Misc. Update

I thought I'd give you all a quick update on what we know about the arm. We got a call from the dermatologist on Friday letting us know that after almost 4 weeks, one of the samples had tested positive on an Acid Fast Stain. (What the??) The types of issues that usually cause a positive result have been ruled out...TB, leprosy, and some others I can't pronounce (let alone spell.) So, the results have been forwarded to the State Health Department. (Again, what the???)

I'm not really sure what to expect from this point on. I'm not really worried because the biopsy site is healing nicely and there are no apparent signs of infection. Although she'll likely have a sizable scar, it looks tons better. And, most importantly, after three months it appears to be going away.

Thank you all for your insight into this problem. It kinda sounds bad when I say that I have been comforted to find out that DoriGrace isn't the only infant from Vietnam to have this type of bump. We just seemed to have a stronger infection. Joan, I really appreciate your post. Yes, it is the upper left arm and your experience sounds very similar without the green goo.

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On a personal note...I'm starving. Why is it when you diet, you become hungrier than you've ever been in your life?? JB and I are both exercising, thanks to our new outrageously expensive elliptical trainer. Two weeks...no weigh loss, lots of sore muscles, hunger and fatigue. Bah humbug...

The Best We Have

We had a lovely Easter. Our extended family are well and we have so much to be thankful for!

I don't know what my issue is these days, but I seem to be having a hard time blogging. I just don't have much to say, which is so interesting since I'm such a talker and we've done a lot to talk about.

We're (JB and I) are both working out on our new elliptical. We really splurged and bought a "gym quality" model and we have just been so inspired and motivated! Now, if we can just see some results by summer...

DG is doing well. As soon as we started her on cereal, the screaming poop began again, so we've dropped cereal for now. She likes veggies, hates fruit, and seems to be growing a little. The arm is healing, but will likely leave a pretty good-sized bump.

WB continues to inspire me with how much he loves his little sister. He is so loving and interested in her. I'm so proud of him. I love this picture of them.



Our Easter pictures are terrible this year....we just can't seem to get everyone focused on the camera at the same time! This is the best we have...

Palace of Pigs

This one started it all.

This is the pig that I fell in love with.

And now, the little "Year of the Pig" Princess has a growing piggy bank collection that will soon dominate her room. The poor little swine will have a good home here. Too bad they'll probably remain empty because I'll be spending all our spare change going to market to buy more piggies to join them. Poor, poor little porkers.

And, it's all this pig's fault.

Thanks Marla!

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For those still curious about DG's arm...It seems the green goo grows only in the arm, not the petri dish. WHATEVER! It makes no sense! I guess they are still waiting on one "slice", but so far, there is no diagnosis other than it is "an infectious process." Duh? The stitches are out and it looks pretty good this week, so we'll see...

How Can I Refuse...

Pictures for her inquiring public:

WB was really trying to help me capture the cuteness of the towel wrap, but DG is still in control and she wasn't interested.

We are blessed at this house and so thankful...just so very thankful for everything.

What We Know...

..it isn't TB

..it isn't a hemangioma

..it is "an infectious process"

we are still waiting on the second biopsy to identify what type of medicine is needed to treat it.

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We had a great weekend, starting with Ms. J's spa birthday party on Friday night. DoriGrace received a spa shower wrap, loving made from a hand towel, and got her toes painted. I don't know what possessed Aunt Lori to invite six, 6 year-olds to spend the night, but I learned a very valuable lesson....I can't EVER do this!

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Six days without antibiotics and the green snot has returned. (Not to be confused with the green goo in the arm, although that appears to be returning as well.)

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I'm FINALLY finished with thank you notes and announcements. Woo Hoo! It only took me two months, but hey, it's done, right?

The Green Goo is Off to OU

Thank you all for your comments and input. I've glanced at Emaline's pictures and there are some similarities. It sounds similar to Reagan also. Our dr. initially thought (and still thinks) it is related to the small pox vaccine; however, he is tired of it getting a little better and then seeing the green goo return. I checked with Shelly and Kade (in our travel group) doesn't have any marking on his arm. I am thinking if they use the old fashion small pox vaccine that he'd at least have the scar. (By the way Jessica, Altabax is what was working for us too...for a time.) I don't know about the scabies, it doesn't look like the pictures I've seen.

Anyway, we had an experience yesterday that I surely don't wish on anyone. We went to the dermatologist for a biopsy. UGH. Without being too graphic, there is a big numbing shot followed by a pencil eraser-sized sharp cookie cutter thing that gets twisted in about 1/2 a centimeter to extract the flesh. Then, the little hole is stitched up. We did have the option on going to the university and having her put under for the procedure, but I opted for the trauma since putting a 12 pounder under just seems too risky. Anyway they are testing for abnormal cell growth and infectious diseases. I feel better knowing we will at least have an answer and hopefully be getting it cleared up soon.

I'll keep you posted.....thanks again!