Today marks 6 months since Valerie's transplant and I know the thoughts that go through your head. Shouldn't she be
ok by now? Logically it seems that after the transplant, after the leukemia is gone, the person should just bounce back. Valerie is the toughest, bravest person I know and I am so proud of her. If I could make all of the side effects and rebuilding her body must do just go away I would. Nothing is harder than watching her suffer. Since she was a baby we have joked that she was little but mighty, she has shown us that in bundles this time. Please don't forget to send a card, stop by or give her a call. It has been almost 9 months since she has been away from her life and that would be hard on anyone.
It has been a one step forward two steps back kind of month for our little snail. Have you ever really listened to all of the side effects that different medicines have listed on their commercials? Well that is basically what she has been dealing with. The steroids she was on actually turned off her adrenal gland so she has very, very little energy. They put her on another steroid that will turn it back on and so far she has reacted ok to it. She was put on high blood pressure meds a couple months ago and they think that is why she is having EXTREME swelling in her feet and legs. Between no energy and her poor feet Snail has returned to resting a lot and needing more help with things than she would like. Please pray for her swelling to go down and for her energy level to come up. The real prayer is for continued progress so we can get her off of all of these meds and rebuild her strength and health naturally.
On the upside she is finally allowed to drive again and has gained a little bit more independence with this new adventure. However, due to the symptoms she is having she has not driven in a couple of weeks.
The baby hummingbirds have hatched! The hummingbird family in Valerie's courtyard bring her such joy and the babies have brightened her days.
The Proud Mama
If anyone is in the area give Snail a call and see if you can stop by. She is accepting visitors as long as you or people around you have not been sick. She loves to entertain more than ever and friends and family stopping by break up the day for her. Who knows maybe you will get lucky and have her make a little treat for you?!
Go Team Snail! The 2nd Annual Team Snail Denver Chapter Light the Night Walk was a huge success! The weather has been amazing in Denver for how late in the season it is and tonight was no exception. The turnout was wonderful and it was breathtaking to see all of the red balloons go around the lake at night. Even more wonderful, all of the white balloons for all of the survivors! Thank you to everyone who donated, came to walk and all who always send their thoughts and prayers our Snails way, everything helps!
Mama Snail putting the finishing touches on our banner.
We love our Snail, our sister, aunt, daughter, niece and friend.
Aunt GayLynn and Uncle Chris
Greg and Mama Snail
Mini Snails
Getting ready to go!
Ready, Set, Go!
The sea of red balloons
