All 4 Jake: Favorites of 2008

Jake's story

July 21st was a normal day, as were the days of summer before. Everything was in it's place. School days were approaching and the family was enjoying the last days by the pool, ignored bedtimes and high popsicle counts.

Then July 22, 2008 came....

Jake had his first seizure. I did not recognize it as such. It was not until he had several more of these "little jerks" and bloody noses that I thought this could be seizure activity. We were scheduled to see a neurologist on August 4th, after going through our pediatrician, however we didn't make it that far. I was awakened August 1st, by Jake in a full seizure (6 minutes long)...he started to turn blue so I called 911....

Here begins our journey......

...we were taken by ambulance to the hospital. Checked in. Released. 3 more grand mal seizures after being released. Checked back in. Sent home 3 days later. Another grand mal, this one lasting a whopping 11 minutes and taken by ambulance again. Stayed at Childrens Dallas for a week. Upping meds, changing meds and mixing meds.
Diagnosis: Epilepsy
Cause: Unknown
We have now found, through some absolutely amazing family and extended family, whom I will NEVER be able to thank enough, the wonderful doctors and nurses at Cook Childrens Hospital in Fort Worth, who are continuing to help us through this. We have had another grand last thursday, and are averaging anywhere from 5-30 seizures (jerks, drops, stares) a day. I was to begin back teaching at Apollo, but am having to put that on hold until the seizures are controlled. Jake is not able to go back to school until he is 30 days seizure free. We are still waiting for that ONE day. Please pray for our family and for little Jake. Although this is not the end of the world, it is a huge hurdle we WILL overcome. Pray for courage for Jake, understanding as parents, good doctors and for the right medicines.

Jake's mom, Christine

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Favorites of 2008

Here are a few of my favorite things that helped me get through the craziness that has been 2008:

1. The iPod. This little piece of greatness has certainly made emergency room visits and waits a little more bearable. Thank goodness for Scooby Doo on itunes.

2. Fisher Price go anywhere dvd player. This is a rather new luxury, however I foresee it

taking over the iPod and accompanying us on many trips, good and bad.

3.Diatsat. Although it stinks to use the "butt medicine," it is certainly my copilot. It goes everywhere with me and surely is a comfort to me.

4. The new blue helmet. This recent addition to the Peter's family, is such a welcome of comfort. I makes sitting on the couch as Jake plays in the other room a tad more relaxing, as I don't have to run in the playroom every 5 seconds when I hear a noise.

5. My Palm Centro! Such a luxury to have a phone that emails, web searches and even makes calls. Unfortunately many of the calls have been the bearing of bad news, such as extended hospital stays, frantic calls for relatives to watch Addison so we can run to the er, and failed medicines.

6. The double stroller! The morning walks with Jake and Addison mean so much to me. To hear their banter, take on life, a

nd amazement of the little things is truly inspirational.

7. Wine! I don't even think I need an explanation for Mommy's best friend.:-)

8. The Beach! The week spent here was such a calming, relaxing, much needed place of peace for our family.

Sure we would have made it through the year with out these luxuries, but they made it much easier.

The one thing I am certain we would have not made it through the year without, is loving caring, family, friends, and doctors. Without the support of the dear people who love us and care for us so much, I am not sure we would be where we are right now.

Thanks to everyone for everything you have done. Monetarily, and other. The kind words of support, the calls of encouragement, the PRAYERS and the meals. Thanks for the hospital visits and for sitting with me in the emergency rooms and in the hospitals. Thanks for not hanging up on me when I would call to ball my eyes out, or just flat out complain. Thanks for even answering the phone during the first couple months, as I know it terrified some to even see our number on the caller id. I knew it was getting bad when many of you would not even say hello. You simply waited for more "news.":-)

These are the things I could not have gone with out. The rest is just icing on the cake!

Happy new Year. Wishing you and yours blessing for the new year.
Here's to new beginnings. (Cheers)