The next news came two days ago when I took McCall to the doctor. I had noticed that she had lost 15 pounds in a couple of weeks and was concerned that this was not ok. We got right in to her pediatrician the next afternoon and after a couple of tests, found out that she has type 1 diabetes. As I sat there listening to the doctor, I was biting my cheek so hard so I wouldn't cry in front of my sweet McCall. This is an autoimmune disease affecting her pancreas and now it does not produce insulin. We met with the Humprey's Diabetes Center the next day and spent 2 1/2 hours being completely overwhelmed with information. McCall was so mature and sat there like a young lady and asked very important questions about her disease. She had already been online and read about diabetes and was very well prepared for the meeting. We learned how to take check her blood sugar - - and then did it. Kind of scary for her - - but once again, she did great. Towards the end of the appointment they needed to giver her insulin for the first time and that turned out to be quite traumatic. She was very scared (which is fine!!!) and I was scared too since I had to be the one to give it to her. She was crying a lot and I finally lost it myself. My heart was so broken for her and I just wanted to hold her and love her and make it all better. I didn't want to be the one to hurt her, even though I knew what I was doing was going to make her better. On top of all of this, Marc was out of town. We missed him and really wanted him to be there with us. McCall was pretty angry on the ride home. When we got home, it was time for her next insulin dose and we went through the same trauma this time. It was so hard to sit there and have to inject her while she is crying - - which made me cry again. She felt so bad and felt like it was her fault that I was so emotional. She kept telling me how sorry she was for making me cry!!! And she tells me thank you after every time I have to stick her. Even though she has been so grown up about the whole thing, she is definitely questioning why this is happening to her. Right now she has to test her blood sugar 4-6 times a day (finger stick to get blood drop) and has at least 4 insulin injections a day - - sometimes more if her sugars get too high. (As Ia am writing this, I have just checked her blood again and this time it is so off the charts, the meter just read "high" so I have to do it again for the 7th time today - - poor girl) She is still pretty nervous each time but she is so brave and is getting better and better. I just watch her in awe and am so thankful that she is my sweet daughter. Diabetes picked the wrong person to deal with - - because she will not let it get her down! I am so proud of her and her amazing strength. I really don't think I would be able to handle it as well as she has. She is her mother's hero!
Before her big appointment, McCall got the ROYAL TREATMENT! She started the day at Build-A-Bear and picked out a special friend to help her through her day. She picked out a Pink Hello Kitty and named her "HOPE". She dressed her in PJ's and a robe and has used her to practice giving insulin shots with the real needle.
Next we headed over to Paul Mitchell for a special princess pampering. The hair students were dressed up in evening gowns and McCall got an up-do, make-up and her fingernails polished. She looked so beautiful! They also gave her a crown and princess wand - - and she wore the whole princess regalia to her Dr. Appointment!
6 comments:
Oh Lauralyn!! I don't even know what to say. Please hug your sweet little girl extra tight for me. She is truly a special princess and will only be able to help even more people now. When I was in the 5th grade, my best friend was diagnosed with diabetes and I remember every single detail of that tramautic week. My heart is with all of you!!!
Lauralyn, I have 2 sisters with type one diabetes and grew up giving my younger sister shots (she was 3 when diagnosed). Those shots are no fun, but i promise they get easier! My prayers go out to you guys. Please don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Diabetes is stupid.
Oh my word! McCall is a hero. What a trooper. Let her know that we are thinking and praying for her. I agree with Brook. Diabetes is stupid. Know that you have lots of nurses around who would love to help in anyway we can. Hang in there!
Oh my goodness! You are right, she is a hero! Hang in there McCall, you are in our thoughts and prayers!
That just made me cry...She is just so sweet and too cute. What a brave girl you have. Our prayers are with you.
OH Lauralyn...the hardest part of being a mom is when we can't fix the things that pain our kids. YOU are a hero, too. She is a lucky little girl to have such a great mom. Hugs to you BOTH!!
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