First - Thanks for all the prayers. They were definitely felt during the waiting period of almost 3 weeks !! The only thing that I do know for sure is that he has bronchitis. All his other blood work came back negative, so no "C" word or anything else for that matter. They do not know why his lymph nodes on the one side of his neck are so big, but they don't want me to get too concerned unless they grow bigger.
Second - when it rains, it seems to pour. Dylan has been having headaches for about a year, and they have progressively gotten worse. He is now getting migraines and his eyes are swelling. He is being referred to a Pediatric Neurologist and needs to have a Cat Scan and MRI done. When he is fine, he is his normal self, but the last time he had a migraine, he was done for a week. I do know the signs for him, so I will keep him medicated, so it doesn't get so bad. Please pray that this does not turn out to be a lifelong battle for him. He is only 6, and it is rare for them to have migraines so young, but it does happen.
I honestly HATE typing the bad stuff that happens on this side of the screen, but sometimes, the prayers are needed help to get me through. Thanks again, and may God touch each one of you in a special way today!
Julie,
I don't know how I found your blog initially, but it is bookmarked and every month or so, I get back to it. Your blog is a great source of inspiration both in your personal endeavors and your artwork. I love your spirit and your stories of family life. My prayers go out for you and your family. I pray that your family gets through these health battles quickly. Just wanted to let you know that you have more support than you can imagine through those you touch with your blog.
Posted by: sandy M | November 17, 2009 at 08:29 AM
My oldest son started getting migraines when he was about 4. At first I thought he was just mimicing me because I lived with a headache. But it was so noticable that he was in pain. I took him to the doctors and got no where. When he was about 12 we figure out that it was diet related. We both still have them but we do know of some things that trigger them. My nephew also had the same problem, so it sort of runs in the family. Anyway, prayers are with you and best of luck.
Posted by: Susan Holmes | November 16, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Julie,
Your family has been in my prayers. I know everyone is probably giving you advice about migraines, but I want to share with you what worked for me. Hubby was listening to a radio show where someone suggested that the headaches may be a result of a magnesium deficiency. I started taking 500mg 2x a day & have had only one headache in the past two years. You never know what might work. God Bless You.
Diane M
aka detour3
Posted by: Diane M | November 14, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Julie ~ when my daughter was 7 or 8 she developed migraines and we couldn't figure it out. I took her to a neurologist and they ran all the tests. I finally took her to the eye dr and it ended up that she had one eye that didn't focus.
The reason we didn't find out about this is because it didn't bother her until she got into school and had to go from looking at her paper to looking at the teacher or the board and each time required her to strain to focus - causing the migraines.
She had to wear special glasses that had prisms in them (they looked normal) and go to a vision therapist where they told her she would probably never be able to play sport like softball, especially if she tried to bat left handed. Well the dr didn't know that my kids (even at that age) were already HEAVY into sports and she is now 20 and just ended her 2nd year playing softball (and she bats left handed) at college.
Don't know if this will help, but if you haven't taken him to see an eye dr and I mean (Optometric Physician) so have a thorough evaluation.
Good luck!
Posted by: Sheryl | November 14, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Julie the bad stuff is part of life, and we are here to see each other through it, never feel bad about sharing it or asking for our support and prayers because that is what friends are for. Even those of us you have never met in person, we are your friends and adding your family to our prayers is an honor and a blessing to us as well. Hugs to all and I LOVE your new tree! I have a build a bear baby (girl) shower I am putting on Thursday and then I start our Christmas decorating early because we were asked to be on the local Home tour this year- gasp! hugs- Gwen
Posted by: Gwen Mangelson | November 14, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Julie, it is so good to hear that Jayden is doing better and not the c word....i have to say i so know what Dylan is going throught. I started getting migranes at age 11 and have been suffering with the for 20 years now. my last attach i ended up in the hospital for a day then 3 days at home. I feel so bad for him, my son too started getting migranes at age 3. I know hard to believe but true. unlike me he does not suffer from them as often, so i hope as he ages he will not be like me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I wish there was some magical answer to take all the pain in life away, but i guess this is why God gives us these test, just to see how Strong we really are. Best wishes to you and your family. P.s. how is the weight loss going
Posted by: bellaskie | November 13, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Prayers for both your boys coming at ya.
Glad to hear Jayden's lump isn't cancer and hope it shrinks on down soon. I feel for your little Dylan. Good to know you have strategies in place to help him.
Posted by: Sandra K | November 13, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Sending loads of love, and lots of prayers.
Posted by: Connie | November 13, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Julie, I'm so happy to hear that it isn't the "C" word. I hope Jayden gets better quickly..whatever it is he is dealing with.
As for Dylan, if it turns out to be migraines, try giving him 250mg of Mag-Citrate. One pill daily (SISU brand only - I tried other brands to save $ and they don't work...I think it's because SISU brand must be micronized). Consult with your Dr. of course if it's alright.
Someone on a stamping group who suffered from migraines for years (and tried everything prescribed and over the counter) found that this helped immensely and posted. I suffered from them once every few weeks, so I figured I'd give it a try. It took 2-3 weeks to kick in..but now, I never get migraines. Worse thing I might get, is a very mild headache. I suggested this to 4 other friends who suffer from migraines regularly, and now they are all believers. LOL FYI, if you miss taking it for a day or two consecutive, you might get a migraine..this is how you'll know you missed taking it.
I get mine from here:
http://www.canadianvitaminshop.com/epages/Store.sf?ObjectPath=/Shops/Vitaminshop9db&ViewAction=ViewProduct&ObjectId=76276&Category=
If you purchase $70 or more, shipping is free. So, my friends and I do a group buy every so many months and stock up.
Prayers to you and your family and hope everyone gets back to health quickly.
Posted by: Sonia | November 13, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Julie, You are like family so hearing the bad and good is important to know how life is going for you and family members. We get to say "Hooray!" when it's the good news and say prayers when it is not.
Posted by: Janice Webb | November 13, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Praying for your little guys and for mom and dad too.
Posted by: Julie Carlisle | November 13, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Praying still!!
Posted by: Marja Rolfes | November 13, 2009 at 09:16 AM
I'm glad to hear that Jayden is fine. I can't imagine how hard it must have been to wait that long for results!
As for Dylan, I hope that they can help him with the migraines!
My youngest son started getting them before he could even talk!
We went to the neurologist and finally figured out that his are triggered by weather changes and fatigue. He is 11 now and we can manage them pretty good.
The main thing is making sure every year that his teacher understands. They take it seriously when I tell them that if they don't send him to the nurse as soon as he tells them he has a headache, he will throw up.
Good luck figuring things out. Hopefully everything will be taken care with a little bit of medicine!
Posted by: Carmen | November 13, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Julie, so happy to hear Jayden is OK. Now to Dylan....my husband's migraines have been cured, and the doctor who did it didn't even think it would. He used to have them so bad he was in the hospital ER twice. Had every test in the book - nothing showed. He had an operation to fix his nose, which was blocked on one side from being broken several times - hasn't had a migraine since and that's been several years. So after all the other tests, or perhaps before, you might like to take Dylan to an ear, nose, throat, sinus doc. God bless. B
Posted by: Bonnie | November 13, 2009 at 06:23 AM
Julie, glad to hear your good news. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to your family as well. Please don't feel bad - sometimes it helps to just type it and get it off your mind. In reading the comments it looks like you have a large support group and that helps, too. Big Hugs!!
Posted by: Becky Jo | November 13, 2009 at 05:15 AM
Dear Julie,
I was thrilled to hear about Jayden's results. I have had you guys on my prayer list and will continue to keep you there. I am concerned about poor little Dylan. I am so glad he is going to a Pediatric Neurologist, believe me it does make a difference.I do hope they can find what is triggering his headaches. Also Julie, take care of yourself, I know first hand when your child has something wrong it can take it's toll on you. You always wish it were you having to go through everything. God Bless your family. Keep in touch.
Posted by: Maggie | November 13, 2009 at 02:57 AM
Thank you for the update. I was just wondering the other day if you had sent an update that I missed seeing. I am SO glad that Jayden is better and that all tests were negative. God is good! He is watching over Dylan as well! I will be praying for ALL of you! God is our strength and I know you will experience His grace and strength every day. I know you are already receiving answers to all the prayers being prayed on your behalf.
Love and prayers,
Diane (from Singapore)
Posted by: Diane(D'sCreations) | November 13, 2009 at 01:39 AM
Dear Julie and Family
I cant tell you how thankful I am that the tests have been negative.
I really feel for you all at this traumatic time.
Wishing you only good things and joy in your lives.
Do hope that Jayden will come right with the migraines.
Thinking of you all.
Sending warm wishes all the way from South Africa.
Joyce.
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawk-tCYFR4aiPR5Y134SyJ_mDV0XzGpINEQ | November 13, 2009 at 01:05 AM
I am sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers for Jayden and Dylan.
A BIG {{{{hug}}}} from
Janneke
Posted by: Janneke | November 13, 2009 at 12:28 AM
I am sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers for Jayden and Dlyan.
Mary
Posted by: Mary C. Anderson | November 12, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Sometimes when we have troubles, it helps to reach out and have someone hold our hand. So know that we pray and that we are holding your hand, too.
Sue P Snellville, GA
Posted by: Sue P | November 12, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Julie, My mother in Law had migraines her entire life and about a year ago she modified her diet and they have almost totally stopped. She says that High carbohydrate foods are triggers for her headaches. As a result, she has totally cut potatoes and bread from her diet and eats very few sweets. It may be carbohydrates for your son and it may be some other food that he is incompatible with, but it is definitely worth checking into. It took her 50 years to figure out how to prevent her headaches, but she says it has totally changed her life. There is a website called the Tuesday club, or something like that, that gives detailed explanations for how to determine what, if any, dietary allergies or incompatibilities you have. Hope this helps. Alison
Posted by: Alison Kirby | November 12, 2009 at 10:16 PM
My prayers are with you and your entire family, especially Jaden. May God grant you peace during this stressful time.
Theresa
Posted by: Theresa Harris | November 12, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Julie ~
Don't feel bad about the the "bad stuff". That's one of the things I love about the crafting world. I find it has some of the most caring, supportive and sincere people I've ever met (you included). Happy to hear about the good news for Jayden, and will comtinue to have your family in my prayers.
Jean ~
P.S. Remember you also share a lot of happy & fun stuff with all of us in blog world.
Posted by: Jean ~ | November 12, 2009 at 09:32 PM
I am thrilled to hear the test results were normal. As far as headaches, I completely understand. I remember my first migraine, I was 4 at a school play for my older siblings and I was crying on my Mom's lap wishing my head would explode so the pain would go away. For me it was partly allergies (chocolate, milk & milk by-products, whole wheat) and partly heriditary. My Pops and his Mom both had them. You are STILL in my prayers. Thank goodness for your stamping, I know that is where my sanity is!~
Love and hugs....
Posted by: Patty Stabile | November 12, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Life happens so never feel bad about sharing the "bad" things! It's a wonderful way to get prayer support and even some information and advice from others that have traveled the same path! Blessings to you and your two little guys and may you sense God's hand and peace upon you during this time.
Posted by: Marisa | November 12, 2009 at 09:20 PM
I will def keep you all in my prayers!
Posted by: diane | November 12, 2009 at 09:15 PM
Sending lots of prayers your way. Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne
Posted by: Lynne Hurlburt | November 12, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Praying lots of prayers for you and your family.
Posted by: Judi Markel | November 12, 2009 at 08:57 PM
Glad to hear Jayden's tests have been normal. Sorry to hear about Dylan's headaches. I will keep all of you in my prayers and yes, prayers do help us through bad times. God bless you and your family.
Posted by: JoAnn Burnham | November 12, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Praying for you!
Rhonda
Posted by: Rhonda | November 12, 2009 at 08:30 PM
You are all in my prayers. Be strong, Mom.
Barbara Diane
Posted by: Barbara D. Ramsey | November 12, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Julie I am very glad to hear Jayden's result were good. My daughter suffers from migraines - since she was 4 - viral migraines so she would get very ill with them - vomiting, she also too had enlarged lymph nodes.. everything is good now. her migraines are fewer & further apart now..
watch his diet & fatigue - those are big triggers. & keep the Gravol near by. My prayers are with your family.
Posted by: cheryl | November 12, 2009 at 08:22 PM
These are some of the reasons we have faith in a higher power...the strength He can provide is necessary to get through all of life's travails, especially when it seems they pile on all at once. My prayers are with you.
Posted by: Pat Jandacek | November 12, 2009 at 08:15 PM
...Julie, hard to believe u & ur family are being challenged like u are...things are in the Lord's hands and he is going to take care of all of u. My thoughts & prayers are w/each of u....luv n' hugs...
~~Lorene aka frantic stamper aka granny stamper
Posted by: Lorene | November 12, 2009 at 08:09 PM
My migraines from when I was young started with a visual abnormality, I think they call it scintillating scatomas(sp?). as soon as my eyes see psychedelic images I take my medicine and boom, no headache. the allergy thing is a big possibility, too. God did reach me today even before i read your blog. so thank you for that. I will pray for you and your boys/family, as prayer is good for the soul of the person praying and those receiving.
Posted by: joanne gilch | November 12, 2009 at 07:28 PM
Yes, have allergy testing done. My daughter had horrible migraines when she was 12. After months of all kinds of tests, I insisted on allergy tests, which her doctors said she did not need. Lo and behold, she was severly allergic to mold---the allergist had to stop the reaction because it was reacting so bad. The following year, I found out that the venting system at her school had tons of mold in it. I will pray for your son.
Posted by: Linda Peterson | November 12, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Hugs and prayers Julie. I am glad you ruled out the c word. That had to be scary to think of. I hope everything else works out and is minor.
Posted by: Lesa Rapp | November 12, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Julie,
Watch his diet very carefully. I know it is a simplistic answer, but with some luck you could pin point his headaches to a food "allergy".
God bless you
Maria Villasenor
Spring, Texas
Posted by: Rury Villasenor | November 12, 2009 at 05:52 PM
So glad for your good news. I have been checking often to see what happened.
My youngest always had really big lymph nodes and they just finally said it was a sign of a really good immune system. Also, my youngest, now age 23 began migraines at age 4 that peaked when he was about 11 or 12. As they get older they learn to manage, what brings them on, how to catch them before they get bad. It has not been a pleasant thing to live with, but it only interferes with his life now and then at this point and he misses less school/work because he manages them well.
Posted by: Donna C | November 12, 2009 at 05:50 PM
I am so glad to hear that Jayden does not have the "c" word. I have been praying for him and you since you posted about it. But I am sorry to hear he is sick. I am fighting a massive head cold myself. I have asthema, so I am hoping it doesn't move into my chest. I will now add Dylan to my prayer list. I suffered headaches as a young child. I remember rolling around on the floor crying because my head hurt so bad. Mine were hormonal, so after having kids, my migraines are mostly gone...just every day little ones now. I hope it is managable and isn't anything serious.
~Lacey
Posted by: Lacey | November 12, 2009 at 05:31 PM