The words we have been waiting to here!

Finally, the words we have been wanting to hear... Wesley is in "medical remission!" YAY! The rheumy said that he had no visible signs of fluid in any of his joints and since it's been consistent for 6 months now, it is official! Of course, this doesn't mean that Wesley is home-free b/c there is no cure for JRA, but for us it means the world! We will still take things day by day b/c we aren't sure what tomorrow will bring. Wesley MUST remain on chemo for his body to keep responding well or he will flare. We were able to take out his anti-inflammatory medicine for now which is great! This was the good part of the visit... The bad part is that the arthritis took a toll on his body and his legs, hips and lower stomach are very weak and he's in a fragile state. The baseball that he signed up to play that his daddy was going to coach, won't happen this year, unfortunately. Wesley has to go to physical therapy every week to try to build strength and we have to really monitor his activities to keep him from getting really hurt. He is also having some emotional issues after dealing with all of this, so the doc would like to start him on some anti-anxiety meds to see if it helps. I still have some questions, so we'll see what happens. Back on July 1st! I'll keep you all updated as we go along! Thanks for the prayers, God is listening!

A set back...

Hello everyone! Our Cincinnati appointment is approaching quickly! Next week on April 8th, we will be heading back for a check up with Rheumatology to see how Wesley is progressing. We tend to look forward to these trips since it's a different environment and gets us away a little while, even though, the reality of this disease sets in quickly as we walk through the halls of the Childrens Hospital and you are surrounded by sick children. It really makes me grateful for each day that I have with my family.

Wesley has been out of school almost all week. My poor boy has developed pneumonia and has been very ill. He perked up a little yesterday from all of the extra meds they put him on to help his lungs, so I am hoping that when he wakes today, he will feel a little better! This JRA is really taking a toll on the little guy both physically and mentally and it makes me sad. He is a huge source of inspiration for me and I know for others who follow his story too. Wesley didn't choose to have this disease, God chose him to battle this... for reasons I am still trying to figure out. I know that he is a strong, kind hearted little boy who loves to help others and who tries every day to make life a little easier on any one that he comes in contact with. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know!

Today we are going to "Pay it forward" for a special girl who I went to school with who is battling for her life after a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. She is around my age and has a new family. So, in honor of her and my son and what they are having to go through on a daily basis... I am going to buy someone's gas and lunch and leave behind a note saying "In honor of" and leave her name and Wesley's name. Life is too short and we never know what tomorrow will bring. For those of you reading this, please join in me as we think of those who aren't as healthy as we are.