Alyson’s Journey

We head up to Children’s about every two weeks now. Once a month for chemo and the other visit is to check Alyson’s counts. It’s wonderful having to think about whether or not we need to go to Clinic this WEEK instead of this DAY.

Alyson has steroids for 5 days every month and that “week” is filled with loads of grouch. It’s hard on her because she feels like garbage. It’s hard on me because I still have to discipline her but that makes her cry and say she’s having, “The worst day EVER!” It’s hard on Bradyn because he bears a lot of her unhappiness. He tries to hard to be patient even when she’s being completely unreasonable. And it’s hard on John because he has no idea what’s going to cause a meltdown in emotions.

~Julie

PS I honestly completely forgot the two-year anniversary of Alyson’s diagnosis. I remembered a few days later and it felt SO GOOD to have been able to be caught up in life instead!

HAIR

It’s been growing like crazy!

(She likes to play in the mud, btw.)

TEETH

~~~wiggle wiggle wiggle~~~

~~~wiggle wiggle wiggle~~~

One’s gone and the other is still loose!

~Julie

PS Alyson has a UTI at present but is on antibiotics and should be all better in a few more days. Bradyn and I are delighted that it means a container of cranberry juice is always made but Aly won’t drink it. (Think steroid-grouchy.)

Since early February, Alyson has attended dance class. Every Wednesday, we venture over to the studio for a tap and ballet lesson. There are only three other girls in the class; which keeps germs to a minimum. (Miss Michelle, the teacher, is a hand sanitizer fanatic. I love her.)

This class has been the best thing in the world for Alyson. She asks, beginning on Thursday morning, “How many days until dance class?” The exercise, friendship and escape-from-Mom have been invaluable. She’s growing up and learning how to be a kid again.

At practice today.

The other parents have been quite supportive and encouraging. One little girl, Natalie, is now Alyson’s best friend in the whole world. They hug when they see one another and have been on several playdates. This Mama couldn’t be happier.

Life is good and I am grateful.

PS To our local friends – the recital is on May 22nd. You are all invited & I’d be more than happy to spring for tickets if you’ll come and cheer her along. *kisses*