Sunday, August 29, 2004

 

New Photos

I forgot to mention that I uploaded two pictures to his photo album. One is the picture of Devin and Kierynn sleeping. The other was taken on our trip out west. My computer, with all pictures, is currently in at the computer doctor. Once it is back, I will upload some more pictures.

posted by Devin's Mom 9:39 PM

Saturday, August 28, 2004

 

Walk For Wishes

We just got back from the Make A Wish Walk For Wishes event. Devin was the goodwill ambassador for the event. Before the walk started, he spoke to those participating about who he was, why he got a Wish, where he went and what he did. While Ryan and Kaity held a Make A Wish banner, Devin cut it to start the walk. On our way back from there, Devin was mentioned on the local radio station that was covering the event.

This was supposed to take place outside but rain forced it in. Devin walked for part of it and had fun talking to people and being a goofy kid inside the mall on a rainy Saturday morning.

We hope that everyone has a great weekend!

posted by Devin's Mom 9:00 AM

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

 

Another Taper

We finished the cellcept taper a few weeks ago, now we are about to begin the prenisdone taper. Devin was taking 5 mg every other day, now he will be taking 2.5 mg every other day.

While we were in the clinic, Miss Kelly, who was doing his blood work, mentioned that Devin was featured in the Nashville paper today. I looked online and sure enough, there it is. This is basically a rehash of the article that was in our local paper yesterday but still worth a look since the picture is a bit clearer.

Boy who has battled leukemia honored for Make-A-Wish event

We saw Dr. Frangoul today and Devin is doing very well. I think we had a record short visit, I wish all of our visits were so quick and stress free. I would love to see that everytime because that means nothing is going on.

Devin was actually disappointed that the appointment was so short since we were put in a room that had a Nintendo in it. He wanted to stay and play the game. We got out so quickly that Devin even made it back to school before lunch.

I added a few links over on the left side. They are other young people we know or know of who are battling various life threatening conditions. Barrett is a 1 yr old who lives in town with us. Connor, we have met in clinic and seen him around the hospital. Joshua and Devin were buddies in the hospital and exchanged notes through the nurses. Ryan is a tough little guy who lives near us. Justin we have never met but know of him through Joshua. Levi is a baby who I know of through an online community. All of the people I listed are so incredibly brave and awesome. I know you will be impressed with them as well, if you want to go read their pages.

I also added an email notification option. If you type in your email address, when I update this site, you will get an email to let you know that.

Devin's next appointment is in mid September so remember, no news is always good news!

posted by Devin's Mom 11:48 PM

Monday, August 23, 2004

 

The Media Star

Here is a link to a story that ran today in our local paper. The local tv station also interviewed Devin and a short segment ran this evening.

Disney World Wish Comes True for Boy with Leukemia

We have an appointment tomorrow morning so look for an update in the evening...assuming I get to it :)

posted by Devin's Mom 9:47 PM

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

 

No news, just a picture

Since Greg is currently deployed, the older kids like to sleep in the master bedroom and we take turns. Last night was Devin's turn and when I went in to look at him, Kierynn had crawled out of her bed to go snuggle with her older brother. I managed to get this picture and the flash didn't wake either of my sleeping beauties up.

posted by Devin's Mom 8:55 PM

Thursday, August 12, 2004

 

Reaction!

After our last clinic visit, we got the call that Devin was due to get IVIG once more. It had been some time since he got it but he needed it. When we scheduled it, I asked about premedicating him since he normally is premedicated before blood products. Technically, IVIG is a blood product but most kids don't have any reaction to it.

We got down there and into a room with a TV. Devin got set up with his gameboy, a video and I took Iain and Kierynn to the Girl Scout Store to pick up stuff. Devin was going to be there for a few hours and was not too interested in going to the Girl Scout Store anyway.

When any medication is given through the IV, it is usually begun at a slower rate to check for a reaction before it is turned up to full speed. Even going full speed, it takes time for the medication to go. We had about 5 minutes left when Devin complained that his forehead itched. I asked if that was the only place that was, he said yes and after looking him over, I concluded that it was just a forehead itch.

The IVIG finished, Miss Kelly removed his IV and we were free to go. Since I was rounding up shoes, games, kids and Devin was going through a basket of chips to bring a bag along, it was about 10 minutes after the IV was removed before we were finally ready to go.

As we were walking out the clinic doors, Devin was in front of me and I noticed he was scratching like a monkey. His back was to me and I asked him to come over to me so I could check for a reaction. As soon as he turned around, I could tell that he most certainly was having a reaction. The area around his eyes was bright red and there was a section around his mouth that was a bright red. His stomach and back were covered in hives. I let the nurse know, we got him into a room where an IV was put back in his other arm so he could be shot up with some benadryl.

Just a few minutes after getting a benadryl shot, the redness started to recede from him and the hives started to go away. We waited about 30 minutes to be sure and then we got to leave.

Add IVIG to his list of medications to premedicate before getting! Our next clinic visit is on the 24th of August. Remember, no news is always good news. Thanks for reading along!

posted by Devin's Mom 5:39 PM

Tuesday, August 10, 2004

 

School Starts!

School began today! It was only a half day though. Devin got to ride the bus to school and made his way down to the second grade hallway. He and Kaitlyn are in different classes this year but still across the hall from one another.

When he arrived back home, Devin reported that school was "okay" and that his teacher, Mrs. Faulk, seemed "nice".

posted by Devin's Mom 10:37 PM