Avery Update, August 2012

Every year, we wear Lilac (or usually lavender/purple) for TS Awareness. This isn't the greatest pic, but it is the most recent! 

Avery had a great report from her Endocrinologist this week. She is now above the 50th percentile on the Turner Syndrome growth chart thanks to her hormone treatment. Her Levoxyl is keeping her thyroid levels regulated, and Dr. Dixit feels her weight is in proportion to her height. I always worry because Avery is so little (just turned 24 pounds recently), but she is very active and healthy. She is also extremely strong (and strong-willed) and coordinated which amazes us all the time. I did ask about Avery's past thyroid levels wondering if the high levels occurred due to the HGH. I knew thyroid issues are a side effect of the treatment, but they are also common in girls with TS. Dr. Dixit looked back and told me that Avery's levels have always been elevated, but they just recently became elevated enough to cause a problem without meds. While Avery stayed upset for most of the appointment, she calmed down in the room and warmed up at the end again to Dr. Dixit. She gave her, her resident, and the nurse a hug on the way out. We call this good progress!
Avery also had her three year old wellness check-up with Dr. Van Norman yesterday. I wasn't able to go, but Jake said she did very well. She loved on everyone when she left, and I think everyone was relieved to see that side of her! I always tell Jake that I wish her medical team could see how she really is when she visits them. I know in time they will. She got another good report and was negative for anemia. I tear up when I think of all the wonderful people who take care of our child and make sure she continues to do well. I just don't know where we'd be without our amazing doctors and nurses!
Avery has also started a new daycare this week. She needed school supplies and will begin the Abeka curriculum which I am excited about! It was a little bittersweet too, of course, because my baby is turning into a little girl. I am probably worrying a little more than usual lately, but Avery is doing fantastic, and I am sure it is mostly pregnancy hormones! On that note, we will find out if Avery is having a brother or sister (and have an anatomy scan) on August 23. That appointment can't come soon enough! My OB told me to come in three rather than four weeks because I have been a little anxious. We found out about Avery's hygroma and medical problems at the sex determining/anatomy scan. With all that has gone on around us (the loss of our sweet friends' baby, my dad's cancer returning, and several other things) I have probably been a little extra anxious. We also watched New York Med the other night and saw a little girl have open heart surgery as her parents waited in the same waiting room we did. Seeing the hospital entry, waiting room, and PICU while watching the (while positive) story of a very energetic three year old girl stirred up some emotions that is for sure! It was really cool to see it at the same time. Thankfully, we are in the best hands- the good Lord's. I know He is listening to our prayers and taking care of things.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27