Category: Diary

 

We ended the summer with our yearly trip to Knoebels Amusement Resort.  We have been traveling to Knoebels for 11 years, bringing friends or family with us each time.  We love it there!

We were safely in our caravan of 3 cars, 6 Adults and 6 children when we got news that there was an Earth Quake here on the East Coast.  That seemed to have started our crazy weather here.  Over the next few weeks we would add Hurricanes, Tornado’s and massive flooding to the end of summer festivities.  What a crazy ending to a great trip. Sadly, Knoebels was devastated by the latest flood but will bounce back, making next years trip even more meaningful!

School started on August 29th

I can’t believe that I now have a child in Middle School!  I am so excited for her but really don’t feel it can be possible.  Moving on to Middle School means a whole new school and lost more friends.  For a “Tween” with Psoriasis, I assumed this new environment would be good.

Katelyn has been in remission (other than her scalp) and doing really well. I was picturing a blank slate … Katelyn wasn’t.  The anxiety of starting Middle School was that her new teachers wouldn’t know about her psoriasis.  I think she always felt safe with those who knew and could understand when she was feeling self conscious or having discomfort.  Middle School is such a delicate time for a little girl – maybe I am more nervous than excited now!

For Carly, she’s such a big girl in 3rd Grade.  In our school 3rd grade opens you up to activities and playing instruments.  I now have two violinists in the family!  Carly absolutely LOVES her new teacher and has been keepingme busy with her many activities.

Before the weather gets too cold here on the East Coast, we are planning one last trip.  We plan to meet another Psoriasis Family at the Philadelphia Zoo in just a few weeks.  I am very excited to meet them but even more excited for the girls to meet them.  Kids always find such comfort in those they can relate to!

Excerpt from My Diary: June 16, 2008

It’s recital week!  Carly wants to wear her wig but how do you put a wig in a bun and have it stay on? She will be devastated if she can’t look like the other girls! She wants her hair up in a bun so bad.  I hope we get through this recital ok.  She is so excited, she was up at 6 am and ready to go. Unfortunately, I was running late – waiting for the plumber to arrive.  Carly missed rehearsal but made it just in time for pictures.

 

Excerpt from My Diary: June 08, 2008

Katelyn isn’t responding to the methotrexate.  She is withdrawing and really believes no other kids have psoriasis.

Excerpt from my diary:

The girls had UV treatments today.  Carly has lost a lot of hair from the large lesions on her scalp.  The good news is that those large lesions are now gone.  My husband isn’t convinced this is Psoriasis and I am just not sure what to think.  I am exhausted and not sure how to handle this emotionally.  Right now my heart is broken for all they are dealing with.

Last month we traveled to Louisiana just as the girls were being treated for strep once again.  Katelyn’s “Spots” progressed and now we are doing UV treatments 3 times a week.  The drive back and forth (40 minutes) really keeps me running.  I feel like I never stop.  On top of the physical stress, I am emotionally stressed.  Carly has lost a lot of hair but in general the girls are doing great.  Carly isn’t bothered by it at all.  She picked out some pretty scarves for her hair but hasn’t decided to start wearing them yet.  We got her hair cut last week and managed to layer it in a way that hides some of the bare spots.

Katelyn’s spots are primarily on her belly and back.  She doesn’t say anything about it but I see her covering up with long sleeves to cover the spots on her arms.  Unfortunately she is starting with spots on her scalp.

All this aside, we are having fun.  Last month Katelyn and I went camping at the Franklin Institute.  At the planetarium we were able to see Saturn and she just loved it.  After breakfast we went to the Philadelphia Art Museum – her other favorite. – she is 8 and obsessed with Van Gough!

It was an exhausting two days but it was wonderful!

 

Excerpt from my Diary:

In December, we went to Disney and had a blast!  We did a lot of great things but our Princess Tea Party was probably the highlight.  Carly was in awe.  She’s decided she must have a tea party for her birthday! Katelyn wasn’t as impressed as Carly, she’ll be 8 and is developing her own personality!

I’m concerned about Carly.  For 6 months, she has had a terrible skin condition.  It has progressed to large patches of skin peeling from her scalp.  I am so upset but countless Dr’s are stumped.  Physically, I am worried and exhausted.  Carly,  She is such a trooper! Tonight, combing the scabs out of her hair broke my heart.  We have been to several Doctors, and no one knows what to think.  I never thought I would have a doctor look at me and say they just don’t know.

What makes this so bagging is that Katelyn has “Spots” too!  She has them on her chest, back and legs.

Through it all, Carly is happy and sweet as can be.