Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Chat with Kinson

Kinson has zero filter when it comes to speaking his mind.  And lately, we haven't been able to keep a straight face when we are talking to him!  Kinson has been seeing a therapist (long story for another time) for the last few months and he has really enjoyed 1 whole hour of non-stop talking and attention each session.  I get to sit in there and listen as they "talk" while they are playing, this gives me an opportunity to learn how to facilitate some modifications and coping skills she is assisting us learn.  Kinson is very comfortable with her and again, speaks whatever comes to his mind.  Here are a few sneaks:

Mrs. L:  Kinson, when we get mad or frustrated we don't need to kick and scream and throw a fit.  We need to use our words
Kinson:  I know, I know.  You mean like say sh*t!!

Kinson was grabbing himself a few times throughout the session.
Mrs L:  Kinson, do you need go to the restroom?
Kinson:  No, my papa says its ok to grab my pee-pee and move it around.  Sometimes you just got to do it to make it feel better.

Mrs. L:  Sometimes we need to try and be brave.
Kinson:  What's brave mean?
Mrs. L:  Braves means doing something even though you are scared to do it.
Kinson:  Oh, you mean like last night when I was afraid to draw on the bar stool with the sharpie because I was afraid I would get in trouble, but I did it anyway!  That was me being brave!!


Here is just another little funny!  Kinson photo bombed Cohen's dance pics :)  

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Praises



These are the sweet faces sending me encouragement Wednesday during my long day of tests.  The tests weren't that bad but it was a long day of no food or caffeine and that led to grumpiness and headaches.  We got to meet with Dr Fayad on Thursday for the results.  We got to speak with a intern first who explained what has been going on better than we had been in the past.  Basically, they were able to cut my tiny little lymphnode into 100 sections to make slides.  In those slides, there was 1 lymphoma cell.  Yes, just 1!!  He went on to explain that this is not the typical way that malignant cells present, cancer cells are usually found in pairs.  So this in itself is an anomaly and the reason for the "in situ" part of the diagnosis.  And again, this was only 1 lymphnode so this might not be the actual case in all the rest of them.  But The good news is that in the last 4 months, my reactive lymphnodes were still there but SMALLER!!  At this point, there isn't a lymphnode that is available to biopsy-- no surgery next month!!  Dr Fayad is comfortable with me being seen at UMC every few months with a scan in 6 months that he will review and unless something comes up, not returning to Houston for a year.  So many prayers have been answered and although nothing is resolved, our situation has gotten so much more better and tolerable.  
We are so excited by this news.  I still meet with my drs at UMC next week for their opinions and if they agree with his plan.  I know it is still the "watch and wait" protocol and at first I was apprehensive about waiting so long but I am becoming more at ease with this approach.  It couldn't have come at a better time.  I finally feel like we can plan ahead for the summer.  I have been saving all my PTO hours for dr appointments and possible surgeries.  I will be so excited to have a day off that involves some fun!!  I know that so many have been praying for us and I truly feel them all.  God has blessed me in so many ways and shown Himself to us constantly throughout this.  There have been many hard moments but honestly I can count a few more good moments that might not have otherwise happened.  I am meeting with Dr Ahmad Monday and Dr Elkins the following Monday an will be sure to keep everyone up to date :)