Zachary's Allergist Appointment

This week, we had Zachary's annual appointment with the Allergist, Dr. Broadbent. I have been looking forward to this visit because we usually go over the results from Zachary's labs, complete skin testing for additional allergens, and discuss the dosages for his medicine. We have been told that most allergies are outgrown by the age of three, so we were hoping to get really good news at this appointment.

Unfortunately, we did not receive the news we were hoping for. Our little Zachary's allergies do not seem to be going away. If anything, they are all increasing in intensity. During the lab test, they assign each allergen a number from 1 to 100 as an indicator of how much Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody is present in his system. All of his numbers have sky-rocketed. Boo! Not only that, but he has even added some new allergens!

Egg Whites     >100
Milk                >100
Soybean          30.2
Peanut             >100
Almond           24.3
Brazil Nut       12.8
Potato               .69
Sesame Seed   37.1
Pecan              22.1
Banana            34.0
Cashew           >100
Hazelnut         28.9
Walnut            68.1
Sweet Potato   1.3
Pistachio          87.5

Of the 15 allergens that we tested for, Potato is the only one not significant enough to avoid. Seriously! I was so bummed. I was really hoping that he would grow out of at least a couple. Instead, it looks as though we have added a couple as well.

At the office, we discussed Zachary's skin and his need to constantly scratch. The allergist was convinced that with the strict diet we follow and the labor-intensive skin regimen we follow, Zachary's skin and itching should be well under control. We also discussed the food journal that I have been keeping and about how Zachary begins scratching violently almost every time he eats. Dr. Broadbent was convinced that there must be something else that Zachary is allergic to, so we did a round of skin testing to see if we could figure it out. We tested for trees, grasses, weeds, cats and dogs. In addition to, wheat, soy, orange, plum, potato, beef, chicken, pork, turkey, and garlic.

From the testing we learned that Zachary is highly allergic to cats and dogs and slightly allergic to weeds. He also tested positive for wheat, soy, plum, pork, and turkey.

With all of this new information added to the information we already have, it looks like we will be strictly avoiding A LOT of foods and allergens. From now on, we need to avoid eggs, dairy, soy, peanuts, almond, brazil nut, sesame seed, pecan, banana, cashew, hazelnut, walnut, sweet potato, pistachio, chicken, pork, beef, turkey, wheat, cats, dogs, and weeds. Although we didn't test for it, we also think Zachary might be allergic to coconut. He refuses to drink it anymore so the allergist says avoid it for now.

Oh, is that all? Seriously, what are we gonna feed this kid! The only exception to the rule above is that we are able to give Zachary chicken sparingly (once or twice a month) and we can give him beef as long as it is cooked well done.

Since Zachary is started preschool next week, we got some helpful advise from the allergist on how to keep Zachary safe while at school. Dr. Broadbent gave me some suggestions for what should be included in a letter home to the parents of his classmates. We also decided that each child will need to wash their hands and face before entering the classroom. I am a little nervous to send him to preschool but I am so grateful that he has such a great teacher, whom is one of my good friends. I know that she will watch out for him and help keep him safe.

We ended our visit with getting prescriptions for all of Zachary's medicines. We were given a demonstration on a new type of "high tech" Epi-Pen. This new types talks the user through the process of injection. It is quite fancy! We got new prescriptions for all of Zachary's ointments. Dr. Broadbent also prescribed Singulair for Zachary's seasonal allergies. Dr. Broadbent wants us to call her in a week so we can discuss how Zachary is doing after avoiding his new allergens.

Whew! That was a lot of information. Hopefully, all, or a combination of some, of these changes will help our little guy feel better!

Preschool Open House

Zachary has been looking forward to preschool for months now. Today we were able to get a sneak peek at his school at his preschool open house. As we arrived, Miss Krista asked each of the children if they were a boy or a girl and then gave them a little boy or little girl picture to color. Zachary was so proud to declare that he was a boy! He did a great job of coloring his picture and hanging it on the board. Once all of the kids had arrived and all of the pictures were hung, we were able to count how many boys and how many girls would be in his class.

Zachary loved exploring the room and playing with all of the toys. He was happy to see that Miss Krista has lots of blocks and plenty of cars to play with.

He even got to climb inside the Dora the Explorer boat. I remember Elizabeth playing in that same ship three years ago! 

Miss Krista handed out the calendar, the syllabus, and the rules/expectations for the year. After having some fruit snacks and playing with all of his new friends, Zachary got to pick a new book on his way out!

I am so happy for Zachary. He is going to love preschool. Miss Krista is the sweetest and I am so grateful for her. She is an amazing teacher and will be a wonderful example for Zachary. I am excited for Zachary to begin this next stage...he is going to do great!

10 days until the start of preschool. Let the official countdown begin!

Cancer Sucks!

Today we received the devastating news that my nephew Talon's cancer has returned. He was diagnosed in 2010 and endured brain surgery along with Chemotherapy. Since that time, we have celebrated clean CT scans until today. The doctors found a 4mm spot on the same area of the brain that the cancer last attacked. They have scheduled to re-do the scan on September 27th and then the doctors will determine the next course of action.

We are so sad for him and his family but are determined to do all that we can to help them fight!

Mrs. Rogers

Today the class lists were posted online for Elizabeth's new school, Neil Armstrong Academy. After checking the school website throughout the day, we learned that Elizabeth will be in Mrs. Rogers class.

I could not be more thrilled! Mrs. Rogers taught at Valley Crest until this year and was LOVED at Valley Crest. Parents in my neighborhood have sung her praises and kids have told us that she is so nice. I am so grateful to know that my little Elizabeth will be in good hands during first grade!

Close Enough

Each and every day I am amazed with how well Zachary speaks. He clearly says most things and can speak in long, detailed sentences. Most of the time, even strangers can understand him and I have to "translate" very little.

There is one sentence that he says, that makes me laugh every time. He doesn't quite get it right...but he is close enough. Instead of saying, "What the heck is that?", Zachary says, "What is that, the heck?"

So funny. Man...I love that kid!

Oh Sweet Sadie! Artisan

Today I found out that I was selected as an artisan for the upcoming Oh Sweet Sadie! Boutique in Daybreak. I have done this show two times before but I still get nervous when I submit my application. I am thrilled that they have chosen to feature me as one of their artisans.

Gotta Go...I need to start knitting!