Tuesday, May 31, 2005

 

Bike Rider!

For those of you who have been following Devin for some time, you may recall that following his transplant in 2003, he rode a bicycle for physical therapy (both at the hospital and here at home). He did not like it one little bit and has not voluntarily been on a bicycle since then.

Every now and again, I ask him if he would like to learn to ride a bike. He has always immediately stated he hates riding a bike and has zero interest in riding one or getting one.

Thursday, he came home and announced his friend, Connor, gave him his old bike since Devin didn't have one. This is a teeny bike, more suited to Iain than to Devin. It is way too small for Devin but he was determined to learn to ride it. Greg tried to help him but after one attempt, Devin politely told Greg to take a hike and he would learn on his own.

We got Devin a bike that actually fits him but he wanted to keep using the smaller bike. He really could not get going because it was just too small. I convinced him to ride the larger bike and he finally did. (He was spurred on by Kaitlyn, who also could not ride a bike but decided if Devin was trying, she would too. Kaitlyn was riding unaided within an hour).

He is still not totally confident on the bike and has aniexty over turning unless he has a very clear area but he is riding his bike! He can go from a stop to riding, he can ride down our driveway and he has been riding up and down the street. We have a slight incline right in front of our driveway and he is able to make it up there without stopping too.

He basically taught himself too. He asked Greg to stay away and he would just push himself along and try to pedal. Way to go Devin! I will have to get some pictures of him riding his bike.

Saturday, Devin spent a few hours with the Cub Scouts putting flags on the graves of veteran's. I will post a few pictures from in the next few days.

posted by Devin's Mom 10:37 PM

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

 

No More Meds!

Devin had his routine, monthly appointment today. He weighs almost 60 lbs...wow! Dr. Frangoul is very pleased with how good Devin looks. After looking at how long it has been since Devin was taken off his prograf, he said we could drop the remainder of Devin's meds. This will be the first time in over 2 years that Devin has not been on any kind of medication.

I didn't realize it but we also had a pulminary function test and an echocardiogram scheduled today. Both tests are fairly quick and we didn't have too long of a wait. I would have brought a book to read if I had known about them though. Devin also had extra blood drawn for his 2 year post transplant labs.

Devin's actual transplant anniversary date is June 9th. We also are able to now go 6 weeks between appointments. Our next appointment will be July 5th.

Next week, I will meet to discuss the evaluation that Devin went through recently. This is a developmental assement to see where Devin stands in his development over where he should be for his age.

Happy Summer!

posted by Devin's Mom 4:53 PM

Saturday, May 21, 2005

 

New Photos

Devin recently cross over from being a Bear Scout to becoming a Webelo Scout. I added two pictures from the ceremony to his photo album over on the left.

School is out for the summer and we are gearing up for various camps. Devin will be going to Camp Horizon for oncology kids, Webelo Resident camp and a Cub Scout Twilight Camp. He also plans to spend a good amount of time in the backyard pool.

We have an appointment on Tuesday so I will be updating again soon.

posted by Devin's Mom 10:01 PM