« Thanksgiving time…
Where has the time gone??? »

Results of today’s meeting…

We had a great meeting with our new specialist.  The calcium levels in her urine were not really concerning to this doctor, but Alexis’s Parathyroid levels were.  Not alarming, but concerning: 

Her parathyroid level was a little high.

Her Vit. D level (only one of 3 vit.D levels) was a little low Normal is (30-100) Alexis is at 32.

I guess in “Jill medical terms” this is the best way to explain it:  The Vitamin D is essential in absorbing calcium and for bone development. 

I guess the kidneys are the last place  where Vit. D processing in the body occurs.  Well, Alexis only has one kidney (the doctor didn’t know that till today) So that is probably why she is a little deficient.  We could give her a straight Vit. D (Calciferol) daily or the actual Vit D (25?) that she is lacking (which could potentially be the most beneficial for her bones, but is known to cause Kidney stones, we don’t want that!)

So, we will give her the Calciferol and in a month do labs again, and see if it’s improving.  If not, then we do bone density scans to see about Osteoporosis and how easy it would be for her to “break”….

Another lovely side effect from treatment….oh well, again Much happier to have her and a million mysteries; than to miss one day without her smiling face!

But it does go against proper logic as a mother to be “thankful” for medical problems.  If the hearing, the labs, and whatever else lies ahead was individually “all” we had to deal with, I would be a “puddle” right now with worry. 

But we also have something a little larger to that overshadows the rest.  So for today, i’m tired and I’m thankful. And God is bigger than any of this medical,… long drive…..confusing….. stuff!

Published in:Updated News |on November 9th, 2009 |

You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

15 Comments Leave a comment.

  1. On November 9, 2009 at 9:28 pm Lenette Said:

    So big in fact that we cannot understand reasons for things. I’m thinking of you guys and praying for your family. We love and miss you!

  2. On November 9, 2009 at 11:52 pm L.E. in Ketchikan Said:

    Daniel will be going in January to Children’s for his first long-term care appointment (PTL) ~ but it is hard to leave his regular doctor and move on. I love that you all love Hector as much as we do. I look at the little buzzer they give you in labs and wish it was notifying us of a table available at a fun restaurant, but Daniel thinks it is just as cool to have it signal that his favorite “vampire” is ready to take his blood! =] Hugs!

  3. On November 10, 2009 at 8:39 am Jeanne Said:

    Well said, Jillian . . . perspective of the bigger picture . . . is humbling sometimes.
    Glad to hear they have some options for trying to increase her calcium and that they know why it is low. I pray the Vit D does the trick.
    Jeanne
    P. S. Hector has been a childrens nearly as long as Justin has been going to Children’s - - I think he first had his blood drawn by him when he was 5 or 6. What a great lab guy.

  4. On November 11, 2009 at 8:58 pm John & Marlene Graden Said:

    Hang in there. We love you and your family

    all our love and prayers
    John, Marlene and Michelle

  5. On November 13, 2009 at 3:17 pm Kathi Trostad Said:

    This is a casting all your cares on Him time. The Pac NW is well known for low/no Vit D which causes problems,but in Alexis case not good. Praying for healing in this area, too!

    Both my husband and I just had to go on extra Vit D. He just had a recheck lab this morning. Was outside so much this summer and tanned,but had no Vitamin D registering on his labs. I am hearing this alot.

    Praying for more miracles and understanding.

    Kathi

  6. On November 13, 2009 at 9:31 pm Megan Wallace Said:

    Hi Jill!!

    Not sure if you remember us from LLL in Lakwewood or not. Just wanted to tell you that your girls are amazing and still so beautiful! I am glad to hear Alexis is doing well. I think about you all often and keep your family in my prayers! Your story is such an inspiration.

    Take care!
    :o) Megan

  7. On November 14, 2009 at 12:44 pm MJ/Angel_Wings Said:

    AN INVITATION TO ALL PRAYER WARRIORS

    The Prayer Warriors at Angel_Wings
    are holding a Prayer Vigil on Thursday,
    November 19th, between 8-9 pm EST for
    all the families on our Angel_Wings
    Prayer Lists and our Angel families
    of children, teens and adults who
    have gained their angel wings.

    Thank you for joining us!!

    Angel_Wings

    MJ/Angel_Wings and AngelWingsRemembers

  8. On November 16, 2009 at 9:45 am Jodale Brinkley Said:

    Praying for all of you. :) Hang in there with things. Yes it is so great to have her smiling face, her sillyness and sense of humor. :) Love Jodale

  9. On November 17, 2009 at 12:12 pm stephanie fiskum Said:

    We love you, we here for you and most of all we are praying. May God’s protection be upon your family. We stand in faith for His continued miracles to be with you all.

    stephanie

  10. On November 23, 2009 at 10:09 am MJ/Angel_Wings Said:

    Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Angel_Wings

    Thank You, God, for everything …
    The big things and the small,
    For “every good gift comes from God” …
    The Giver of them all.

    And all too often we accept
    Without any thanks or praise,
    The gifts You send as blessings
    Each day in many ways.

    And so at this Thanksgiving time,
    We offer up a prayer;
    To thank You, God, for giving us
    A lot more than our share.

    First, thank You for the little things
    That often come our way;
    The things we take for granted
    And don’t mention when we pray.

    The unexpected courtesy,
    The thoughtful, kindly deed,
    A hand reached out to help us …
    In the time of sudden need.

    Oh, make us more award, dear God,
    Of little daily graces,
    That come to us with “sweet surprise,”
    From never-dreamed-of places.

    Then, thank You for the “miracles”
    We are much too blind to see,
    And give us new awareness
    Of our many gifts from Thee.

    And help us to remember
    That the “key” to “life” and “living,”
    Is to make each prayer a “prayer of thanks,”
    And every day THANKSGIVING.

    ~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

    MJ/Angel_Wings

  11. On November 27, 2009 at 4:57 am Rowdy and Marsha Said:

    Hi Douglas Family all: We pray that this new twist in Alexis’ life will only come to good. Hope you all had a wonderful, normal, family Thanksgiving Day.
    David and Marsha

  12. On November 28, 2009 at 1:57 pm Patty Grubb Said:

    Dearest Douglas family,
    Rarely get on the computer anymore (i’m on it at work all day tho! but not the fun stuff!) but had to check your site and so so grateful things are going well - even with the bumps in the road - she is with you, she is happy, and oh how beautiful your girls are!
    Give them big big hugs - sending our love and want you to know, we are still praying for our friends from Children’s and Ronald McDonald House every single day.
    In His Strength,
    Patty

  13. On December 1, 2009 at 6:17 am MJ/Angel_Wings Said:

    Morning Alexis and Family I am praying that the new meds will take care of the deficiency without side effects and that your next labs will be much better. Please know that I am thinking about you and keeping you close in prayer always. Hugs and Blessings MJ/Angel_Wings

  14. On December 2, 2009 at 10:39 am shirley Said:

    i rejoice that nothing has been added recently, jill.
    i hope this means you are “just living life to the fullest!”

    love, shirley in montreat (O:

  15. On December 2, 2009 at 2:03 pm Jodale Brinkley Said:

    Jill hope you had a great Thanksgiving and a blessed Christmas. Thinking about all of you and praying for Alexis. I am guessing no news is good news. :) Love Jodale

Leave a Comment