Shelby's JDMS Journal of Events
March 2000 to present
Week 15 - Ending June 17th
Tuesday 06/13/00 : As Grandma Lola used to say "Heavens t' Betsy!!!" . Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday that I made my last entry here. I feel ashamed that I've neglected this journal. Summer has arrived though, and there is much to do. I know everyone can relate. Well, let's see. Since my last entry on April 23rd, a few things have changed. Shelby is still making progress. She has been to see Dr. Jung two times since I last made an entry. At our May appointment he prescribed Methotrexate, which is used to help patients get "weaned" off of Prednisone. She takes five pills once per week (we give them to her on Saturday). She is still taking the Plaquenil, to help control her rash. She is tolerating the medicine like a champ. We expected some mild to moderate side effects after talking with her Dr., but so far she's doing just fine. Dr. Jung also reduced her Prednisone dosage by 5 mg. at her last visit on June 7, so she is now receiving 35 mg. per day. This seems like good news for us, she is making enough progress that she can have this reduced! We've noticed some excess hair growth on her legs and face. I was always a hairy one too (shut up, my sisters hassled me all the time!), so I don't know if that's related to the meds or not. Her face looks fairly full, they call that "moon face". I probably don't notice it as much because I see her every day. Here is a current picture of Shelby, taken at Easter.
Shelby continues to improve strength-wise. I especially notice her lower body improving. Her endurance is even more noticeably improved. She's still rather stiff, though, so we really need to keep working on flexibility. She really enjoys her physical therapy, and she's good at keeping up with it at home, too. We've done some golfing this summer, and we hope to do a lot more. Shelby's also enjoyed a little fishing and has become quite the helper at home. She really LIKES to fold laundry and do the dishes. I wonder how long that will last?!? She is reading book after book from the library, too, she takes after me in that regard. I think Hutch has only finished a few books in his life, and each time it was probably a requirement for a class! She got a new Brittany Spears CD and also likes Shannon Curfman. Her cousin Korra came to visit a few weeks ago, and the kids had a blast. They are looking forward to going to Grandma and Grandpa Baatz's farm! They are spending a WHOLE WEEK there in June. I really don't know how Hutch and I are going to fare during that week. The kids will be fine, however, as they are in good hands. We hope to get some projects done around the house to keep ourselves busy.
I'm really going to make an effort to add an entry here each month. I will plan to do this on the Monday following her appointment with Dr. Jung so I can be sure to document any medical news.
Wednesday 06/14/00 : Tonight we got Shelby back up on her bike. Well, it's her bike now, anyway! We bought Sheridan a bike for Christmas, but it is still too big for him and he's not going to be able to ride it this year. It fits Shelby perfectly though! She rode a total of about 6 blocks tonight, through our alley, back to the front and then up the street on the sidewalk and back to the house. At first she was discouraged and said "I DON'T REMEMBER HOW TO DO THIS!!". Before long she got the hang of it and I was struggling to keep up (I'm not much of a jogger). She is planning to go for a ride every night, which is great exercise for her.
We overslept this morning so I asked Shelby to remember to do her stretching and arm exercises at Sharon's house. She did remember and so I think she will start doing some of that on her own. It's a good habit to get into for a kid at any age.
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Page created 04/06/2000 last updated 06/19/2001.
