More questions than answers…

Published on January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 by beatingcowdens4 Comments

I haven’t written regularly and it is wearing on me. I keep putting things in front, waiting to be ready, to be finished so I can focus. Except life is really busy. And it keeps getting busier. So, while I’m really dating myself…

While I will never ever possess even a fraction of Ferris Bueller’s 1980s spontaneity, I am constantly working on this reminder. I’m a work in progress.

Today we stopped. We sat together. We watched a movie. We enjoyed each other. It was fun. I need to remember to do it more often.

I find myself struggling to keep the story together, while respecting the privacy (she does preread every post before they publish) of my teenager, and maintaining the authenticity of this journey we are on together.

I always try to be positive, and to put a positive spin on everything. It’s how I cope. It’s how I press on. But, it is the same reason it’s been so hard to write.

The cold hard reality is that even when we are conscious of our many blessings, sometimes having a rare disease, THIS rare disease, really just sucks. And, as much as you work to not have it define you, it becomes so intertwined with who you are, that it can become difficult to tease the two apart. In the 6 years since our diagnoses she’s, gone from 3rd to 9th grade. Those are some pretty formative years.

The struggle to stand apart from the disease that takes so much of your time and energy is real. As a teen the level of self-awareness is naturally high. The fear of judgment is one we can all remember. The desire to stand alone, stand apart, and fit in, while not compromising yourself is one I remember as if it were yesterday.

My girl is strong. She is physically strong, as she recovers from countless surgeries, and fights her way back into the pool time and time again. She endures physical therapy. She navigates countless flights of stairs, and is constantly challenging herself to do more.

She is mentally strong. She has a work ethic that is impressive, and grades to back it up. She reads. She questions. She thinks.

She is morally strong. She has ethics that often impress me, and she will not step away from who she is, even for a moment.

She is emotionally strong. She refuses to stay down, no matter what life tosses at her. She handles stress, disappointment, and struggle, with a poise many adults I know are lacking.

She is strong. I know she is strong. Anyone lucky enough to meet her knows she is strong.

She also suffers with PTSD, and severe anxiety.

I see no conflict between her being strong, and suffering.

I watch the age of diagnosis for PTEN mutations getting younger. I see in this blessing and curse. It is a wonderful thing to have the mechanism by which we can survey and protect. It is also a difficult thing for an intelligent child to have to shoulder.

Clearly, her PTSD is PTEN related. There are only so many surgeries, hospital stays, IVs, blood draws, MRIs and other medical dramas one can face before memories are haunting.

The anxiety- we’re working on it.

I have some theories. And I will press until every one of them is shot down, or validated. Her history indicates that she has always had some metabolic issues. Some were first addressed by an alternative medicine doctor beginning when she was 2. I watched things resolve that I thought could never get better.

When her thyroid was removed in 5th grade, just shy of 4 years ago. I knew then it was not a good time. I also knew it was not our choice, as the recent biopsy result with 19 nodules, 5 of them suspicious for malignancy, prompted the endocrinologist at the major cancer center to force the total removal.

Fortunately, it was a benign thyroid. However, that thyroid, no longer in her, now needed to be replaced synthetically.

I was 20 when I lost half of my thyroid. That was hard. This, well, it was just unimaginable. Because, anyone who understates the importance of the thyroid for every single function in the body, in my opinion is under-informed. The endocrinologists are trained to look for one number on a piece of paper and make every decision based off of that number. Except, we are people. We are individuals. We are not numbers.

It took just shy of 2 years before even that number, the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone – which by definition should not IMO be the “go to” number in someone with NO thyroid to stimulate) stabilized. It also required a change of endocrinologists to get one to listen to me practically scream that her body was not converting the synthetic T4 to T3. I may not have been a good chemistry student, and I may not fully understand WHY she does not process synthetic anything very well, but I confidently know it to be true. This new endocrinologist was willing to give a low dose of T3 a try alongside the T4. Finally the “magic” number stabilized.

Looking back I believe I was lulled into a false sense of security.

There was so much going on those years. Middle school is tough for every student. Factor in 7 surgeries in 3 years and its easy to see where things got complicated.

Looking back again, maybe I should have seen or thought… but there really was no time.

Excessive menstrual bleeding – nonstop for months, led us to an adolescent gynecologist. That led us to a pelvic ultrasound, which subsequently led to a finding of “abnormally thickened uterine lining.” The D&C pathology showed cellular irregularities, highly unlikely in her then 12 year old body. But, we live as the “highly unlikely.”

Even as we were nudged towards hormones, I should have seen. But, it’s easier to see in reverse.

The need for hormones to thin the uterine lining was non-negotiable I was told. The IUD was an unacceptable solution to both of us. So, she was given progesterone.

The medication is pure evil, I am convinced. She handed me the pill bottle one morning and told me to get rid of it. She was done with it. I shudder at what could have become of things if she did not possess the inner strength I spoke of earlier. Her level of self-awareness is eerie at times. I am grateful.

So, we went a while with nothing. And the body began to act up again. This summer we agreed to try a birth control pill. And, still, several changes later, things are not where they should be.

Most doctors want to make all sorts of sweeping generalizations. They want to put everyone in a neat box. Life is messy. Rare disease life is RARE by definition. When you are 1 in 250,000 you just don’t fit in the box.

I first noticed the anxiety increasing in middle school.

“Middle school is hard for everyone…”

The PTSD diagnosis finally came in May of this year. But, I knew even then it wasn’t the whole picture.

This summer we almost cancelled Disney. The pain from her periods had become intolerable, totally crippling her. I called the gynecologist in desperation. She was glad to hear me finally agree to the birth control pill. I was desperate and hesitant, the progesterone nightmare was not lost on me. It was the classic “rock and a hard place” story.

High School started out a little tumultuous. The school she thought she’d attend underwent major changes over the summer. She ended up relocating a few days into the school year. But, she loves the new school. The kids are nice. She has more good teachers this semester than in 3 years of middle school. The high school swim team was strong. So why was the anxiety quickly melting into full scale panic attacks?

She works so hard to keep it all together. She tries to keep it hidden. She is so aware.

The panic settled back into general anxiety, but that anxiety spread to just about everything.

In December I adjusted my work day through FMLA to be able to pick her up at the end of every school day. We spent a lot of time working through so much.

And somewhere in the middle of working through all of this, as people were so quick to offer medication for anxiety, I had some thoughts.

Why had the gynecologist and the endocrinologist NEVER spoken about interactions between their respective medications when both were prescribing hormones?

Simply because her lab tests for thyroid function remain in the laboratory range, there was never a question. No one noticed this actual human being in front of me is struggling.

Why are we so quick to write off the unusual as impossible?

Why won’t we try anything to keep a bright, articulate, in touch 14 year old OFF as many medications as possible?

What if her T4 to T3 conversion, which was always a problem, was masked and not solved by adding a synthetic T3? What if this anxiety has been building for all these years, and exploded at the insult of additional, yet necessary synthetic hormones? What if the answer is harder than adding more medication? What if it will take research, theories, and some “out of the box” thinking?

How do I convince them she’s worth it?

While my PTEN Facebook friends are sending me article links, I am composing my thoughts before writing a more organized, clinical version of these questions to her doctors.

All of this while seemingly insignificant head congestion is cramping her style. I am not sure exactly where it fits in.

The ENT ordered an MRI of the brain to check the sinuses. Turns out the sinuses are clear. Except there was an incidental finding of a brain lesion 9.5mm of undetermined significance. The new neurologist is confident its not a problem, but we’ll have a follow up MRI on February 20th.

In the mean time – no one will touch the congestion other than to tell her it’s “anxiety.”

She deserves better.

So, we will press on.

One year ends and another begins. We’ve grown, we’ve learned, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried. Yet still there are more questions than answers.

I have a feeling that’s pretty much how it will be.

This is life

#beatingcowdens

“Hey, I follow you on Facebook…”

Published on April 29, 2016 by beatingcowdens1 Comment

There we were in the back of DSW looking for a pair (or two for accuracy sake) to fit the feet of my girl for “Aunt Em” in her school’s performance of “The Wizard of Oz” next week, and a woman approached us. She was happy, and friendly, and it seemed excited to see us. Meghan and I had never seen her before in our lives. But, she seemed to know an awful lot about us.

“Hey, I follow you on Facebook!. I am amazed by your story. And you guys stay so positive all the time. Such an inspiration!”

I’m not sure either of us knew quite what to do, so we smiled politely and said our thank yous.

Then we looked at each other.

Did someone just recognize us? Like we matter? A complete stranger? Wild.

There are times I write, or we write, and I feel it is simply a therapeutic output into cyberspace. Yet, we receive messages, some from all over the world, confirming our story is getting out there. We know all about digital footprints. But Wednesday, well we finally saw our own – face to face. In the shoe store.

Why do we tell our story? Why do we keep at it through the mundane and the heart-stopping? Meghan says, because the truth needs to be there. When someone looks, they need to find real people like us, getting by, every day.

I guess she’s right. She often is, although I don’t make a practice of TELLING her that…

Spring Break 2016

It sounds almost funny to say it. But, we are ALMOST used to it. See, there ARE no breaks. There just aren’t.

Doctors appointments take time. On average 4 hours roundtrip to Manhattan considering wait time and traffic. I have work. Meghan has school. We miss more than we should of each. Routine appointments are for days off. That’s how it has to be. But, then you add in a flu-like virus from who knows where, and you insert about 3 extra visits to the pediatrician, on top of a cardiologist, just to be safe, well by the time you get to the routine sono of the thyroid bed (where the gland was removed to check for regrowth,) and the dermatologist, and the endocrinologist, and the traffic, and the very fair school project… There is just about enough time to switch a closet or two, wash a few windows, and about HALF the curtains you intended to, while sneaking in one LONG trip to the grocery store.

We spent the early part of the break watching a few movies on Amazon Prime. This is a real treat for Meghan because I am ROTTEN at sitting still.

And somewhere in between “Ferris Beuller” and “Annie” we grabbed a few lessons.

From “It’s a Hard Knock Life…”

“Don’t if feel like the wind is always howling?
Don’t it seem like there’s never any light?
Once a day, don’t you wanna throw the towel in?
It’s easier than puttin’ up a fight..”

Sometimes when I come into the house I love, instead of feeling calm and relaxed, my heart starts to race. I think of the papers, and the phone calls, and the bills, and the scheduling, and the terror of missing something, and the compulsion to keep up with the basics, and I just want to sit on the floor and cry. Sometimes I even do. Sometimes I even get grumpy for a while. Then, usually when no one is watching I’ll grab a dog and rub a belly, or do something silly to try to shake off the enormity of it all.

I remind myself it’s about every little piece. It’s about one day at a time. It’s about counting the days with no headache instead of always the days with knee and hip pain. It’s about looking at the pile, neatening it up. Making a list, and leaving it there to go for a walk. Some days I get it better than others, but I’m a work in progress.

Yesterday, we did well with the pediatrician. He drew some more labs, but feels she’ll be well enough for full activity Monday. The dermatologist, routine Cowden’s Screen, was without incident too.

Today, the new endocrinologist (only our second visit) proved himself to be a wonderful addition to the team I am so desperately trying to form for Meghan. I DREAM of the day I get them all together, assign a captain and let THEM help me. But, for now, he is bright, inquisitive, and willing to toss out the “rules” when he treats Meghan. So the hormone that we had to ditch, the medicine that was out to save the uterus that now has to save itself, well that medicine can mess with T3 Uptake, one of the thyroid hormones. Meghan has a hard time converting T4 (Synthroid) into T3, so we actually supplement with T3. Most doctors have no idea. He said lets raise it and check her in 2 weeks. Works for me. Feeling like a validated human is priceless because this child is so exhausted all the time, it’s just not ok.

He scanned that thyroid sonogram report, reassured us about a renegade “reactive node,” and moved it to the “watch list.”

The next few weeks are set to be a whirlwind. I can only pray her body is up for the task. Lots of good, and happy things on the agenda.

It’s a busy life. I wanted to see some people this week. I wanted to reconnect with at least one friend. I know they are out there. And yet again, the week didn’t allow me any advance planning. Can’t expect people to wait around for me. So my music and my computer keep me company, with the laundry and the dishwasher, while Felix and Meghan celebrate at a Sweet 16. It’s good for them to get out together sometimes too.

#Beatingcowdens

requires focus, stamina, and its own brand of mental toughness.

We’ve got this.

It’s Complicated…

Published on December 22, 2015December 22, 2015 by beatingcowdens2 Comments

I just ended a 30 minute conversation with Meghan’s adolescent gynecologist. The fact that she spends 30 minutes on the phone with me speaks to a rare spark of passion for her field, and a genuine desire to help. These are things we clutch because they are uncommon, and, when they come at all, they are fleeting.

The long and the short of the pathology, which arrived earlier than planned, was that there was no malignant finding. Yes, you read that right. No malignant finding. (Insert Happy Dance here…)

And the gratitude for the prayers and positive energy was lifted up. We truly are always aware of the potential alternatives, regardless of our situation.

But, as is always the case with Meghan, I encourage you to keep reading. Nothing is ever really simple. And, as the years go by it seems to get progressively more complicated.

While in fact there was no malignant finding, there was not a purely benign pathology either. She had “the best type of hyperplasia you’d want to find.”

Except when pressed, the gynecologist admitted that there is no type of hyperplasia that you’d ever want to find in a 12-year-old, and that there should be nothing but normal cells there.

Hmmm. Hyperplasia. Medicine.net says…. “Hyperplasia: An increase in the number of normal cells in a tissue or an organ. Hyperplasia can represent a precancerous condition.” And various other sites say the same. The doctor agreed. The pathology finding was not “normal,” and therefore it must be treated.

See, hyperplasia, specifically endometrial hyperplasia might be detected in women 3-4 times her age. It might even be expected in women 5 or 6 times her age. But, her age is 12. And none of this is ok.

I pushed her about thinking outside the box, and she reminded me that the entire biopsy WAS thinking outside the box. Any other teen would have been treated for months or more on hormones. That could have had epic consequences.

In the short-haul, she gets to heal from an invasive procedure. In the next week more hormones will be introduced to her body in an attempt to keep the hyperplasia at bay, and most importantly to keep it from progressing. But, hormones, although commonly used to regulate bleeding, require special care in the case of a young lady with no thyroid, a difficult time balancing the endocrine hormones, an extremely elevated risk of uterine and breast cancer, thanks to the PTEN mutation, AND TWO first degree relatives, with estrogen fed breast cancer.

For now, she keeps her uterus. And we hold our breath. We hope that over the next few months things will start to calm down. And some time in the next 6 months the invasive biopsy will be repeated over again to make sure the hyperplasia is gone or behaving itself.

To Meghan this mimics the process that took place at the beginning of the end of thyroid removal. We had about 3 years of progressive biopsies before they decided to pull the plug and take it out. She knows, and agrees, that we will all fight longer and harder for her uterus. For so many reasons. But the similarities can’t be overlooked. Nor can the distressing notion that another body part is misbehaving.

When we were diagnosed in 2011 we were told there would be screenings and monitoring. We even figured on a few doctors every 6 months. At one point we dreamed of getting them all into a week in August and a week in February and living a somewhat normal life the rest of the year.

Instead, in Meghan’s life alone there have been 5 surgical procedures in the last 13 months. Digest that for a minute, because it’s hard to keep track of.

Currently we are monitoring her thyroid levels through blood every 6-8 weeks, visits twice a year, and annual ultrasound to monitor potential regrowth.

We are monitoring her knee where the AVM resides, through twice a year visits to the interventional radiologist and twice a year visits to the orthopedist. There is an annual MRI. And two of those procedures in the last 13 months have been for the knee. Add in surgical follow-up visits, and Physical Therapy.

The dermatologist needs to see her twice a year. Not because anything has been found on her, but because in addition to me passing the PTEN gene to her, apparently her father and I BOTH have Dysplastic Nevus, a “precancerous” condition where moles have a tendency to become malignant. Couple that with the almost 10 % melanoma risk Cowden’s patients carry, and in addition to the sunscreen, there are necessary scannings.

There is the gastroenterologist, who became necessary almost two years ago when the use of Celebrex to control the knee AVM started to rot out the GI tract.

And the ENT who was added so he could monitor the larynx to avoid unnecessary endoscopy but gauge improvement from the scary state she was in in May of 2014.

Oh, and the doctor who prescribes the digestive enzymes because they work, and no one else will.

And the pediatrician who doesn’t like to go more than 3 weeks without examining Meghan, who also keeps her on Acyclovir, prophylactically for chronic HSV that recurs on her face.

And, don’t forget the hand surgeon, who we love, (who doesn’t have a hand surgeon on the team?) who has twice in 3 years removed vascular lesions, one from each palm. And those surgical follow ups.

Nothing is neat and clean. Nothing is contained. Nothing ever fit into those 2 weeks we once dreamed about. This disease has projectile vomited all over our lives. And it’s everywhere. And it’s messy and gross, and we just want to take a hot shower and move on.

Because we haven’t even discussed fitting in MY appointments…

And a full-time job….

And an honor student….

Who is a swimmer….

And a theater buff….

And a community activist in the making…

All after work, and school, into the city, in traffic, and expensive parking lots, in hopes of getting back local in time for practice.

Last week I told Meghan over the Christmas Vacation we would need to see her gyn, and do her knee MRI, and my abdominal sonogram. She was less than impressed. The general sentiment is that we don’t get vacations, we get days off from school to go to the doctor. I can’t argue.

The physical, mental, and social ramifications of this under-funded, “orphan disease” are having a profound effect on the life of my girl, and her mom and dad too.

That is one of the main reasons we work so hard to raise funds and awareness. Maybe one day…

So tonight, we are grateful. We are on our knees in gratitude, for the prayers that were lifted on her behalf. We are thrilled to hear the words, “It’s not malignant,” but we are painfully aware the journey of monitoring another body part has just begun.

So if we are not shouting from the rooftops, please don’t think us ungrateful. We are not. We are relieved. We took our first deep breath in weeks. But, we did ask Santa for some new body armor, polished and ready for the new challenges PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome, (Cowden’s Syndrome) are actively placing in our way.

We ask that you continue your prayers, and continue to educate yourself about genetic cancers, orphan diseases and people like us, left to be our own advocates, in a world that isn’t overly concerned with how our story shakes out.

While we are in transit, to and from a lot of places we’d rather not be, we talk a lot. Most of it is complicated. But some of it, is quite simply about how a 12-year-old with a vision is going to change the world.

Come join us on FEBRUARY 21st as we try to draw attention to Rare and Genetic Diseases! Beating Cowden’s Fundraiser LINK – PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Time with "BOB" our favorite entertainer... — Time with “BOB” our favorite entertainer…

“Dear whatever doesn’t kill me, I’m strong enough now. Thanks.”

Published on May 24, 2014May 24, 2014 by beatingcowdens4 Comments

I needed today. For so many reasons.

Even thought Meghan had 2 appointments today – 11:15 and 12 – it was a good day.

We all slept. Late. All three of us. I mean 10:00. A good sign that we – all three- are shot.

I mean, not a whole lot changed from yesterday, in that it took a full 10 minutes before Meghan’s pain subsided enough for her to walk. And she was sensitive to the touch, so it was even hard to rub her. But everything is a little better at 10 AM.

And there was the Isagenix shake – blessed by her GI doctor, back in the mix made with blueberry and coconut milk – that went down smoothly as she took the new regimen of pills. I finally have a doctor who understands quality nutrition, and who “gets” that you can be sensitive to one type of milk protein and not another.

And after the appointments, even though I got the frustrating news that the “it’s broken, it’s fixed, it’s broken, it’s fixed” 1996 Saturn has likely advanced to “deal with it – it’s done” status, it was still OK.

Because we got home, and then Felix made lunch. I stayed home with Meghan and her “better but not gone” stomach pain.

After that he took the working car to get the wood for the deck railing that has completely rotted out.

No one can really explain that – but we are kind of used to it.

The deck – pressure treated wood – was put together between 2000 and 2004. By all accounts it is falling apart. And its not from faulty construction. The base is solid. The center is stable. But the galvanized screws are literally wasting away – and the wood, especially the rails, is rotting. Maybe it’s too much sun. Maybe it’s a stain product we used early in its life. It really doesn’t matter. It’s done and has to go on the budget list for a full replacement in the near future. But for now we patch.

Triage.

The bay window wins. Installed in November of 2000 – on my birthday to be exact- the lower left corner of the center window has rotted out completely. The entire window – hole in the house and all – needs to be replaced.

So while Felix was getting the wood, he priced the window Tonight we have to do some comparison work. Then the order has to go in.

But this afternoon I sat still. For a few hours. And I really, really, really liked it.

It’s easy to feel guilty. That there are things that need doing. There are people who could use our help. And there are people who need to be visited. And there are phone calls that need to be made. But, last week my Mom told me if I didn’t take some time for myself I might lose my mind. She’s right. Although I could say the same to her, and most people I know. It’s hard for any of us to just stop and sit still.

I haven’t written since Monday. The arrogance I encountered that day kept me stewing for most of the week. And… I don’t think I’m over it yet. But I wanted to pull my thoughts together and go at it with a clear head. But if I keep waiting for a clear head I may have to stop writing forever. Because the pain my child endures – regularly- is horrendous and worsening.

If the purpose of this blog is to create a chronology of our experience with Cowden’s Syndrome – then it all has to be shared. The good, the bad, and the arrogant.

A friend who endures more than her share of struggles with her children placed this on my wall this week. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud.

Tuesday I called the surgeon’s office after school to inquire about the sonogram. He spoke to me – to tell me that there is absolutely nothing wrong with her neck.

Insert sigh of relief here, right?

So I said thank you, and requested a copy of the report. It was to be emailed to me within 10 minutes.

And while I was processing the conversation I had with the surgeon, I was contemplating what I would see on the report. You see, the local sonogram bothered the surgeon. So when we went to have it done I watched the screen like the hawk I am. I watched every measurement, every angle for 30 minutes. I SAW the exact dimensions from the local sonogram recorded. And yet the report was the most incomplete one I have ever seen. It simply said “normal” several times. It was contained on one sheet of paper, unlike the three I had become used to.

I wanted to be relieved so badly. I wanted to take a breath and say “whew!”

But I feel the lump in her neck. And she feels it.

What I needed was a doctor to say, “It’s there and it’s fine.” THAT would have been OK. THAT would have settled me down. But, to say it’s NOT there…. THAT leaves me with a whole other set of unsettled nerves.

And then the phone rang. Again. And it was the surgeon’s office. His secretary told me we needed to go back for a follow up. I was stunned. And perplexed.

Why a follow up? He just told me everything was fine!

The doctor just wants to see her one more time before the summer.

This from the same surgeon who three visits ago NEVER wanted to see us again.

So I set the appointment for June 16th. And I wondered really what I am supposed to think.

So I got the number for medical records and I got a CD of that exam placed on CD.

I’ll bring the CD with us for the endocrine consult at ANOTHER hospital on June 12th.

And this isn’t even the pressing problem right now. Or at least we don’t think so.

The next set of thyroid labs are going to be next week. We need to see if this new dose is making ANY difference in her thyroid hormone. If it is, well great. And if it isn’t… someone needs to start figuring out what’s going on.

There is pain. All the time. Terrible pain. Worse when she wakes up. And, when she tries to walk, up the stairs. Or down. Or if she tries to lift something. Or bend to pet the dogs. Or run. She made it through 18 minutes of swim practice on Weds. Then I had to help her get dressed.

The pain varies in intensity. But it doesn’t leave. And she is frustrated. And frightened.

Holding my head in her hands, looking me right in the eye, I received the admonishment a few days ago, “I am telling you I can not do this forever. I can handle this pain a bit longer, but you NEED to help me. I CAN NOT do this forever.”

No pressure.

I get it Meg. I get it. I don’t really get your pain. But I get the urgency. I am all over it. Trust me.

But that kind of pressure will wipe you out.

The GI on Weds. was happy with her progress. The pathology showed cellular changes all through the GI tract. She told us of the spot in the stomach she chose not to biopsy because it bled as the scope passed over it. She gave us the “reflux” diet. She reviewed medication and supplements. She made sure I have an ENT appointment – for June 3rd. She things the upper esophageal damage is caused by a chronic post nasal drip. And maybe “fingers crossed,” that will be the throat clearing too. Because if not there is another diet – with more restrictions on the horizon. But we can’t race. We will see her in the beginning of July. We are clear on the directions. Especially the one that said, “no pain medicine by mouth.” The damage done by 4 years of NSAIDs will take months to reverse. If we are lucky. Her Cowden’s Syndrome cellular overgrowth reacted to the insult by thickening the esophagus at spots, inflaming the stomach and causing a real mess.

That doesn’t leave a whole lot of options.

So from 200mg a day of a strong NSAID to nothing…

I ordered some herbs. Some that have anti inflammatory properties. I have read and researched them and have sold them to her as the best thing since Celebrex. They will be here tomorrow. Let’s all pray I am right.

Some people think she exaggerates, because there are glimmers of smiles. There are times when she laughs. There are people who want her to feel better just because time has passed. Trust me no one wants this more than her parents.

I would not trade her – or a moment of the last almost 11 years, but this constant struggle is wearing on us all. We are isolated. Family and friends alike are often unaware of what to say, or do. We are afraid to eat anywhere other than home, afraid to be too far away in case her stomach hurts, afraid to be away from home for too long because the pain is often too much to bear. We are lucky, fortunate, blessed, to have each other. We are acutely aware of the struggles of so many, and we know we are far from alone when we say we are exhausted.

I needed today. I did random things like taking the 5 gigs of pictures and video off the iPhone. I uploaded them to shutterfly. I combined them with the family photos and I placed the first print order since August of 2012. We are up to August of 2013 now. You see I used to be all over this kind of thing. But life… it gets in the way.

And the nicest part about today was looking at the memories. The smiles. The happy times in those photos. You see today I needed to be reminded…

And that is what today was about.

Because next week there is Field Day, with prayers that there can be mobility by then. And next week there is blood work. And next week there is swim practice, and so many things that we want to go very, very well.

Today, I needed today.

And the body says… SLOW DOWN!

Published on February 23, 2014 by beatingcowdens5 Comments

So it’s almost 2 AM on Sunday. And I have to say, I didn’t see this one coming.

This is the part where I remind people over and over that just because you CAN live without a body part, doesn’t mean your body doesn’t miss it when its gone. I mean we were made in one piece…

So the recovery was going pretty well, but that’s mostly due to her feisty determination.

But there is a point where you look back over the last 9 days and consider a few major things. That point came at about 4, and 5 , and 6 this afternoon as she was violently and quickly vomiting herself into dehydration.

If you consider that there was the stress and worry of HOW we were going to get to the surgery, then the brief pleasant stay at Ronald McDonald House, followed by a 4 hour surgical delay, coupled with a less than smooth hospital stay that had its share of communication issues… you start to get a sense of the stress that has been this February “vacation.”

Sorry we didn't send a post card, but it was a blast ... — Sorry we didn’t send a post card, but it was a blast …

Really it extends way farther back than that… but rather than bore you again with all the back story I’ll stay current.

So on the 13th the thyroid came out. It was a three hour procedure with lots of general anesthesia junk for my pretty organic girl. Then there was the whole removing an actual PART of her body. And then there was the introduction of the synthetic replacement hormone. And there was lots of fidgeting with calcium levels. And there were narcotic pain meds for a few days too to keep the edge off.

And at some point around 4 today her body had had enough.

I love when Meghan vomits and people say, “Is she sick?” And I say “nope.” Rarely, (knock on wood – NOW please) does Meghan get a “stomach virus,” but she’s not a stranger to vomiting. She vomits when her body has had enough.

And today, her stomach hurt. Her knees hurt. Her hips hurt. Today I couldn’t keep the pedialyte in cause it all happened so fast. And, since there’s a first time for everything – we actually had to go to the ER for fluids. Except she’s Meghan. And she’s only a bit over a week post op. And they just wanted to be careful… so she’s asleep in the bed. I am typing away as I won’t even attempt to sleep until after the 3 AM meds.

And after the ER was over and we came up to the floor for a bed – in a place we have spent some time before- we passed by the NICU where she started her life in 2003. While I was reflecting I looked at our nurse and thought she looked a little familiar. Once she told me her name I was incredibly grateful I had been kind to her son when he was in my 5th grade class some (AHEM 13 – or more) years ago. You never know when you’ll need Karma on your side…

And now this poor, lovely nurse was left to contend with my daughter, reading package inserts and discussing medications before they were given. Meghan talks a lot. But I didn’t feel guilty about that part (GRIN.)

So the fluids kicked in and she began to perk up. She had time to share with the doctors and the nurse her denim ribbons, her Cowden’s card, AND her movie for RARE Disease Day. They want us to bring them some ribbons for the floor.

Me, I got my nutrients in my – thank goodness I always stuff a meal bar and an EShot into my bag… ALWAYS. That knocked that pounding headache right out.

She bounces back. Quickly. But sometimes a little too well. I have to watch her. Determination can’t do it all. The body has to help too. And as strong and tough as she is, we all need to be reminded that, well she has this RARE Genetic Disorder called PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome… or Cowden’s Syndrome… and well, even though we may not always want to admit it – that darned syndrome can make life a little extra tricky.

You Can’t Have a Rainbow Without a Little Rain

Published on June 28, 2013June 29, 2013 by beatingcowdens6 Comments

As a young child a can remember hearing stories of rainbows in Sunday School.

This week I needed lots of reminders that I am not alone. God keeps His promises.

Yesterday we saw Endocrinology at MSKCC in NYC. They spent an hour and ten minutes preforming a detailed sonogram of Meghan’s thyroid. She was an angel – calm and patient. I watched the whole thing, uncomfortable with how much I am able to see on an ultrasound now. The things we learn through repetition.

It was obvious to me that the many nodules – well over 10 – are still there. At least three are quite large. I watched as they were measured, and my “numbers” brain frantically tried to recall the stats from December that had led us to January’s biopsy.

We spent an hour waiting on the ninth floor, the pediatric cancer unit. And as I have said before, and I will say again, if you ever need to count your blessings, I mean truly count them, I strongly suggest you swing by there.

Meghan played on her iPad as I watched. Chemo pumps beeping. Children from 2 to 20, some seasoned veterans, some terrified newcomers, attached as the poison to kill the evil cells drips into their body. Some sleeping, some resting, some running. And their parents. Dark eyes. Worry. Terror. Fake smiles. Bitten up coffee cups. “Count your many blessings count them one by one…”

“Mom, I am not scared of thyroid cancer. I am only scared if they don’t catch it early enough.” I knew what she meant. She went back to playing.

In the doctor’s office there was a moment for us to be relieved, kind of. The nodules are slightly larger, but are growing slowly. They are still in that same “precancerous” state, but we are not in imminent danger. No biopsy right now. We get at least another 6 months out of the thyroid.

Then there were the other conversations. The ones about hormone levels that won’t regulate on lab work. The MRI that showed a pituitary “diminutive in size.” The inconsistencies of these tests with her current development. The statement from the endocrinologist that this lab test (having already been repeated 4 times,) “defies human physiology.”

Yeah, and…

So he drew the labs again. This time at “his” lab. And a thyroid panel, and a few other things.

He’ll call me Monday. Then I will find out more about “human physiology.”

At swim practice last night I met a mom. She has an only child too, just about Meghan’s age. And she is BRCA positive. So, after a day of doctors, somehow we were placed in each other’s path last night. And, I had conversations with a virtual stranger that I probably haven’t had with some of my closest friends. There are no coincidences. Of this I am sure.

And this morning – barely able to move from stress and fatigue, salivating for a day of “vacation,” we dragged ourselves out of bed again.

I packed the bags – always bringing lunch and a few snacks, and we headed out – a little later than I wanted. As I crossed the bridge I had the sinking feeling that I didn’t have my wallet. Back across the bridge. Back home. Back out. An accident on the FDR assured me that I couldn’t use the $14 parking coupon I had printed. Into the $42 lot we went. We made it into the office at 10:03.

The vascular surgeon is uptown. He has been inside of Meghan’s knee 4 times, so he knows her well. This time we had less overall pain to report. But, of course he never felt the pain was connected to the AVM anyway. So I recounted tales from her PT evaluator, and her swim instructor about how difficult it is for her to run without limping, or to push off to start a race from the block I had his attention. The legs have different girth. The left is undoubtedly stronger then the right, having been spared the AVM. Do you take her for PT he asked? Um… constantly.

Fortunately we love Dr. Jill!

We took her out of soccer and dance and put her in swimming. There isn’t much else we can do.

Oh, and could you look at her wrist? The one she hurt at the school carnival almost 4 weeks ago. She was victorious at her quest to climb the rock wall. Stubborn, competitive child. But has paid the price since.

For a few days I told her to suck it up. I admit it. But it kept going. Knowing Meghan as I do, she will keep me abreast of every pain – but the SECOND it stops, its like it never happened. This one wasn’t quitting. Dr. Jill helped us. We tried a brace. Then another one. Then no brace. No better.

So as I watched the doctor manipulate her wrist I couldn’t help but remember my frustration the day after the carnival, when all of her friends walked around unscathed, and she suffered terribly with pain all over. I remember thinking how cruel it was that she had to make a conscious decision to suffer in agony the next day – if she wanted to keep up with her friends.

He examined it for what seemed like forever. Then he asked me who my orthopedist was. I laughed out loud. The one subspecialty we have NOT found – is pediatric orthopedics. So he asked if she had a rheumatologist. I said we were headed there July 9th. He said try to move it up, and call him after I saw her. She needs and MRI of that wrist.

“I don’t think it’s vascular…” And after that we will get one of the knee – just to be safe.

There went two more days off the summer calendar.

40 blocks away was the geneticist. He is the one we credit with saving my life. And I credit the angels with placing him in our path two years ago.

We spoke at length. He has more questions. More research. He has a theory. He will call me. He will send me the articles. The conversation lasted an hour. He is brilliant.

She hugged him and told him she wants to be a geneticist. We have a friend for life.

The people training on the new teacher evaluation system in NYC frequently declare “This is going to create more questions than answers.” I don’t know why I find the system to be perplexing. I should be used to it by now.

It rained tonight. Thundershowers. They have been happening a lot lately. Maybe I need a lot of reminding. The rainbows are there. The promise remains. Nothing happens by accident. God’s timing is perfect.

Bookends

Published on August 31, 2012 by beatingcowdens1 Comment

So my little girl took some of the influence of her Dad and has taken a liking to comic books. She has been reading them on her Ipad, and although I might not admit it to either one of them, I kind of like the idea. I like Superheroes, and their “Good beats evil” message. I know it doesn’t always work out that way, but she is 9…

I sat in the MRI room with Meghan tonight – again. And even though it is a wonder I could think of anything over the banging of the machine, and the remnants of this migraine I have been fighting for days, I kept thinking of bookends.

Yep, bookends. See, back in June, on the first day after school was out for the summer we went for an MRI of her knee. It was a Thursday, the Thursday before July 4th. So, how ironic I thought, when earlier I was sitting in another MRI, this one of her brain, on the Thursday before Labor Day.

Bookends. Our summer ends the way it began, waiting for test results. Although I am starting to get the feeling that this testing and waiting will transcend all seasons. I will just notice it more in the summer – the season where I have one full time job (Mom to Meghan,) rather than two (Mom to Meghan AND teacher.)

And I am reminded of the image of the dog digging up the street that Meghan found for me a few weeks ago. This is what we do.

We do not accept anything less than an answer that makes Mommy comfortable. When the doctors tell me that puberty is just starting earlier these days, I buy it – to a point. When they tell me to consider all the hormones in the milk, and the chicken, I raise an eyebrow. My girl who has been dairy free since she was 15 months old, and has almost never consumed a piece of nonorganic chicken, who is at or below the weight for her height, and who has a mom who went through puberty LATE, should be one of the early ones… I just don’t buy it. So when the hormone tests don’t match, and I get doctors refusing to answer me, I push harder. That is what the MRI was today. My fault. I needed to have them rule out a pituitary tumor. We have Cowden’s Syndrome. We grow things. Someone should check. Just sayin… Then, when the results are clean in a few days I will breathe deeply and accept that this just IS.

And the recurrent strep… well lo and behold, the ENT said there is regrowth of the tonsil tissue. He wants to see her the next time she has strep. He shouldn’t have to wait too long. He also told me the right lobe of her thyroid was quite enlarged.

So we wait for the thyroid panel, and wonder if it has changed drastically. And, we think of those nodules on her thyroid and the doctor who told me they will turn… not if – but when.

Bookends.

We started the summer at the doctor. We spent most of the summer at the doctor. Scan this, check that. It will never happen like this again if I can control it, but it was necessary this time.

And in between the bookends of MRIs, we fit in some fun stuff. There were some great play dates. a day trip to the beach, some swims in the pool. a FABULOUS trip to Disney, a week of Vacation Bible School – (although not our “favorite”one.) There were some lazy days, and lots of just being together time. We can get a lot of talking in on all those trips to the doctor.

I guess the summer wasn’t a total loss, and yet still somehow I feel sad. Cheated. I stress at the thought of the scheduling complications being back at work brings. Holding up the appointments of a regular kid (eyes, orthodontist, swim class, PT, dance…) is tough enough. Complicate it with Cowden’s x2 and it gets hairy.

Maybe I feel like this every summer. Maybe I just love my girl too much. Time marches on. School next week ready or not!

Motherly Worries

Published on May 21, 2012 by beatingcowdensLeave a comment

Her bloodwork was Saturday – the bloodowork to check the hormone levels. Wednesday I will take her for a pelvic sonogram. They are still trying to figure out who will do the breast sonogram. Everyone is afraid. No one knows what they are looking for. Major NYC hospital, and everyone is afraid. It doesn’t instill confidence. When you have a rare disease, no one knows quite what to make of the realities that we face. But this is my girl and I will not put my head in the sand. Someone will do it.

She danced this weekend. It was her second recital. She will not dance on Broadway, but to her proud parents her smile was worth a million bucks. Her ability to move – courtesy of PT and Celebrex, and her award winning smile. For a few minutes on that stage, she was just like everyone else. Sometimes its nice to be “normal.”

In a few minutes I will call to schedule the next MRI/MRA of the knee to check on the “leak” from the femoral artery causing her AVM. We will do that the last week in June, just in case she needs more surgery, there will be time in July.

Of course all that depends on the hope that our June 14th appointment to check on the thyroid nodules is uneventful. “They are precancerous. They will turn. We just don’t know when…” At some point she will lose her thyroid to cancer. And we can only wait.

Sometimes its good to be home. To recover from surgery. To make some phone calls. Sometimes it just lets the worry fester. I can accept that I have this damn disease… but why did it have to mess with my girl? As a new internet friend eloquently said – eff you Cowden’s!