March 31, 2010

One year ago today was when I picked Trystan up from school and noticed she was walking funny, but wasn't complaining yet of the pain.

There's only school until 12:30 p.m. today, then it's Spring Break! Alyssa is excited to have almost a week off from school. Hoping to do some things with the girls while they're off.

While I was eating lunch with Trystan she looked at me and said, "Mommy, God knew what he was doing when he made it so pretty outside today!" Once we were finished with lunch we went to pick Alyssa up from school. I parked the car about a block away from school. Trystan rolled in her wheelchair and I walked the rest of the way to the school to get big sis. Trystan got to see her BFF, Olivia, while we waited for Alyssa.

The girls played on the front porch together. Pretending it was a kitchen and "making" special things to eat. I wanted to go for a walk and Alyssa wanted to ride her bike along side. Today Trystan decided she wanted to go too! I was excited to be able to go the three of us. I pushed her in her stroller wheelchair. I think it was good for her to be able to play outside and go for a walk.

March 30, 2010

Trystan did much better today. Didn't SKYPE today, but the tutor did come this evening and do the assessments that they did last week and those they'll be doing tomorrow. She did awesome! Took a spelling test, math assessment, and reading assessment. Aced them all! Way to go!!

I think the girls are ready for Spring Break! It starts tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. Only a half day of school tomorrow and they don't go back until next week Thursday!

March 29, 2010

Trystan has a full blown cold! She didn't do much at all today, since she didn't feel well. I went ahead and just did her schoolwork with her instead of having her SKYPE. Didn't think she would've made it. We know for sure she didn't feel well because she fell asleep about 8 p.m. She normally goes to bed between 9-9:30 p.m. Hoping that tomorrow will be better for her. Alyssa's cold seems to be just about gone.

The good news today is that she's now scooting on the floor to get where she wants to go and is still not complaining of any hip, leg, or heel pain. She is also going potty without the aid of medicines. Praise the Lord!

Please pray for our friend's the Hassard family. They have been hitting some unexpected "bumps" in the road with Grace. Also, pray for the Carter family. Adam is having scans tomorrow to be sure that the new chemo treatements are schrinking his tumors and also to see if there are any "new" areas of concern.

March 28, 2010

Had a great birthday today! Went to church as a family today and then went out for lunch afterwards. Came home to relax. My sister came over this evening to eat dinner with us. Tracy got Chineese for us to eat for dinner and my girls ate pizza! Yum!

Last night when Trystan went to bed she was sniffling. When she woke up this morning her nose was running and she was sneezing. Alyssa is feeling better, but has shared the love with her sister and gave her her cold. Not meaning to of course. She did pretty well through the day, but this evening wasn't feeling well at all. Hopefully tomorrow will be better for her. So glad that Alyssa is feeling better!

March 27, 2010

Today the girls played for most of the day together. Trystan finally was able to go to the potty really good today. Hopefully, she'll keep it up without the help of medications. Then late this afternoon we took them to Tracy's mom's house. She watched the girls for a couple of hours while Tracy took me out to dinner for my birthday tomorrow. We ate at 54th Street then headed over to Shoe Carnival. I used a birthday gift card from Doris and got a pair of tennis shoes. Tracy also bought me a pair of flip flops for my birthday. It was nice to spend some time together, just the two of us.

March 26, 2010

Happy Friday! This morning we gave Trystan a Senna pill hoping that will get her to go. Trystan still didn't eat too much for breakfast or lunch today. Alyssa's still sniffling and sneezing. Emailed the school liaison this morning about coming in and speaking to the 1st graders about Trystan and her returning to school. Hoping to hear from her soon! We are looking at Trystan returning after Easter Break, hopefully!

Trystan and I picked up Alyssa from school and came home. Once we were home, Trystan needed to go potty and was able to go. It wasn't much but it's a start. Praise the Lord! Soon after, I went for a walk and Alyssa came along and rode her bike. We did more than 2 1/2 miles together. We wanted to get out and enjoy this weather. Feel bad that Trystan isn't able to get out and enjoy it just yet. She had to stay in with Daddy. I am wanting to continue to keep her leg elevated for now to be sure there's no swelling. Maybe next week?

March 25, 2010

Trystan's been doing pretty well. She's not had any heel, leg, or hip pain. This is great! One problem she's been having is potty problems. She's not able to. This is now causing her not to eat. We've been giving her two different medicines to help her to go but no luck yet. Please pray for results to give her some relief and an appetite again.

Alyssa is fighting a slight cold/allergy thing. Runny/stuffy nose and sneezing. Trying to give her some relief as well. Nothing too major, but just enough to make her feel irritable and icky.

Thank you all for your continued prayers for our family. Words cannot express how appreciative we are and the love we feel for you all!

March 24, 2010

This morning Trystan slept later than she ever has before! She slept until 10:00 a.m. We couldn't believe it. I think all of the lack of sleep before surgery, not sleeping much this past weekend caught up with her. So, while she slept I got a little housework done. It's been neglected, was glad to get it done. Once she woke up, she ate lunch and did some schoolwork. She did very well throughout the day. No hip, leg, or heel pain. Hoping she continues to progress in the right direction. That way when she goes back for her six week post-op appointment the cast will come off and the Make-a-Wish trip will be able to happen for the girls.

After dinner tonight Alyssa rode her bike and I walked. It was wonderful to spend some one on one time with her. I loved being outside to enjoy the beautiful weather!

We think Trystan will be ready to SKYPE starting next week. Looking at maybe letting her return to school after Easter. Probably only half days, but it's a start! Hoping to get in contact with the School Liason to come in and talk with the 1st graders. This is to help them to understand what has happend and going on with Trystan.

March 23, 2010

Trystan seems to be doing really well. She hadn't had any pain medicines since yesterday. That is until bedtime tonight. But only asked for the tylenol and not the strong stuff. We'll see how she does through the night. She may need the oxycodone before long.

Today I worked on schoolwork with her. Then Trystan and I went into town to pick up Alyssa from school. I then decided since it was so nice out to take the girls to DQ for an afternoon snack and we sat outside and ate our ice cream. Once home, the girls did their homework and I cooked dinner. After dinner we all sat down together and watched American Idol. While we watched the show, the girls worked on homemade cards for Gracie. I need to tell you that Grace is a little girl who had a cancerous brain tumor. Without being asked to do this they wanted to color pictures and make cards for her. Makes us so proud that our girls think of others and want to pray and make them feel better even when they are going through some rough times themselves.

Please continue to pray for a smooth recovery for Trystan. Also, Grace is starting her new roadmap of chemo tomorrow, 24 treatments over 48 weeks. Please say a special prayer for her as well.

March 22, 2010

Trystan is still continuing to have heel pain. I called the surgeon's office this morning because of the heel pain and also because the doctor told me to make an appointment for one week post-op. The head nurse from the surgeon's office told me she would call me back. When she called back she told us to come in the office at 3:00 p.m. today. The plan is to cut the soft cast off, take a look at her heel, and replace with a new soft cast.


Left house about 1:30 p.m. for her appoitnment at 3:00 p.m. Got to the doctor's office about 2:45 p.m. Didn't have to wait too long and were called back to go to the casting room. They cut the splint cast off to check her heel and yes, she did have a sore on it. Her leg on the other hand looked great! There wasn't a bump where the bone and hardware had slipped and had made a raised bump just below her knee. They decided to go ahead and put a regular fiberglass cast since there was very little swelling. She chose the color red this time. I was really surprised! They padded it with gause and cotten wrap to cushion her heel. I think she could tell the difference right away. Hoping she continues to heal quickly and with little pain.

March 21, 2010

Trystan slept much better last night and woke up in a great mood! The doctor came in and told us that as long as Trystan got off of the pain drip she would be able to go home. That brought a very large smile to her face. The doctor also said that since Trystan was still having alot of heel pain that we should bring her in at one week instead of two weeks. They will cut off the soft cast at that time to take a look at her heel and then put a new one on. At about 11:00 a.m. pain management came to the room to ok Trystan being taken off the pain drip. Finally by 1:45 p.m. we were walking out of her hospital room to come home. We arrived home about 3:00 p.m. and got settled in. Once we were settled in the girls played together with Trystan in her wheelchair. But, as soon as the pain medicine wears off she is screaming and crying in pain about her heel. We feel absolutely helpless that we cannot take that pain away. She did eat a good lunch from McDonald's on the way home and ate dinner this evening. So happy to see her eating again! This makes the medicines so much easier on her tummy.

March 20, 2010

Trystan began to run a fever during the night. It was low-grade. The nurse gave her some Tylenol and it seemed to bring it down. Also during the the evening hours she began to complain that her heal was hurting. This was a problem she had with the last surgery. When the doctor came in she took the gause off and stuffed more padding in the heal of the soft cast, hoping this will solve the problem. She wasn't happy to find out she would have to stay at least one more day.

Once awake for the day, her fever came back so it was time for more tylenol. Trystan also had quite a bit of hip and leg pain. Therefore, she had to push her buton alot for extra pain medicine. At one point she was screaming and crying in pain. Bless her heart! She also began to feel pukey. Not sure if it is from being put under for surgery yesterday or from all the medications? Praying for comfort and healing for Trystan.

She did take a good nap late morning to early afternoon. After not sleeping much the night before this was good for her. About 1:30 p.m. the physical therapist came by to be sure that I knew how to get Trystan from one spot to another, in and out of her wheelchair, etc. I guess she didn't know that we had already been through one surgery and have been doing this since August 2009. But, she was only doing her job, so I showed her that I could get her on and off the comode and also that I could get her from her bed to an upright chiar. Once I put Trystan in the chair she was in alot of pain being moved around so much. She had to press her pain pump button a couple of times but soon calmed down. She stayed up in the chair for quite a while and visited with daddy, Alyssa, Grandma Watson, and Grandma Rieke. A great thing she did this evening is she ate a little supper. It wasn't much but it was something! Praise the Lord for the little things. Before daddy left he moved her back to her bed for the evening.

Trystan's fevers have been rollercostering all day as well as her pain levels. Naturally the more she is moved around the more pain she's in. As long as she continues to use her sperometer, sit in a chair, eats and drinks; she may be able to go home tomorrow. But the most important thing is she needs to get off of the pain pump and have her pain managed by oral meds. Praying that Trystan is able to get a better nights sleep tonight as well as for comfort and healing.

March 19, 2010

Today was the big sugery day. We had to be down at Children's by 8:45 a.m. Arrived right on time. There wasn't any waiting the nurse took us right back. After seeing all of the doctors and staff they took Trystan back about 25 minutes early for surgery. She was back in surgery until we were called back to recovery at about 1:00 p.m. Trystan was in alot of pain when she awoke. Once they got the pain drip going and she could push the button as needed, she calmed down and was doing much better. We got up to the room on the 10th floor about 2:30 p.m. After we got up to her room, the only time Trystan used the button to administer more pain meds was just before she had to be moved to go to the bathroom.

Trystan has eaten since we've gotten up to the room and also has been drinking a little bit of water. The only bump we hit today was when her pain pump stopped working, but her nurse worked fast to get her a new one from the pharmacy right away. Kuddos to her for fast acting so our baby didn't have to go without!

The plan for tomorrow is we will be visited by the doctors and also the physical therapist. They are wanting Trystan to be up and about tomorrow and to learn to use a walker or crutches. This wasn't anything that they did with her after the last surgery. There is a possiblity she will be going home tomorrow. I hope they aren't pushing her out too soon!

We are so very proud of her! She has done so well this time round. We can only hope and pray that this is a start to a great recovery and that she will be walking again soon. Thank you to all who continue to pray for Trystan. Please keep those prayers coming we can see them working everyday in our lives!

March 18, 2010

Trystan was able to SKYPE today and her tutor came to the house this evening as well. We let her choose supper tonight because we wanted her to eat a good meal. We are anticipating that she will not eat much this weekend at the hospital. Trystan chose to eat at Wendy's. Therefore after we picked up Alyssa from dance, we headed to Vandalia to eat at Wendy's. She ate really good! I was so happy! When we pulled into the garage after eating, she became very nervous. I guess that's when the reality hit her that her surgery was tomorrow morning. Once we got inside she took an extra long bath. She knows to enjoy it because it will be the last one she has for at least six weeks! She is so not looking forward to having sponge baths again.

The surgery is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. tomorrow morning. Please pray for Trystan, the doctor's and staff. I will try to post something as soon as I can tomorrow.

March 17, 2010

This morning Trystan and I took Alyssa to school then headed to Maryville Quest for bloodwork. It was crazy busy in there! We arrived at 9:15 a.m. and didn't get called back until almost 10:30 a.m! By the time they did the paperwork and got her blood drawn it was 10:45 a.m. She didn't eat much for breakfast this morning so she was really hungry.

The clinic called just before I had to leave to pick Alyssa up from school. All of Trystan's counts rose from last week. Not dramatically, but they were better! This is great news!! The bloodwork is where it should be for surgery. Praise the Lord for that!

The tutor came by this evening to work with Trystan. When she was finished I took the girls outside because it was so beautiful out! They had a great time. Trystan isn't able to do too much since she can't walk, but she deffinately makes the best of it!

March 16, 2010

Alyssa brought home her report card on Friday and had all straight A's with one A+! I received Trystan's report card yesterday. She received all S's and one S+! Great job girls! You are doing so well!! We love you both sooooo much!!!


Trystan and I took Alyssa to school this morning and came home in time for her to SKYPE with her class. We ate lunch and SKYPED again this afternoon. After school Trystan's tutor came over to work with her. Once she finished we went to eat with Doris for my birthday. Good food and good fun!!!!

March 15, 2010

Today was a BIG day at Greenville Elementary for the 4th graders. It was the Living History Museum. After Trystan SKYPED this morning and this afternoon, we took a trip into the school to see Alyssa in action as Judy Garland. She did an awesome job as well as the others we got to see! After Alyssa was finished with school we came home and Trystan's tutor came by to work with her. We are trying to get in as much school time as possible before the surgery on Friday.

Please pray for Trystan on Friday, her surgery is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. She will then be in the hospital until Sunday or Monday unless complications occur.

March 14, 2010

Woke up this morning early to take the girls down to the pool one last time before we had to check out of the hotel. Left the hotel about 11 a.m. and headed to Lambert's. The second place we always eat when we go to see Sonny at Taco John's. It was good food! Once we were finished at Lambert's we went down to Taco John's to get food to bring home.


We got home about 3 p.m. Relaxed the rest of the afternoon and evening at home. What a great family weekend!

March 13, 2010

This morning we packed up the car and drove to Taco John's in Sikeston, MO. This is something the girls have been wanting to do since Trystan finished chemo. Since she'll be having surgery coming up on Friday, we decided to get it in before that.

We arrived at Taco John's a little after 1 p.m. The staff had put Alyssa and Trystan's name on the message board and painted up the doors with little messages as well. We came inside and they had a few tables together with a table covering on it, along with balloons and gifts. The variety of gifts came from Logomos, Taco John's International, and Bennett Uniform. The girls were very excited! After they opened their gifts we of course had to eat there! YUM!!! Love Taco John's!!!!!

We left Taco John's a little after 3 p.m. and headed for the hotel. After checking in, we went up to the room changed clothes and went down to the pool. The girls swam for a little while then we went back up to the room got dressed and headed out for dinner. After dinner we headed back to the hotel and bummed out in the room until bed.

March 12, 2010

This morning Trystan and I dropped Alyssa off at school. Trystan and I went into the school about 15 minutes after school started for pictures. She was a little overwhelmed. Trystan did get her spring picture and class picture taken. She was deffinately ready to leave once pictures were finished. I think overall she was glad she got to go and get her picture taken and see her friends!

March 11, 2010

This morning Alysssa took her Living History Museum outfit and props to school. Came home in a great mood because she didn't have any homework!

Trystan SKYPED twice today with her class and her tutor came over to do assessments with her. She had a pretty draining day academically. After the tutor left we headed into town to take Alyssa to dance. Trystan and I stayed in town and waited for Alyssa to finish dance, while Tracy headed to Edwardsville for a concert at St. Boniface. The students at the school were putting on a concert in honor of John.

All in all it was a pretty ok day! Thank you God for the sunshine to brighten our days! :)

March 10, 2010

This morning Trystan and I dropped Alyssa off at school and we headed for Maryville Quest. She only had to have a finger stick again today so of course she was happy about that. I know she will be happy when we don't have to go at all anymore!

Got our call from the clinic about lunchtime. Her platelets are continuing to drop little by little every week but are still high enough. Hemoglobin, white blood cells and anc have risen this week. This is great news!

After picking Alyssa up from school, we came home did homework, then the girls went outside and played. Since Trystan is unable to do very much, they did sidewalk chalk on the porch together. It was nice they were able to play outside together with something they both can do independently!

March 9, 2010

As of today, we still hadn't received a call back to hear if they were able to coordinate Trystan's leg surgery with the removal of her port. Maybe tomorrow?


Trystan and I took Alyssa to school today. On our way, we hit a skunk! Phew!! The car is having to sit outside the garage til the smell is gone. SKYPING was done twice today. I picked up Alyssa from school. She and I headed to Bethalto to Donna's to have her tap outfit hemmed. Thank goodness I have a friend who sews because I sure don't!

March 8, 2010

It was back to school for Alyssa and SKYPING for Trystan. Neither of them wanted to get up this morning. The tutor is scheduled to come twice this week to work with Trystan. Trying to get in as much schoolwork for her before her surgery.

Received an interesting call at about 4 p.m. today. A lady called to schedule Trystan for surgery to take her port out. As of February 1, 2010 the doctor had told us that after her 3 month scans were clear, they would schedule to have her port removed at that time. Evidently he changed his mind and said she could have it out now. I called the clinic to confirm that she was to have it removed now instead of later and the nurse said yes. So when I called the lady back that originally called me to schedule the surgery I asked if it could be done on the same day as her leg surgery. She told me that the doctor was available at that time, but would need to call Trystan's surgeon to coordinate the surgeries. She said she would call me back to confirm this date as soon as she spoke with Dr. McDonald's nurse.

March 7, 2010

This morning we all went to church and then came home and spent a relaxing do pretty much nothing day. I think Tracy, the girls and myself really needed that!

Happy Birthday Mom!

March 6, 2010

We all had to get up bright and early this morning for the Walk4Wishes at St. Clair Square. Got there and had to check in then my brother Russ and my mom took charge of getting the shirts handed out for me. They had a dance school there performing for everyone. Once they were finished they had a 12 year old boy speak and then handed out some awards and prizes. Team Trystan Watson's Walkers received the 1st place award for the most money raised! Way to go team. Thank you to everyone who was there to walk with us as well as all those who supported our team with donations. I believe we rasied about $1500! I should be getting an exact total within the next week or so.


After the walk was over the girls and I stayed at the mall and went into the stores where they had gift cards. We started out at Justice, then went to Build-A-Bear, Bath. We ate lunch in the food court then went to Bath and Body, Claires, and finally Yankee Candle. Bu this time it was about 1:30 and the girls were beat! So instead of going to Toy r Us to use their gift cards, they decided to wait til a later date to spend that.


Got home around 2:30 p.m. We had enough time to relax a little before heading out the door for Tyler's 10th birthday party at Applebee's in Edwardsville. The girls were completely exhausted by the time we got home and pretty much went right to bed.

March 5, 2010

Today was a pretty good day. Not too much went on today which is why it was good! Left a little early to take Trystan to the park to swing. She had a good time! Of course when it was time to get back in the car to leave to get Alyssa, she didn't want to. Alyssa is excited that the ISAT testing is finished for the week, but not too extactic about going back to the grind of regular schoolwork!

Tomorrow is the Walk4Wishes at St. Clair Square. Very excited about it! Not too excited about how early we have to get up to get there, but it will all be worth it! The team is much larger than I would have ever dreamed it to be. As of right now we have 33 people registered to walk! That's awesome!! There also may be a few the day of the walk as well. Most of us will be wearing Trystan's favorite color, purple! Go team Trystan Watson's Walkers!

March 4, 2010

Today Trystan got to SKYPE twice and this evening her tutor came by and did assessments with her. While the tutor finished up with Trystan, Tracy took Alyssa into town for dance. After her tutoring was finished, Trystan and I worked on making supper together. I just love times like this when either of my girls want to learn how to cook and really enjoy it!

March 3, 2010

This morning Trystan and I took Alyssa to school then headed for Maryville for bloodwork. Quest Diagnostics was extra busy this morning so we didn't get called back right away. We waited about 45 minutes in the waiting room. Once back in the room, Trystan's fingerstick went quickly. She bled big and fast!

The clinic called early today at about 12:30 p.m. Trystan's hemoglobin and platelets dropped just a smidge but are still at the lower end of the "normal range." Her white blood cells and ANC have risen a little more from last week. Praying that all of her counts continue to rise for her surgery in two and a half weeks.

March 2, 2010

Today it was back to school! Alyssa's week will be filled with ISAT testing. She was very nervous this morning, but I know she will do great! Trystan was back to SKYPING with the class and tutoring today. Still praying that she isn't too far behind the rest of the students from her setback from treatments and soon to be another setback. We are thinking about getting someone to come here once or twice a week through the summer to continue to work with her. Not completely decided about that but considering it.

This evening was McTeacher's night at McDonald's. Decided to take the girls and sit inside to eat. Called Trystan's best friend Olivia and she and her mom met us there. They all had a blast sitting together and eating. That was a great ending to the day!

March 1, 2010

No school today!!! Decided to take the girls to Edwardsville to let them go shopping with the money they've gotten. Left the house about 10:00 a.m. Once we got to Edwardsville we went to Border's Books. Alyssa wanted to buy the next book in the series that she's reading. We saw Steve, Molly, and Josh Harnetiaux there! From there the girls and I walked down to Old Navy and Shoe Carvinal. The girls didn't buy anything there but had a good time looking. Fazzoli's is now in Edwardsville! That's were the girls wanted to eat lunch. We saw Linda Hooks and Colleen Baker while we were in there as well. Just after finishing lunch the girls wanted to go to Target to shop and use their gift cards. They did find some ds games they purchased. Just when we were leaving there we saw Tonia Pickerill working. Headed down to Kohl's. There the girls bought themselves each a case full of make-up! I was getting pretty tired from lifting the wheelchair and Trystan in and out of the car. So we decided we were going to come home when Alyssa spotted Coldstone Creamery and asked if we could stop and get some ice cream. I'm a softy for the sweets so she didn't have to beg too much! After Coldstone's we were Greenville bound! We arrived home about 2:30 p.m. We did quite a bit in a short amount of time! Once we were home Trystan broke into her make-up kit and dolled herself up, while Alyssa played with her new ds game.