Dawson's progress

After he was diagnosed with CF,
our specialist at Primary Childrens in SLC put him on
enzymes which help his body absorb his nutrients.
He's already gained 5 pounds.
This is the most he has ever weighed.
I cannot express my excitement!
He takes 3 of the enzyme horse pills with every meal
and 2 with every snack.
Also a multivitamin (another 2 horse pills) and
antibiotics (only 1 horse pill) for a staff infection.
Good news is his lungs are clear.
But for preventative measures, he has an asthma type inhaler
he does twice a day and the Nebulizer inhaler treatment once a day.
We call it his bong.
We also do airway clearance treatments twice a day.
Bad news is he is extremely allergic to cat dander.
As many of you know we have 2 & 1/2 cats.
Two Persians we've had for 4-5 years and one stray we took in
from a friend. He mostly lives outside (the cat not the friend)
but stops by every once in a while for a hot meal and some petting.
Please don't tell us "just get rid of the cats".
Any cat/pet lover knows it's not that easy.
We will have to find them new homes.
Good homes with good people where we could visit them.
Dawson is heartbroken over it and feels responsible.
He doesn't understand that his health depends on it.
Getting rid of the cats is not an option in his eyes.
I still can't shake the guilt.
I really do try not to beat myself up but I should have
listened to my "mother's intuition" when others told
me I was just worrying too much.
I'm thankful he is not as bad off as he could have been.
It still hasn't sunk in that this is FOREVER.
Or at least they find a cure.

JUNE 2009: SIXTY FIVE ROSES...

http://www.cuteptchic.com/65roses.htm

SIXTY FIVE ROSES...

Monday June 15th Dawson was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
AKA "Sixty Five Roses".
It's genetic. Dave and I are carriers.
You never expect it to be you. It's always someone else.
Dawson is absolutely fine.
We are very lucky that he has a mild case and it is manageable from home.
We spent a couple of days this week at Primary Children's Medical Center.
What an amazing place. With amazing people.
I'm still not sure how to feel about everything.
It's kinda overwhelming.
It's expensive.
It's life changing.
A lot of breathing apparatuses. A lot of pills.
A lot of time.
But he's worth it.
I want to thank everyone for all their love and support.
And next time you see Dawson he will be a new man.
Every time. Give him a hug.
I am amazed and thankful every day of my life for modern medicine.
I have a new perspective on life.
And how very precious it really is.