My Alex ...

[Sandy, Cheyenne's mom2]

Hi Tracy

The main thing is relief, like you said. Relief that we finally know what we are dealing with and can go on now and deal with it. It could have been so much worse! I think the reason I'm bummed out by this is even though I was kind of expecting this diagnosis, I was still hoping it would be something of short duration, easily dealt with. I'd take it for her if I could!

Alex did have a bit of warning the time she crashed in the road. She remembers feeling "funny" and was starting back to the truck, then remembers waking up in the ambulance. If she can learn to recognize that funny feeling, it may give her the warning she needs. With a pediatric neurologist now in on the case, he/she should be able to teach her a lot.

I don't know about a bump in the road - around here it's mostly sinkholes - literally! I could lose my van in the one just in front of my driveway!

Sandy (& Cheyenne)

Just needed a smile!

Parakeet & Kitten (Lambs & Lions).jpg (40.18 KB) Viewed 709 times

[rexandbaby]

Alex should be relieved that now you all know, and that it is treatable. Many thoughts and prayers going out for you, that sinkhole will get filled back in!!

[aspen's mom]

Hi Sandy,

I'm glad that you and your family now know what is wrong with Alex, but I can certainly understand your concern. How is Alex handling the news? She is at such a vulnerable age right now---old enough to know that her illness could be serious business, but probably young enough to not grasp it all. I know you and the rest of your family will give her lots of support, and I pray that her doctors are sensitive to her feelings.

[Sandy, Cheyenne's mom2]

Hi, Donna. Yes, we're all relieved. Just knowing what we are dealing with takes a half load off - the other half will go once the pediatric neurologist starts treating her. Our family doctor is great, but uses specialists when he knows they can do a better job! Not holding my breath about the sinkhole ... the land we live on belongs to the mayor of Edmonton, and we just rent the lots. Mayor M comes across on TV as a really nice guy, but in reality, well, ... Two years ago the sinkholes were enormous and he just left them until someone called a TV station. They came out and took vid, and put it on TV calling us the Pothole Capital of Alberta, and telling who owned the land. Within a week, crews were out! Hmmm, that's a thought! People seeing us drive out here must think we're a bunch of drunks we weave around so much - not so, we're just avoiding the potholes!

Hi, Aspen's Mom. I think Alex will be OK. She was pretty scared already, not knowing, but we've all been right upfront with her in answering her questions. I told her about my cousin who had epilepsy and that he was just fine on the meds, could drive and everything. She asked if he was dead - I told her yes, but not from the epilepsy, he was killed in a truck accident, caused by him making the choice to try his luck with an embankment in BC rather than kill a car full of people on the wrong side of the road. I think she was worried if this would kill her. So, she is very vulnerable but our doctor is very open and supportive as well as great with all age groups, and I'm sure with the neurologist being a pediatric specialist, he/she will know how to deal with a scared kid! We just got the news late yesterday, today she is on a field trip to Medicine Hat (home of the dinosaur museum) with her school. I think she'll do OK.

It was hard to tell Mom. But she took the news very well, and promised to keep praying!

Thanks everyone for your continued support and prayers! I can't begin to tell you how much it means!

Huge hugs from me, and kisses from Cheyenne

[kian]

A diagnosis finally! It's the not knowing that is the hardest, now a path to treatment. While epilepsy sounds scary, she can live with it and be a normal teenager! Big hugs to your grandaughter
Potholes, you can always send the bill everytime you have to re-align your vehicle to the city My neighbor would actually do that, of course, she would harass the mayor every chance until it was done. We live on what was once a cul-de-sac, so the snowplows make wide turns and our driveway always gets a huge snow bank. When I had a blazer, I would put it in 4-wheel drive and have fun plowing through. It was the challenge I loved, however, my neighbor called the mayor and he came out a dug her bank out! Now the city boys are somewhat careful, spoiled my fun

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Sandy, I am relieved that Alex finally has her diagnosis. As you said, step one is over (identifying the cause) and step two begins (treatment). I am confident that with today's medicines Alex will be able to lead a normal, full life. I'm sure she isn't so sure of that right now and needs lots of support. Thank goodness your family is close and she has all of you. As always, you are in my prayers.

Good luck with the potholes!

[Sandy, Cheyenne's mom2]

Sorry to take so long in getting back to posting. Things have been rather hectic around here.

Alex has Primary Generalized Epilepsy (also known as Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy) with "tonic-clonic" seizures (still have to google that one). This basically means it's a type of Epilepsy with no known cause - no tumor, trauma to the brain, injury of any kind, and the list goes on. It is thought to be genetic, and she may possibly outgrow it in her 20's. It will not impair her intelligence, motor control, or any other life skills. Once she is on meds (the correct dosage) she should be able to manage it. In the meantime, I have been spending a lot more time over there as she is still not allowed to be alone.

Keri was promoted, and is working days now, with most weekends off. She will be able to spend quality time with her family now. This means I will be taking the kids to school some days, picking them up others, and generally being there in case Alex has a seizure. Good thing I know what to do - after spending as long as I did in a school for children who were specially challenged, I had a crash course in health matters, Non Violent Crisis Intervention, and other stuff. The boys have Tuesday off from school (extended Victoria Day) so I will be taking Noah in for his allergy tests. Alex still has not seen the pediatric neurologist, she's bumped to the top of his "cancellation list".

Bed-time now - I'm about to fall off my chair!
Love 'n hugs from me,
& big kisses from Cheyenne

I know there's stuff I'm forgetting, but these days I have a Swiss cheese brain (thanks Deborah for that description, it fits).

[Sadie G]

Sandy I think you are awesome. You have a lot on your plate......I'm sure your family adores you.....it sounds like you are there to help them in any way you can. I am glad there is finally a diagnosis too.....now you can all move forward!!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Sandy thanks for the update, and I'm glad one of my strange descriptions has been useful I agree with Linda. You have a great deal on your plate and I just know your family is so very grateful for you. Kudos to your daughter for her promotion. I'm sure that will make life easier for her. I'm also very hopeful for Alex. It sounds like she will be able to thrive despite this challenge.

I know you are more than capable as a caregiver, human or canine. You were the one who taught me about seizures, and what an invaluable lesson that was. I am forever thankful for your input.

As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Deborah

[kian]

I agree you do have alot to deal with and you are doing a wonderful job! I always say women can do when needed!!
Has she been seizure free since the time on the street? This must be scary for her, not knowing when or where this could happen. I am sure she is grateful for a wonderful grandma and family who loves and supports her, that goes a long way!!
Where would they be without you, you are truly a lifesaver. Sleep well and take care of yourself as well.

[rexandbaby]

I am glad to have read the update, she (Alex of course) has been on my mind so much lately! You are a fantastic Grammy, I hope that when push comes to shove here, that I can step up as well as you do!

[Sandy, Cheyenne's mom2]

Linda, Deborah, Kian, Donna (and all my friends at the DP)

Thank you all for your continued concern and support. You, my friends at the DP, have all done so much with your continued support, prayers, good wishes... you've lifted me up and encouraged me. As for my continued support of Keri, and her family, what else can I do? I'm mother / grandmother and don't believe the loving care and responsibility ends when they go on with their lives and "leave me behind". I know you all are the same, you would do the same if the "ball was in your court". This may sound silly (but then, that's me) but I believe anyone who cares so much for their four-footed family, which comes through so clearly in your posts, how much more would you do for your human family? You are all Superman (whoops!) women, without the cape and I'm glad to call you friend!

Alex is stable right now - no more seizures since the one in the road. I know she is nervous, though, wondering when the next one will hit! We are all trying to encourage her, and keep her spirits up, and hope the pediatric neurologist has an opening soon. I think she'll be in a better frame of mind once that takes place.

Noah's allergy tests tomorrow - what fun! Hope I can find parking, it's right downtown, and I still can't walk very far. Cheyenne is very patient with me - slows her pace to my speed. She has me so spoiled!

Love 'n hugs from Cheyenne & me
xoxo

[Deerie me]

I know we would all do what we could if we were in the same situation Sandy, but that doesn't take away from the fact that you are doing an amazing job. I'm sure your family wouldn't be fairing so well if you weren't there for them in the capacity you are and have been.
Challenging situations seem to have a way of working out alright on the DP, I think because we support each other.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Tracy said it all perfectly

[Sandy, Cheyenne's mom2]

Thank you, Tracy and Deborah! I feel I have a whole 'nother family here at the DP, except for one thing. You can choose your friends, but not your family! Like I said before, I'm proud to call you all, friends!