Yes, we have some answers as to why I have this horrible itching. As you recall both the Drs. and myself attributed it to the high bilirubin. When that came down to normal and I was still itching, without any relief, we had to dig (literally) a little deeper. Dr. Kitco sent me to Dermatology at UofM. They proceeded to do a skin biopsy and it came back positive for GVHD of my skin. It doesn't present with a rash as most GVHD does, just the constant itching. I have a new cream to apply and a recommendation to some different light therapy. There is a Dr. in GR who does this light therapy. Dr. Seabus, (UofM Derm) wants me to have the light therapy 3X a week. We are waiting to hear from our Insurance if it will cover me in GR. If not I will have to go to AA for it. My ECP is down to 2X every other week in Ann Arbor so hopefully I can stay closer to home for this treatment. At this point I will do whatever it takes so I can be more comfortable!
We had a great Labor Day at the cottage, the entire family was there...all 19 of us! The kids had one last day with tubing, boating and swimming. Sunday afternoon brought some serious trail riding with a few people caught in a downpour. It was a lot of fun and a lot of hot showers! Monday, everyone pitched in to help close up the cottage. It's amazing how fast things get done with everyone working. They all left early Monday afternoon, Den and I stayed on for the finishing touches and then to Reeds and then back and forth for 3 days in AA! It was busy and I was so glad to get home Friday afternoon. It sure was an improvement from a year ago when I was in the hospital for 6 days with a blood clot in my leg and lungs so I am not complaining.
Everyone is busy now and into their school and sports schedule. Eli is on the Varsity Tennis Team, Annie is playing 8th grade volleyball and club soccer, Emma is dancing 2 nights a week. Ella is at gymnastics 3-4 times a week working very hard on skills and playing soccer. Grey is loving Miss Jodie's. Both Liam and Thijs are playing soccer. Luci and Mac are having a great time with their Mom at home doing all sorts of fun things. Beth is getting together with some friends and they are all going to take turns doing a "Two School" which will be great for Miss Lu.
So here we go for another school year. While I am not a big fan of Fall (it means winter is coming) time marches on as it does for all of us. At the end of each day I thank God for what that day brought. I try to be as productive as I can be each and every day with varying results.
Here's to a warm and loooong Indian Summer!
Love to All, Grace and Peace,
Peggy
