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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Checking In

I haven't posted in some time and have had very little time lately for reading, commenting, or even cleaning house.

It seems like one thing after another has interfered with all of the above.

The most recent and most serious is that my youngest daughter, Amelia, has been ill. The spinal tap indicated meningitis, and she was hospitalized for five days. She's had a CT scan and an MRI, in addition to the lumbar puncture. Each day was a new series of blood cultures. Finally, the doctors were certain it was not bacterial meningitis (the deadly, scary one). Her headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light have been improving. And she finally quit throwing up.

Chris, her husband, and I have switched off staying with her and caring for Bryce Eleanor. Amelia is still sick and weak, but feeling much better than when she went in. Chris had already taken her to the emergency room once. Then I took her back, worried about dehydration, and the ER doctor wasted no time in ordering all the tests as soon as he heard the symptoms.

September hasn't been a great month this year, but things are looking up now. All of the doctors were great and so were the nurses, for which we are truly grateful.

So... reading. I have had several books in progress, but have mostly been reading and re-reading yoga books when time allows. For some reason, neither August nor September saw any where near my normal amount of reading and not just because of the string of difficulties that have filled the last two months. I've been in one of those kind of dry spells regarding reading lately.

Right now, I'm thinking about mysteries and fantasy and adventure. My comfort reads. :) Autumn is a fine month for reading, and I expect to do some catching up in October!

22 comments:

  1. I'd been wondering about you, Jenclair. I'm so glad your daughter is doing better, and that it's NOT bacterial meningitis! That must have been so scary.

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  2. Oh my, that's frightening. Thinking happy, healthy thoughts for your daughter.

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  3. Wow, that doesn't sound like a very good September at all! I hope your daughter feels better soon!

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  4. It is lovely when a family pulls together to help each other out. I'm glad your daughter is on the mend.

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  5. Your daughter, you and indeed your entire family are in my thoughts. How scary for all of you. So happy that she is better. Hugs to you!

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  6. I'm glad to see you're back, but sad to hear that September has been so trying! I'm glad your daughter is feeling better. Meningitis is too scary!

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  7. I'm sorry y'all have been having such a difficult month! Hospitalizations are no fun. I'm glad your daughter's doing better, and hope y'all are all taking care of yourselves.

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  8. Thanks to all of you for your good thoughts! It has been a frightening experience, but Amelia is on the mend, which is a great relief!

    She has had a lot of support (not that she was much aware of it most of the time) from friends and family. Her husband is wonderful--so good with her and the baby!

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  9. It's great to see you posting and I'm just so sorry to hear about your daughter's illness. Sending lots of health vibes her way!

    Wishing you a much more peaceful October. Hugs.

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  10. I"m glad you checked in because I've been wondering if you were OK. Sorry to hear it's been a tough time. Hoping things continue to improve for Amelia.

    Take care!

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  11. I wondered where you've been! Wow, that is really scary. I'm so glad your daughter didn't have the bacterial form of meningitis. September was kind of a dud month for me, compared to the previous two, reading-wise. Sometimes you just need a brain break. Best wishes for a quick and full recovery to Amelia.

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  12. It's so wonderful that everyone in your family pulled together. I'm glad your daughter is improving. Reading will be there when life calms down.

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  13. I'm sorry to hear your daughter has been sick! I'm glad she is on the mend and things are quieting down a bit for you.

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  14. I'm so glad your daughter is getting better. My prayers are with her and your family.

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  15. JenClair, what a scary time for you and your family. Working with students I've watched worried families go through this several times and I know what a shattering experience it can be. I am so glad that Amelia seems to be coming through it. If it's any help, most of the students I've seen have come out fine in the end. You know my thoughts are with you and with Amelia.

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  16. I'm glad your daughter is improving. Let's hope the rest of the year will be much better.

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  17. So very scary for all of you. Very happy to hear better news, JenClair.

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  18. My thoughts and prayers are with your daughter, her family and you. I hope the recovery will continue in a timely fashion. May the Lord bless you with strength to carry on in the added challenges you are carrying in helping your daughter and other family members.

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  19. That's so scary!! I'm so glad to hear that your daughter is doing better, and things are looking up. My thoughts are with you and all your family.

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  20. good lord, Jen! I just thought to check this blog as the other has been so quiet. Am so glad to hear things are improving for Amelia and that her health care team got such high marks from you.

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  21. More thanks to those of you who have left good thoughts! Things are almost back to normal now. Amelia has gained strength every day and spent the weekend re-bonding with her daughter who, already a Daddy's Girl and maybe a bit confused at her mother's absence, continued clinging to her daddy even after Amelia got home.

    All is now right with the their world! Thanks to all of you who checked on us!!

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  22. Oh, how frightening that must have been for you all! I'm glad to hear that it's not bacterial meningitis and pray for continued healing for Amelia. (lovely name, by the way!)

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