Ross' Results

We wanted to let you all know that we received Ross' results in the mail today, and they were not exactly what we were expecting. The results were actaully much worse than we had originlly anticipated. There were increased eosinophils present in his small intestines, large intestines, and blood vessels; as well as, his esophagus. The numbers were outstanding in his esophagus at 245 eos/hpf...they should be zero. His doctors have a meeting scheduled for February 5 to discuss his treatment options. At this point, his options are very limited. The three options that we know about at this time are: 1. Formula only for three months (like Abigail) 2. Large doses of inhaled steroids swallowed (indefinately) 3. Biological trail drugs. Please be in prayer that God direct the doctors and us down the right treatment path and that we are prepared to do what needs to be done. Thank you all for the prayer and support you have shown our family. Although this news was difficult to take in we know the Father has mighty things in store for the future!

Updates

Although we do not have an update at this time on Ross' progress, he did make it through his scopes in Cincinnati just fine. We are still waiting on the pathology report and "game plan" for treatment from the doctors. We knew we would have to endure quite the wait because his results have to be read by two different doctors at two different hospitals; but he is beginning to get a little anxious.

Abigail on the other hand, does have results. She still has a few (11 eos/hpf) residual esoinophils. There was some progress from the last scope, so we were instructed to continue formula only for the next six months. At that point we will scope again, and hopefully be able to start food trails.

Day 3...Allergy Results and a Fever

And the whelps begin. If you look closely you will be able to see the whelps form from his skin prick testing.




Here is a list of foods that Ross has tested positive for: milk, wheat, peanut, soy, apple, banana, blueberry, cantaloupe, coconut, lemon, orange, strawberry, watermelon, barley, corn, oat, rice, rye, sesame, sunflower, all tree nuts, all fish, all seafood, green bean, broccoli, carrot, celery, lettuce, onion, pea, tomato, molds, ragweed, grass, trees, weeds, mites, cockroach, and cat. Basically, he is going to be a meat and potatoes kind of guy. It could always be worse. We will have to wait to see what his scopes show tomorrow before the doctors will be able to make a plan of action for his treatment. Poor guy is doing his prep for his upper and lower endoscopy that he will have at 8:00 in the morning. As soon as we have results, we will let everyone know.

Wow! Abigail has grown up so much from the last time we were in this allergy waiting room. What happened to my little baby? She is really beginning to turn into a little girl.


Now for the fever part...Abigail started running a temp. of 101.2 degrees. We are assuming that she has picked up a virus from spending the past three days in and out of doctor's offices. We are praying that she doesn't have the flu! The hospital has a strict visitation policy in place during flu season where children under 12 aren't allowed to visit and all of the "community toys" are locked away, but she still managed to pick up something. I guess we should feel fortunate that this is the first time that she has gotten sick from one of our many visits to the doctor.

Snow, GI Visit, and a Little Fun

Ross' appointment with the GI went well today. Dr. Kushner was very nice and more importantly, he was well educated in EE. He asked a lot of questions about Ross' previous history and prepared us for the scope on Thursday. Tomorrow's appointment with the allergist will be more eventful I'm sure. That appointment will be at 11:30 am.

On another note, it snowed here a little today. Unlike Arkansas, they know how to treat and scrap the roads here. However, if you ask people that live here, they say they don't know what they are doing...obviously they haven't been to Arkansas when it snows! :)

We have been able to have some fun while we were here this time. We went to dinner with our friends that we met the first trip we came to Cincinnati. Poor Conner wanted to get down and play like any normal 18 month old, so he ended up with Grandpa for a while. Next time Conner, we will have to go somewhere that will allow you and Abbz to run around and play! Thanks guys for working us into your busy schedule and for a wonderful dinner.

Monday, Dec. 14, 2008

Our sweet baby had her 7th scope on Monday. Abigail did very well, and Dr. Putnum said that her esophagus looked normal. He also said that when they look that good most of the time the results come back clean. That is what we have been praying for. If that is the case, it will be her first clean scope she has had since she was diagnosed a year ago. We will hopefully have the results before we head back home on Friday. All in all today was a quiet day. Tomorrow, Ross has his consultation visit with the GI at 8 am.

Yummy Recipe!!

Grilled Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Alfredo Sauce and Quinoa:
3-4 Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, and grated Parmesan Cheese

2 cups heavy whipping creme
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh minced parsley
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 tsp. tapioca starch (opt.)
1/2 tsp. salt

Coat chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese to taste. Grill chicken on prepared outdoor grill and cook until done (or until no longer pink inside). While the chicken is cooking pour whipping creme and tapioca starch (if using) into a sauce pan and mix together with a whisk. When well blended, add all of the other ingredients minus two crumbled bacon slices to the whip creme mixture. Heat until just boiling. Once the chicken is done slice on a diagonal.

To serve:
Prepare Quinoa as directed on box. Scoop as much Quinoa as is desired onto plate. Pour Alfredo mixture on top. Top this with grilled chicken slice, and a drizzle of Alfredo sauce. Garnish with crumbled bacon from reserved bacon and shredded Parmesan cheese. Can serve with bacon-wrapped asparagus on the side.

Although this recipe is "allergen-free" for us, it is really very delicious. Let me know if anyone tries it. Oh, and by the way, Quinoa is a grain much like rice, but packed with much more protein. I actually like it better than rice and I think it is much more flavorful.

100 Top Pediatric Health Blogs

Ross and I are proud and honored to announce that Mothers Encouraging Mothers of Eosinophilic Children has been reconized on 100 Top Pediatric Health Blogs. You can view this site by clicking on the link labeled "Top 100 Pediatric Health Blogs" on the top right-hand side of this page. There are many pedicatric related issues ranging from health and wellness to rare childhood diseases. I encourage you all to check it out; it is really very informative and can hopefully connect families dealing with the same issues.