!

be well...