Madie's 2nd Visit Thoughts

Today we went back to ACH. I got my dose doubled. My throat itched a bit and I also got a few hives. While we were there, somebody new came in, and her name is Annie. It was her first time and she was pretty scared. She is only about a year younger than me. I talked to her about the study and told her that it was only scary the first time. Annie took my advice and then read this blog. I guess I'll be seeing her in two weeks!!!

- Madie

Mom's 2nd Visit Thoughts...

Madie received her 1st dosage increase yesterday, she's moved from 6mg to 12mg daily. We mix it every morning in applesauce, but will get more creative as the dose gets larger. Madie continues to face the entire experience with enthusiasm and excitement, in spite of an ichy throat and swollen lip after receiving her dose. We are hoping these minor irritations will settle down in a few weeks. Madie will post her thoughts tonight after guitar, piano and makeup school work is complete :).

Frozen blood is cool!

Madie's thoughts on the first trip

The trip to Arkansas was great, but every trip has its ups and downs. The Arkansas Childrens Hospital was very nice. One of the nurses, Mrs. Karen, met us by the gift shop and led us upstairs. We walked into the research room which is where they do the study and were led to a bed. All the doctors were nice and talked to us about the peanut study. I thought it was really cool that they were going to freeze my blood somewhere.

One of the first things they did to me was the skin test which makes your back sooo itchy!! Then they took some blood and put it in tubes to be sent off to be frozen! But first the blood had to be spun to separate the plasma from the cells and they showed me how! It was so cool! For the rest of the day I was given doses of peanut flour and played games and watched TV. The next day they doubled my dose, but I just got one dose.

While we were in Little Rock we learned a lot and found some hotels and places to eat. Best of all we found a Justice store!

I CAN’T WAIT TO GO BACK!

Good first trip to Little Rock -- the first of many. Pretty easy drive, about 5 hours. Big thanks to Grammy for staying with Meredith and the critters as mommy and daddy both wanted to make this trip. The plan moving forward is that mommy and daddy will take turns making the trip with one of us staying home with Meredith, Hank, Lucky and Lucy. For the most part we'll drive to Little Rock on Sunday and come back to OKC Monday afternoon but we'll probably, on occasion, head there on Saturday and take advantage of some of the "touristy" things.

Mom's thoughts....Day 1

I've worked really hard to get Madie to this point, but would be lying if I didn't say I was filled with anxiety. My mom helped me get past this, thank goodness for Grammy!

Arrived at ACH and were greeted by our nurse Karen, who was warm, supportive and funny. She put me at ease immediately. The entire day was one of enlightenment and affirmation that I had done the right thing. Madie was all strength and excitement. If only everyone faced obstacles like a ten year old! Madie had some minor reactions in throat, but don't know if that meant she received peanut flour or just had a reaction to placebo. The entire staff was amazing. Dr. Jones answered many of our questions and was available if needed.

Daddy's thoughts...

We're a bit tired so this posting isn't too detailed -- we'll try to do better tomorrow. Here are some more pics of the brave big girl -- with Dr. Jones, Nurse Karen and just some of the "fun" she experienced.