WDD Speech

Awhile back, Elise wrote a speech and delivered it on her school's TV announcement system for World Diabetes Day.  I kept meaning to post her practicing it (we didn't get the video of the actual announcement), and now a month a a half later, here it is!



BTW, she's amazing.

Guess the carbs

Growing up, my mom would always make gingerbread houses from scratch and my brother and I would go crazy decorating them.  It was my main goal in life to try and fit as much candy on my house without it collapsing.

I'm proud to say my kids are carrying on the tradition.

front of house

I tried to make a nice pattern on the roof, but was thwarted by my 3 year old

Fred's contribution.  Obviously Mattias was nowhere near this part of the house

Towards the end it was total chaos

Anyone care to guess the carb count of this bad boy?  

About one miiiiiiiiillion grams?

Double the basal, double the fun. Not.

It was a lovely Thanksgiving afternoon.  Turkey et al had been consumed, insulin bolused, and the kiddos were outside playing a rousing game of soccer.

The adults were still gathered around the table, digesting our meal when it happened; the long, continuous screech of death which tells you diabetes has decided to screw with your holiday.

As I jumped to my feet, I realized that it was not possible for me to be hearing Elise's pod, since she was outside.  Either I had developed the hearing of an owl or the PDM was the source.  Sure enough; PDM error.  Still sucky, just not as sucky as a pod failure.

For you non-podders (or podders who have never encountered this), when you get a PDM error, the pod will continue to deliver the basal, even though the PDM (once reset) won't recognize the pod that is being worn.  This was great because we were a ways off from dessert, and I didn't want to interupt Elise's soccer game.

I reset the PDM, and when Elise came inside, we changed her pod.  As per our usual routine, she left the old pod on until we could put baby oil on the adhesive to get it off.

The rest of the evening, Elise hovered on the low side.  I ran negative temp basals, bolused for half of more pie, and still she remained stayed low-ish (80s - according to the CGM).

When we got home, I turned off her basal entirely; since we had been free-basing smarties the whole ride home.  I think her basal stayed off for almost three hours.  She came up to about 100.  I was worried about ketones developing (since she wasn't receiving any insulin), so I turned on her basal at 50%.  She went low again.

That night, Fred and I were up checking her almost every 30 minutes.  We alternated between turning off/down her basal and giving her carbs. I was flummoxed... how could she be receiving no insulin, eating smarties and her BG still go DOWN?

Any pod people care to chime in here?

Finally at 6:00 am, I sat bolt upright in bed after just laying down from a BG check and subsequent smartie-feeding.  I yelled, "THE OLD POD!  IT'S THE OLD POD!  IT'S STILL DELIVERING BASAL INSULIN!!!"  I ran to Elise's room, turned the basal off completely on the new pod and gave Elise 12g of yogurt.  Finally, she rose above 100 and stayed there.

Remember this picture from this post a few days ago?  That was this night.

The funny thing is, right before I woke up to check her at 6:00 am, I had a dream that Fred and I were driving down a highway and passed two factories right next to each other.  The factories were somewhat dome-like and both had chimneys with smoke rising from each one.  I remarked to Fred how strange it was to see smoke from both chimneys, because usually there was smoke from one or the other; not both at the same time.

Looks like Lenny and Harold are alive and well. Maybe next time guys, help me figure out my mistake a little earlier, mmmkay?

She wins

 I'm trying to learn to embrace this independence thing that Elise has going on.  It is so weird when your child, who has always HAD to be with you, starts doing stuff on her own.

Like going to school.

Riding her bike up the street without you right behind her.

Taking the bus (gaaaaaasp) to and from school.

Playdates.

Et cetera, et cetera.

Yesterday, just as Elise's bus was due to drop her off, I heard wailing from Mattias's room.  He had just woken up from his nap.  Fred (who was home to watch the boys while I went to the dentist) went up to get him and promptly yelled, "He's THROWING UP!"

Awesome.

I ran out to get Elise and started talking to my neighbour who, upon hearing of the vomiting, offered to take Elise for a few hours (awesome neighbour had her own three, plus another little girl she was watching).

Before I could think up an excuse as to why I couldn't, Elise was off and running, yelling, "YES!  AWESOME! BYE MOM!"

Okay then.  I handed over the CGM and diabetes bag and went home.

Fast forward a few hours.  I'm picking Elise up and awesome neighbour tells me that she went out of the room for five minutes and came back to find the girls eating cuties (Mandarin oranges).  Elise promptly told her that she thought it was around 10g of carbs and had bolused herself for it (10g is pretty close).

And while she *may* not have checked her BG before bolusing (she forgot and just went by the CGM), I do love that she's paying attention, and she's confident enough to do it on her own. We still need to have a little chat about the not checking, though.

It is so unbelievable how far we've come.

Nothing to do with the post, just an adorable picture

I win

For the most interesting call to Dexcom yesterday, that is.

The reason for the call was the out of range icon on her reciever for over an hour, even though the receiver was right next to her.

As I was following the CSR's instructions, I could hear a howling from the family room.  I looked over, and although I could hear Lucas, I couldn't see him.

"Mom!  Mom!  Lucas is stuck under the sofa!"

Elise was telling the truth, so the poor CSR had to listen in on the chaos as I told her to, "hold on, my baby is stuck under the sofa".  He was very, very stuck; so I had to lift up the sofa while Elise dragged him out.

Here is my reenactment:

***no actual babies were harmed in the taking of this picture

I wonder if they'll use the recording for training purposes... how not to bust out laughing at a customer.

Things Diabetes taught me this month... October/November Edition

Because last month I did a post a day (well, almost every day), I figured I'd wait to post October's "Things" with November.  Here goes...

-Did you know it's possible to get speared by an omnipod needle while the cannula is being deployed? It happened to me as I was starting a new pod and pinching up, as per the instructions.  I guess I was pinching a little to close and the needle grazed my thumb.  Hurt like you wouldn't believe, too.

-As thankful as I am for the Dexcom, it kind of hurt when I got Elise's school pictures back and what my eyes immediately went to was not her cute smile, or the special outfit she was wearing; but the sensor on her arm.  When she picked her outfit for that day, I tried to steer her towards long sleeves.  But she wouldn't hear of it.  Her sensor had been on her arm for a few weeks and was looking very ragged, but I couldn't bear to change a perfectly food sensor for vanity reasons.  I feel awful that it bothers me, but it does.

-When you receive your D-supplies, look at the boxes to make sure you were sent the right ones.  One morning as I was frantically trying to change Elise's sensor due to ???, I opened the new box we had been sent.  I was trying to get everything done before she had to get to school, and wasn't paying much attention.  I put the sensor on, and as i tried to snap the transmitter in, it wouldn't fit.  That's because they sent me Dexcom 7 sensors.  we had been using the G4 for almost a year, and hadn't ordered the 7 sensors for over two years.  Man I was ticked.

-Growth spurts suck.  We haven't been through one in awhile, but it freaked me out the amount of insulin we we're pumping into Elise and we still couldn't get her below 200.

-Medical supply companies are run by the devil.  Of this I am convinced.  I have had so many problems with the company we deal with, I fly into a rage just thinking about having to call them.  From not wanting me to re-order when I'm allowed, to flat-out not sending me my supplies; it's a nightmare.  Between our pods, sensors, and strips/lancets; I have three different re-order dates.  Even though they're all supposed to be on auto-ship, if I don't call every three months, I won't get my supplies.  I'm tired of it.  I'm tired of them.  Yet I can't do anything about it.

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Future

I had a hard time with today's prompt.  What does a picture of the future look like?  Then the other night happened:

Look at all that red.  Try as we might, we could not keep Elise above 100.  We gave her over 40g uncovered, and turned off her pump for hours; you can see the results.

Fred and I barely slept that night. I lost count of how many finger pokes we did.  If it wasn't for the dexcom, this could have been a very bad situation.  Very bad.  

Until a cure is found, devices like the dexcom that help keep our CWD and PWD safe are the future.  

And I am so very thankful for that.

November was National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Thank you to Kerri for coming up with the Diabetes Month Photo a Day Project to document life with type 1.

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Travel

TSA... those three letters can strike fear into the heart of a PWD or the parent of a CWD.  This is a picture from that awful experience a few years ago that caused us to miss our flight.  Looking at it still makes my blood boil.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Necessary

I used to love to cook.  And bake.  I loved trying out new recipes and putting my own twist on them.  After Elise was diagnosed, it didn't change because she was mostly eating baby food (she didn't have any teeth until she was 16 months).

Then she started eating table food.  And food prep took on a whole new meaning.  We weighed everything, because a 5g mistake would mean a 200 point BG swing in a tiny 18 pound body.  In fact, we still do weigh pretty much everything.  I like knowing she's getting the exact amount of carbs I'm bolusing her for.



Now my counters look like this when I cook; note the scale, notebook and calculator.  For me, they are just as much a part of cooking as a cutting board and knife.

It's a lot of extra work, but it's necessary.  It's one way we help keep Elise healthy.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Fun

"Mom!  Mom!  I made a ladybug!"

My girl is known for her projects. At any one time, there could be three or four of these unfinished projects scattered throughout the house. A pirate boat that she can sit in, complete with crow's nest.  Or a playground made out of diaper boxes, a tunnel and a basket rigged up to some sort of pulley system.

Oy... she makes me tired.

I can't remember what I was doing when she told me about her ladybug, but I know there was something going on because I never actually got to see it.

And then this morning, as I was cleaning, I happened upon her latest project.  If you can't see it, the ladybug's body is made out of a pod.

Fun with diabetes supplies... gotta love it!

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Healthcare

Hmmmm, not your typical picture of heathcare, right?  These are two postcards Elise and I received for the WDD postcard exchange.  Except that we didn't sign up to participate.  It wasn't because we didn't want to, but because life has been overwhelmingly busy for us.

Plus I still have feelings of guilt from last year... we did sign up, sent our postcards, and received some beautiful ones in return; two of which asked if Elise would like a pen/email pal.  Something we were very excited about.

Except, before I ever got a chance to let those families know we were interested, Lucas arrived a month early, spending 9 days in the NICU.  Everything was put on the back-burner and I have always felt so bad about not replying.

All that to say, receiving these two postcards in the mail this year have been sort of like healthcare for my soul.  

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Wishlist

A few weeks ago I went to a JDRF research update. Jeffery Brewer (President and CEO of JDRF) was there and he showed us the encapsulation device in the picture above (the quarter is there for size reference). Towards the end of the evening, as I was chatting with Jeffery, he let me hold it.  

Yes I know it's not a cure, but it is better than what we do now.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Cure

I've used this picture before on my blog, but I wanted to use it again because it's the first image that popped into my head when I read what today's word was.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Diagnosis

Until a few days ago, I was under the impression that we didn't have any pictures of Elise when she was diagnosed. But then I decided to go back on Fred's facebook and see what I could find.  This is how I spent most of my days in her hospital room... it was the only way she would sleep.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Happy

It's not the peaks and valleys that make me happy.

Or those out of range numbers.

It's the fact that for three days, I could see a definite pattern... and that made me happy.  For three wonderful days, 1 + 2 = 3.

Only made sweeter by the fact that these days
1 + 2 = purple.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Sweet

This picture just oozes sweetness to me.  They are typical siblings... best friends one moment, getting on each others' nerves the next.  But as they grow older I hope they will become so much more.  I hope he will be one of her biggest supporters and cheerleaders. Someone who will be there to listen.  And a shoulder to cry on when she needs one.


November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Healthy

She looks healthy, doesn't she?  And she is, except for one faulty organ.

Hard to believe that without insulin... well, I can't even bring myself to finish that thought.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Chronic

We used to keep paper logs before Elise was on a pump.  This is just a year and a half worth.  And yes, those pages are double-sided.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Frustrating

Frustrating is the numbers on the clock.

Frustrating is the fact I haven't fallen asleep yet.

Frustrating is the 409 that popped up on the meter.

Frustrating is that fact that the corrections aren't working.

And what is also frustrating is that at the same time, I have crying in stereo.  One is teething. One has night terrors.

Frustrating is being outnumbered by children that need you in the hours that you should be sleeping.

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - DOC

Times are always fun when D-Mamas hang out.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - WDD

I knew just picking ONE photo for today would be hard... But when I saw it, I knew it was the one.

This picture shows everything that is brave about my little girl.  In it, she is rehearsing to do a live, televised announcement to her whole school about World Diabetes Day.  She wrote it herself.

Yesterday, when she came home from school, she was in tears.  She knew we had talked about her doing this and she was scared.  And nervous.  She didn't want people to make fun of her.  She didn't want to mess up.

So we had a little chat about bravery.  And how truly living life is doing the things we are scared of, because if we didn't, we would miss out on so much.  I knew she would love this.  Excel at it, if given the chance.

And I pushed her.  I felt awful about doing it, but I knew what to say to get her to do it. It worked, and by all accounts she was fabulous.  I never doubted her for a second.

You can't really see it, but she is wearing her YCDT bracelet, a YCDT sticker, and even proclaims loudly in her speech, "I can do this!"

She sure did.  Just like she does, every day.

Happy World Diabetes Day everyone!

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Awareness

In the 5 years since Team Elise was formed:

14 teams
Of 878 people
Walking in 4 different countries
And on 3 different continents
Have raised just under $75,000 

Team Elise is all about spreading awareness; all over the globe.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Work

Outsiders don't know.... but this takes a lot of work.

Especially if this picture was taken on Halloween; after pizza and running and candy.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Play

This picture was taken about 2 1/2 years ago, but I remember it like yesterday.

We were at a birthday party.

It was H-O-T.

And Elise's BG was in the 300s.

She was miserable and crying.  We were at a spray park and she didn't even want to play with her friends.

Pizza and cake were being served.  I let her eat anyway.

If you look at this picture, you see an adorable little girl at a birthday party.

What you don't see is just how much diabetes can screw up what should be a fun day.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month photo a day - Exercise

My girl loves her some soccer! 

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Support

I haven't ever written a whole lot about Elise's pre-school... it's not because I don't want to; I actually have about 3 or 4 posts in my draft folder that I never got around to finishing.  Today's picture is in one of them.

Elise was meant to go to that pre-school.  I know that.  I started looking into school for Elise just after Mattias was born.  School had started a month ago, and I was pretty sure I wouldn't get her in anywhere. But she needed something.

Then a friend of mine mentioned how much she loved the school her daughter was going to.  Elise and A had known each other since they were babies.  This school *just happened* to be up the street from our house. Literally... I could drive there in about 60 seconds.

I called the school.  Instead of hanging up when they heard "diabetes" they were very interested in making it work.  And they *just happened* to have a teacher there who had type 2.  And she *just happened* to teach the 3 year old class.

All this to say, the three years Elise went there they went above and beyond for us.  Most of the staff comes out and walks with us every year.  And the first school day back after the walk, they all wear their Team Elise shirts.  When Lucas arrived a month early last year, they offered to take the kids on the days Elise and Mattias didn't have class (they went M/W/F), and in the afternoon enrichment program (in which they weren't enrolled).

Then in November last year, they had a Diabetes Awareness Week; letting us set up donation jars from Team Elise.  In just one week; they raised over $300 for Team Elise.

I am so thankful for how they have supported us.  They were my first stepping stone on the pathway to letting go, and for that I will always be grateful.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Organization

It makes me happy.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Blue

I don't know what it was that made her tongue this wild shade of blue, but I'm guessing it had lots of sugar in it.  

And that's okay.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Relationship

From the moment she was diagnosed, she depended on me for everything. Now her diabetes is growing up. 

Much like she is.  

Slowly, slowly... she needs me less and can do more for herself.  

As it should be.

But I will always be here to do it when she feels like she cannot.

Always.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Advocate

 Team Elise... Then and now.  Just five years ago we had a handful of people walk with us just three weeks after Elise was diagnosed.  

This year, over 130 came.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Proud

Two years ago yesterday we started on our pumping journey.  I could not be more proud of this little girl who has to endure so much, and rarely complains.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Snack

Yes, she CAN eat that... a mini cupcake with icing (she could even eat a full sized version if she wanted)

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Check

Some pictures don't need an explanation.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

Diabetes Month Photo a Day - Past

Once upon a time a baby girl was born.  She was loved from the moment her parents found out she was going to be - Christmas Eve of 2006.  Still one of the best Christmas presents ever.

When she came into this world 9 months later, it rocked her parents world.  In an amazing way.

Little did they know that a year and two days after that, their world would be rocked again; in a very different way.

Their baby was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

November is National Diabetes Month and American Diabetes Month.  Kerri is doing a photo-a-day to document life with type 1 and I thought it would be fun to join in, following the prompts on her blog.  Join me, won't you?

World Diabetes Day Shirts... Deadline extended

We ended up having enough people order shirts to make a second run.  So if you missed out, you have until 10:00 pm CT today, October 31st.

If you want to order:

• Send me an email with how many, sizes and your address.  For a size guide, click here.

• Go to PayPal and submit your payment.  The shirts are $12 each.

• If you don't have a PayPal account, I can email you a money request so you can submit your payment via PayPal using a credit card.

And don't forget to send me your pictures of you all decked out on November 14th!

Sorta Wordless Wednesday: They're Heeeeeeeeere!

The shirts!

Coming soon to a mailbox near you!

(We're sending them out today)

Edited to add: If you missed the deadline and are sad that YOU won't be sporting an uber-cool WDD shirt on November 14, there's hope yet!  If we can get 10 more orders ASAP, the printer will do another run and we can get them out to you in time.  The price is still $12 per shirt, and you can email me at shirts@deathofapancreas.com to get your order in.

A1C Wishes and Blood Sugar Dreams

Yesterday.  Endo appointment.  Was I ready?

Yes I was!

The appointment was at 3:40.  

Dinner was made and ready to be put in the oven when I texted Fred to do so.

Mattias was napping.

Lucas was napping. I had a bottle in the fridge in case he woke up before I got home.

And the software was up and running; just waiting for Elise to get home from school so I could download her PDM and print out the logs.

WINNING!

Okay, my house was a mess, I had the leaning tower of laundry to do and my kitchen was overrun by dinner-making paraphernalia.

But still... WINNING!

Until Elise got home and I tried to download the PDM.  The software wouldn't recognize the PDM.  "No data found" it said.

Oh.  Hells. No.

Only 30 minutes until appointment time, I un-installed and re-installed software.  I restarted computers.  I called Omnipod.  I may have yelled at my computer and shaken my fist... the results were the same; "No data found."

With 5 minutes to go before the appointment (we live about 2 minutes from the clinic), I threw in the towel.  No logs today.  Sad face.

As we arrived in the parking lot, I instructed Elise to "run like a bunny" (Mo-oooom, bunnies don't run, they hop!) and I'm sure every ounce of crazy showed as we sprinted to the clinic.

Despite not having logs, the visit went great; problem areas were discussed.  Basal changes agreed upon. Pictures of ostrich races from the state fair were shown (doc, not me).

She even told me that the other day she baked a cake and decided to figure out the carb count as she did it. What she came up with sounded pretty good.  The story gave me a good chuckle.

A1C was given... .5 lower than last time, and the lowest it has ever been.  

Cut to me grinning, but trying to play it cool.  Unsuccessfully so.  Who cares?

We don't need no stinking logs.

Lights

Once there was this Mom.  She was in a very dark place.  Her heart ached and she seemed to spend most of her waking hours weeping.  She couldn't remember ever feeling so alone in all her life.  All she had were her words, so she threw them out into the void hoping that somebody, anybody was listening.

Somebody was.  Lots of somebodies.  And little by little, the door to where she was hiding inched open and lights started to shine.

Lights like Penny.  And Jill. Meri.  Laura.  Jessica. Wendy. Tracey.  Misty.  Amy. Kristi.  Lora. Heidi. Kelly. Chasiti. 

And Shamae.

I count these ladies as people who helped save me, and Shamae was one of them.  She was so positive and encouraging; as well as a fierce D-advocate.

My favourite memory of her is when she blogged about a terrible Letter to the Editor someone had written to her local newspaper. The person took issue with a little boy injecting insulin at a table in a restaurant. Shamae was fired up and wrote this blog post, encouraging us all to write the paper.  My response was published and Shamae was so sweet, sending me a copy of the paper and proclaiming me a "published writer in Idaho!"

I was shocked to find out on Sunday that she had passed away in her sleep. I am still in shock, it just doesn't seem possible.

So once again, this Mom is weeping.  For the loss of a friend.  A fellow D-mom, and a sweet soul who was taken way too soon.  I cry for her husband and three little girls; who shouldn't be saying goodbye, but have to.  

How can you mourn so deeply for someone you've never met; never even talked to, except through the written word?  I think it speaks to the bond that we D-Moms all share.

Thank you Shamae, for being a light in my very dark world.  

WDD shirts: Last call!

Since most people don't read blogs on the weekend, I'm going to do my last-call-for-shirts post today.  Sunday, October 20th is the ACTUAL last day, but I want to make sure everybody has a chance to get their order in.  Here's the info in case you've missed it:

• Just send me an email at shirts at deathofapancreas dot com.  Please specify how many shirts and what sizes.  For a handy size guide, click here. Don't forget to include your address so I know where to mail your shirt(s).

• Send your payment of $12 per shirt using Pay Pal.  The account is the same as the email address.  I promise you will get your shirt.  And if something goes horribly wrong, you will get your money back. Any profit made will be donated to the JDRF on behalf of Team Elise.

We made the number on the shirt a bit different... to see the old and new images, click here (I cannot figure out how to embed the image in my post).

If enough people want to order this shirt, but with a "Type 2" on the back instead of Type 1, we might be able to make that happen.  Just send me an email at shirts at deathofapancreas dot com.  It would take orders of about 20 shirts for it to work.  If I get enough orders, I will send you a request payment through Pay Pal.  If you don't receive anything, there wasn't enough interest.

Next year, I'm hoping to be able to offer shirts for ALL types; 1, 2, 1.5, and 3!

Remember... the deadline to order is THIS SUNDAY!

World Diabetes Day: Only 6 days left to order your shirt

Did you know that World Diabetes Day is only one month away?

And did you further know that the deadline to order your WDD shirt is less than a week away?

EEEEK!

So get your shirt orders in.  The deadline is this Sunday (Oct. 20).

Need a refresher on how to order?  

• Just send me an email at shirts at deathofapancreas dot com.  Please specify how many shirts and what sizes.  For a handy size guide, click here. Don't forget to include your address so I know where to mail your shirt(s).

• Send your payment of $12 per shirt using Pay Pal.  The account is the same as the email address.  I promise you will get your shirt.  And if something goes horribly wrong, you will get your money back. Any profit made will be donated to the JDRF on behalf of Team Elise.

It's that easy!  Order by Oct. 20, and you will have your shirt in time to celebrate World Diabetes Day in style!

I dug around in my archives and found these adorable pictures from WDD 2009:

Thankful Thursday: Nurse K

We had some school nurse drama before this year started and it made me nervous.  Lots of things seemed up in the air, and then we found out a new nurse had been hired.

We met her at our 504 plan meeting, and felt very comfortable with her from day one. She is open to feedback, willing to learn and has made learning about D a top priority.  

This morning she called during Elise's 9:00 am check:

Just wanted to let you know that Elise is 210 (this is a good number for her at that time of day. It's 2 hours after breakfast, and where she usually tops out at.  We like her to be between 180-220. That way she usually lands around 100 by lunch), but the CGM is saying slightly down.  I know this is a bit early for her to start going down, so I'll keep my eye on it.

Then she called again at 9:45:

I forgot to tell you we have a weather drill at 10:00 and I'm going to be all over the place, so I thought I'd go by and re-check Elise.  Her CGM is saying 117 slightly down now, so I thought I should give her some fruit gummies to be on the safe side.  

I love how she has learned Elise's routine.  She knows what is normal for Elise, and is starting to get comfortable with what actions to take.  She doesn't call me every check, just when something is up and she wants to double-check on what to do.  And I am so confident in her abilities, that I don't get stressed out when I haven't heard from her... it just means that all is well (we do use a logging app, and she tries very hard to enter the info as soon as she can, but her office is a zoo most days.  I've seen it myself!)

Elise loves school.  She is thriving. This separation has given her confidence that she will be okay without me. And Nurse K has given me the ability to relax and let go.

Today I am thankful for those who care for our kids when they are away from us.  

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Just a reminder... if you want to order a World Diabetes Day shirt, please do so as soon as possible!  If you left a comment on my first post, I still need you to email me your order.  Click here for a step-by-step ordering process.  And please get the word out to any D-peeps that you think would want one.

World Diabetes Day Shirts: A how to order re-post

It looks like we have enough people to go ahead with the shirts orders.  So if you really want one, here's how:

Step 1: Send me an email at shirts at deathofapancreas dot com.  Yes, even if you left a comment on my first post.  I need to have all the orders in one place to maintain what is left of my sanity. Please tell me how many and what sizes.  Not sure what size you need?  Click here. Also include your mailing address in your email.

Step 2: Now you need to pay.  I know this takes a lot of trust on your part; giving some crazy lady who lives in your computer money.  You will get your shirt.  I promise.  If something goes horribly wrong and the order doesn't happen, you'll get your money back.  I promise.  I would never rip anybody, let alone a D-peep, off.  And there are people in the DOC who know where I live who would gladly come beat my ass if I did.  

The price is $12 per shirt.  That includes shipping. The Paypal account is the same as the email.

Step 3: Do all of this before October 20th.  That is the deadline.  And if you miss it, I can't help you out. The printer is doing a one time run and there's no going back after the fact.

Step 4: After you receive your shirt and wear it on November 14th, please send me a picture so I can post it on my blog, like these fabulous people did 4 years ago.

If you want to look cool for World Diabetes Day, order now!

Things Diabetes has taught me this month... September edition

-The season of germs is upon us, and so is flu shot time.  I started looking into getting the mist for Elise and Mattias instead, but the guidelines are very unclear as to whether or not the mist is okay for people with Type 1.  Then Fred asked the question on the FB page of our local support group, and the responses muddied the waters even more... some said that their kid's endo said it's fine.  Some endos said, "no way". Some kids had the mist and experienced no problems, while others who had the shot came down with the flu.  The mist is a "live virus", but covers more strains... Commence head exploding... NOW!

Anyway, we asked Elise's endo and she was fine with Elise getting the mist... I think what it comes down to is that the mist is not for people whose diabetes is not well controlled.  Yay for one less shot!

-I wasn't sure what school was going to do to Elise's BGs, but so far her numbers have been pretty consistently good.  We get a few weird numbers here and there, but for the most part it's been great.

-I am so happy with Elise's school.  I have read horror stories out there about parents fighting with schools over accommodations, school nurses that act like they know better than the parents, and schools without nurses at all; and I realize just how lucky we are.  Elise's nurse is awesome.  And just the other day, Elise's Science/Spanish teacher emailed us about an upcoming experiment they were working on that involved candy.  She wanted to know if it was okay for Elise to eat a piece, AND she emailed me a picture of the nutritional information.  Yes, we are VERY lucky indeed.

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Just a reminder... if you want to order a World Diabetes Day shirt, please do so as soon as possible!  If you left a comment on my first post, I still need you to email me your order.  Click here for a step-by-step ordering process.  And please get the word out to any D-peeps that you think would want one.

No D-Day: Meet Lucas

It's October 1st, and according to George, that means it's No D-Day!  I always have trouble coming up with what to post on, so I'm going to do what I've always done on No D-Day... introduce you to somebody who doesn't get much mention here; This year it's Lucas's turn!


What can I say about my adorable third-born?  There's a reason one of his (many) nicknames is Cutie-cutie-cute-cute.

Almost a year ago Lucas made a very... interesting entrance into this world.  Despite the rocky start, he has fit perfectly into our family right from the beginning.  He is just such an easy baby; the only one of mine who would take a bottle.  He's a great eater, a great sleeper, and an awesome traveller.  His whole schedule was turned upside down when we went to FFL in July, and he barely batted an eyelash.

As you can see from these pictures, he is a happy little man.  They really reflect his personality.  The other day I was at Elise's soccer practice, sitting with Lucas on my lap.  He was being a bit whiny, and I explained to another Mom that he had been so cranky because he was teething.  Her response was, "really... THAT'S cranky?"  It made me laugh... and realize how spoiled I am!

He loves his brother and sister, and lights up when he sees them. Elise, of course, is amazing with him.  And even Mattias is great, calling him, "my brudder!"

 He is my little snuggle-bug.  He loves his Mama, and I love the way he wraps his arm around my neck when I'm holding him.  And his cheeks... SO KISSABLE! 

He turns 10 months in a few days, and it has been so much fun to watch his personality blossom.  I couldn't have imagined a more lovely little man as my number three.

So there you have it... Lucas, meet the DOC.  DOC, meet Lucas... the happiest baby in the world.

(Okay, one more pic... I just LOVE his blue eyes in this one)