Theo Graduates from St Judes

Monday, August 18th:

Theo and I made the long drive to Peoria to see Dr. Kumar at St Judes. Theo had his final bloodwork and ultrasound in April 2024 and everything was clear, but Dr. Kumar wanted to see Theo in person one more time to check in.

After checking in with Dr. Kumar we talked about Theo's care moving forward. Due to Theo's hemihyperplasia / hemihypertrophy he is at high risk for liver and kidney cancer. The risk drops off significantly after the kids turn seven. Theo also has some unknown genetic diagnoses which can put him at a higher risk for cancer. However, Dr. Kumar believes that Theo is in good hands and because he is being checked regularly and he is well cared for, we don't need to come see her anymore. She showed me how to check Theo's lymph nodes and told me some things to look out for. Of course, she said we could reach out at anytime if we have any concerns. So, as of right now Theo has officially graduated from St Judes! 

The parking garage at the OSF St Francis Children's Hospital does not have enough handicap parking spots with the hash marks for wheelchair accessible vans. I drove through the entire parking garage twice and wasn't able to find a spot. I don't need to park close to our location, I don't have a problem walking long distances with Theo. I just need to park in a spot where I can get him out of the van. After circling the parking garage I ended up parking on a slanted floor far from all the other cars. I was hoping when we came back out that the spot next to us would still be empty, but I knew it wouldn't be.

We left St Judes, went for a walk to the cafeteria for a snack (where are the rice crispy squares?!), and then headed back to the van. Of course, some one was parked next to us. I don't blame them at all. So, I had to leave Theo behind the other car while I pulled the van out of our spot half way (blocking traffic). I got the ramp down and while I was loading Theo two cars came around the corner. I gave them a "I'm sorry wave" and they waited patiently for me to get Theo loaded. 

It blows my mind that hospitals don't have more handicap accessible parking spots. You would think they would have more than what is required, but oh well, we made it work.

Tuesday, August 19th:

Theo went to school today while I waited around for our new fridge to be delivered. 

Bye-bye giant fridge and freezer!

Here is our "normal sized" fridge! Our friends from Making Home (remember the awesome ladies that did our laundry room?) will be coming by in the next few weeks to give us a quote and some ideas of what they can do with the space.

Three years ago I got my first Shakti mat. It was a level two and I used it a lot on my back. Lately I felt like it wasn't doing as much for me as it use to. I decided to upgrade to a Level 3 (less spikes, longer spikes) and I'm glad I did! Sure it hurts more, but it works so well!

Wednesday, August 20th:

Theo is continuing to work hard at school and at home! I am so proud of him!

That night Josh and Theo drove me to a hotel by Midway airport so I could catch my 5:00 AM flight to Phoenix tomorrow morning.

Stay tuned for Cabo!