In the last two months I grew ONE FULL INCH!
Last time I was at the doctor I was 53 inches; now I am 54. I still have a long way to go to be as tall as Kobe Bryant . . .
When I saw the doctor today he was very happy to see me. I first said to him "guess what happened?" He said, "what, did you win the lottery?" I said, "actually, yes." He replied, "If you won $20 million, I get $10 million" and he laughed. We talked about my shots and that I am going to add a little more medicine into my body each day. This means that I will use the medicine I have more quickly and I won't have to dial on my pen "P" anymore; I will dial "1.6." My doctor said the growth hormone levels in my blood are great, they are in the range of normal instead of being very (very) low.
Lately I have been getting headaches from my medicine. My doctor said that if it occurs again and they are worse to lower the dosage of my medicine to "1.2", then go up to "P", and then "1.6" if I do not have any more headaches. If I lower my medicine the headaches would not be that bad, and if I go up, the headaches may get worse. I hope his idea will help me so my headaches won't occur as often.
The doctor wants to show his patients my blog so they will not be scared of their daughter or son taking growth hormone shots. I think that is a great idea because I want to help people understand more about growth hormone deficiency.
Remember, "keep calm and don't be afraid of needles."
Friday, July 31, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Will it work?
Tomorrow I get to see the doctor who is as slow as a turtle. I just hope no one puts any needles in me. I will find out if my medicine working and if I will need to take even more of the medicine each day.
I had a stomach ache tonight because I am probably nervous about tomorrow's appointment. I'm concerned if the doctor will increase the dose of my medicine. I am most worried about whether the medicine is working.
Here is a picture of my chart. It shows how many days I have been taking my shots. The letters are codes for where I put my shot in my body. The "A" stands for my left upper arm, the "B" stands for my right upper arm, and the "C" stands for my abdomen. The vertical lines show when I started a new pen (which has the medicine in it.)
I will let you know how tomorrow goes. Although I am nervous, it really helps to know I have my family and friends by my side.
I had a stomach ache tonight because I am probably nervous about tomorrow's appointment. I'm concerned if the doctor will increase the dose of my medicine. I am most worried about whether the medicine is working.
Here is a picture of my chart. It shows how many days I have been taking my shots. The letters are codes for where I put my shot in my body. The "A" stands for my left upper arm, the "B" stands for my right upper arm, and the "C" stands for my abdomen. The vertical lines show when I started a new pen (which has the medicine in it.)
I will let you know how tomorrow goes. Although I am nervous, it really helps to know I have my family and friends by my side.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
28 Days = Lifetime for Mom
When I grow up I want to be Samantha . . . seriously.
Samantha has fearlessly and eloquently explained her journey thus far in a way only she can accomplish. In her postings she enthusiastically describes her day-to-day life as a child battling the condition of growth hormone deficiency, and indeed it is a battle which she will win no matter her ultimate stature. I hope her readers can feel her excitement, frustration, apprehension, anger, and even fear; all of which she experiences while using her wonderful sense humor to keep her going; and we all laugh with her.
Make no mistake, this is Samantha's journey; she chose it, not her father nor I. Samantha is her own best advocate. When faced with the decision to begin growth hormone treatment she unequivocally stated, "yes, I don't want to be a really short person, I want to be your height (5'7")." I replied, "Samantha, your genetic make-up isn't such that you will be as tall as I am; however it is possible for you to be (significantly) taller than you would be if you do not take the medication." When presented with the statistics of what her height range could be both with and without taking growth hormones she emphatically informed myself, my husband/her father, and her doctors, "I am going to do it."
After researching growth hormone therapy studies which have been conducted since 1985 and consulting with her physicians, I felt that the data and research showed the medication was safe for Samantha and that there were no well-documented long-term adverse side effects. There was no medical reason why she should not try it, therefore we decided as a family with Samantha having the most weighted vote. Although we explained to her that it was possible her insurance company would deny coverage, she refused to accept failure. Samantha knew in her heart that she would take this medication, it would be effective, and the insurance provider would accept her application. Thus far she has been correct.
Our journey of growth hormone therapy did not begin 28 days ago, it began in late January 2015 when she was seen by her pediatrician for her "well child" visit. We were informed at that time that Samantha grew in one year 3/4 of an inch instead of 2 1/2 inches or more, which was the "expected" amount for a child of her stature. Samantha has always been on the petite side; however from age 10 to 11 the amount she should have grown in height was remarkably low. In contrast, she was growing in every other way that a child of her age would, and this is common for those who suffer from growth hormone deficiency. Her pediatrician, as a precaution, recommended that she have a bone-age x-ray along with several blood tests to rule out serious medical conditions and to check her growth hormone levels. Her blood work showed that she did not have any major medical issues and that her thyroid was working properly; however, her growth hormone levels were in the very low range of "normal." Her bone age was that of a person one year younger than her chronological age and that did not account for the lack of growth in height. As a result, she was referred to an endocrinologist for further testing.
In future postings I will share our experience of our first visit to the endocrinologist (who Samantha describes 'as slow as a turtle'), the subsequent blood testing she underwent, the MRI she endured to rule out any tumor on her pituitary gland (that is an entire blog in of itself), the seemingly endless bureaucratic maze of navigating insurance providers and pharmaceutical companies, and the follow-up visits and blood tests associated with traveling upon the road our family [Samantha, Steven (her father and my husband of 17 years), Spencer (her younger brother who is almost 8) and I] are taking. Our family is taking this journey together; and Samantha is unbelievably fortunate to have the love and support of her family and friends. Only time will tell where our path will take us.
I have used the phrase "seriously Samantha?!?!" to describe my daughter for as long as I can recall. Samantha lives each day to the fullest, and does not want to waste one minute of it. In the process she has found herself in positions where all I can do is shake my head and say "seriously Samantha?!?!" and I am confident that those of you who know her would agree. In upcoming postings I will share more about Samantha's adventures and struggles, for I firmly believe that she is a gift and on this earth to teach both parents and children about how to be a strong, loving, selfless, caring, funny and genuine human being. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and in this society I applaud her for doing so.
Dear Samantha,
When you read this I hope you realize what an amazing person and role model you are to people of all ages. You are "perfectly imperfect", no matter your size, and I would not want you to be anyone other than who you are today. I love you more than a bee loves a rose . . .
xoxo,
Mommy
Samantha has fearlessly and eloquently explained her journey thus far in a way only she can accomplish. In her postings she enthusiastically describes her day-to-day life as a child battling the condition of growth hormone deficiency, and indeed it is a battle which she will win no matter her ultimate stature. I hope her readers can feel her excitement, frustration, apprehension, anger, and even fear; all of which she experiences while using her wonderful sense humor to keep her going; and we all laugh with her.
Make no mistake, this is Samantha's journey; she chose it, not her father nor I. Samantha is her own best advocate. When faced with the decision to begin growth hormone treatment she unequivocally stated, "yes, I don't want to be a really short person, I want to be your height (5'7")." I replied, "Samantha, your genetic make-up isn't such that you will be as tall as I am; however it is possible for you to be (significantly) taller than you would be if you do not take the medication." When presented with the statistics of what her height range could be both with and without taking growth hormones she emphatically informed myself, my husband/her father, and her doctors, "I am going to do it."
After researching growth hormone therapy studies which have been conducted since 1985 and consulting with her physicians, I felt that the data and research showed the medication was safe for Samantha and that there were no well-documented long-term adverse side effects. There was no medical reason why she should not try it, therefore we decided as a family with Samantha having the most weighted vote. Although we explained to her that it was possible her insurance company would deny coverage, she refused to accept failure. Samantha knew in her heart that she would take this medication, it would be effective, and the insurance provider would accept her application. Thus far she has been correct.
Our journey of growth hormone therapy did not begin 28 days ago, it began in late January 2015 when she was seen by her pediatrician for her "well child" visit. We were informed at that time that Samantha grew in one year 3/4 of an inch instead of 2 1/2 inches or more, which was the "expected" amount for a child of her stature. Samantha has always been on the petite side; however from age 10 to 11 the amount she should have grown in height was remarkably low. In contrast, she was growing in every other way that a child of her age would, and this is common for those who suffer from growth hormone deficiency. Her pediatrician, as a precaution, recommended that she have a bone-age x-ray along with several blood tests to rule out serious medical conditions and to check her growth hormone levels. Her blood work showed that she did not have any major medical issues and that her thyroid was working properly; however, her growth hormone levels were in the very low range of "normal." Her bone age was that of a person one year younger than her chronological age and that did not account for the lack of growth in height. As a result, she was referred to an endocrinologist for further testing.
In future postings I will share our experience of our first visit to the endocrinologist (who Samantha describes 'as slow as a turtle'), the subsequent blood testing she underwent, the MRI she endured to rule out any tumor on her pituitary gland (that is an entire blog in of itself), the seemingly endless bureaucratic maze of navigating insurance providers and pharmaceutical companies, and the follow-up visits and blood tests associated with traveling upon the road our family [Samantha, Steven (her father and my husband of 17 years), Spencer (her younger brother who is almost 8) and I] are taking. Our family is taking this journey together; and Samantha is unbelievably fortunate to have the love and support of her family and friends. Only time will tell where our path will take us.
I have used the phrase "seriously Samantha?!?!" to describe my daughter for as long as I can recall. Samantha lives each day to the fullest, and does not want to waste one minute of it. In the process she has found herself in positions where all I can do is shake my head and say "seriously Samantha?!?!" and I am confident that those of you who know her would agree. In upcoming postings I will share more about Samantha's adventures and struggles, for I firmly believe that she is a gift and on this earth to teach both parents and children about how to be a strong, loving, selfless, caring, funny and genuine human being. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and in this society I applaud her for doing so.
Dear Samantha,
When you read this I hope you realize what an amazing person and role model you are to people of all ages. You are "perfectly imperfect", no matter your size, and I would not want you to be anyone other than who you are today. I love you more than a bee loves a rose . . .
xoxo,
Mommy
28 DAYS... Seriously!
Today is the 28th day of me taking growth hormone shots. I feel great because I actually feel a little bit taller (maybe?) Everything has changed since I began this road. My mom is paying more attention to me and giving me so much support. My brother gave me my shot a couple days ago and it shows me that he is NOT ready to do that again! My father has only done two shots; however he does them quick and fast, just like he pulls out my baby teeth . . . I love them all.
I take shots and other people don't; none of my friends do. I feel quite different. People might think "why do you do that Samantha, does it hurt? Do you have bruises all over yourself? Do you have to do it every night? Do you do the shots?" Yes, Yes, Yes. I take the shots every night and sometimes I have small bruises. I usually give the shots to myself in my abdomen and that is where I bruise. If my mom gives me my shot it is put in my arm and I don't bruise. I like to give myself my own shots because I feel confident and the courage to take this step.
Guess what? I just saw the movie "Ant Man" and it was great. Every time Ant Man shrunk I thought he took one of my shots! I then I said to myself, "he is not taking my shots because he is shrinking! (JK: Just Kidding :-) If you see "Ant Man" remember he is not taking MY shots . . .
I take shots and other people don't; none of my friends do. I feel quite different. People might think "why do you do that Samantha, does it hurt? Do you have bruises all over yourself? Do you have to do it every night? Do you do the shots?" Yes, Yes, Yes. I take the shots every night and sometimes I have small bruises. I usually give the shots to myself in my abdomen and that is where I bruise. If my mom gives me my shot it is put in my arm and I don't bruise. I like to give myself my own shots because I feel confident and the courage to take this step.
Guess what? I just saw the movie "Ant Man" and it was great. Every time Ant Man shrunk I thought he took one of my shots! I then I said to myself, "he is not taking my shots because he is shrinking! (JK: Just Kidding :-) If you see "Ant Man" remember he is not taking MY shots . . .
Friday, July 24, 2015
Starting A New Pen Soon
It takes two weeks to use a "pen" of medicine. The first pen I used felt like it took such a long time to finish it. Now, the second pen I seemed to have used it so quickly. Every time you get a new pen with medicine in it, you have to clean it with an alcohol wipe, dial it to "P" to "prime" it, push the button, and medicine squirts out of the needle. You might say, "Seriously Samantha, why did you waste medicine?" Well, you need to make sure there are no air bubbles in the pen before you use it for the first time.
The first time I gave my shot to myself in the abdomen I got a big bruise. When I pulled the needle out of my stomach I saw medicine coming out of my skin. I was worried for a minute, then wiped it off. I thought all of the medicine did not get into my body and I would not grow.
I am on day 22 of taking my medicine. I do not feel like I have grown yet; however I know for sure that I will grow soon enough.
The first time I gave my shot to myself in the abdomen I got a big bruise. When I pulled the needle out of my stomach I saw medicine coming out of my skin. I was worried for a minute, then wiped it off. I thought all of the medicine did not get into my body and I would not grow.
I am on day 22 of taking my medicine. I do not feel like I have grown yet; however I know for sure that I will grow soon enough.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Blood Test . . .
Today I received everything I wanted . . . except one thing - my pink plaid backpack. My mom and I will order it tomorrow evening.
Tomorrow I am spending time with my dad. In the morning we will drop my brother off at science camp and then we will go for my blood test. Every month from now on I will have to take a blood test to see how the medication is working in my body. I will call my mom after the blood test and I will tell her how everything went. At around 2:00pm my dad and I will go to our house, get a present for my friend and go to her swim party and then all go to dinner at Benihanna's.
I am so excited for the party; however I am a little nervous about my blood test. I know I will not have to fast (not eat) in the morning. I wonder if they will take more than one tube of blood? I will feel nauseous. I don't like feeling nauseous. . . .
It is 8:40pm now, and I am getting tired. I want a good night's sleep before my big day tomorrow. Wish me good luck on my blood test. I know I will do great.
Tomorrow I am spending time with my dad. In the morning we will drop my brother off at science camp and then we will go for my blood test. Every month from now on I will have to take a blood test to see how the medication is working in my body. I will call my mom after the blood test and I will tell her how everything went. At around 2:00pm my dad and I will go to our house, get a present for my friend and go to her swim party and then all go to dinner at Benihanna's.
I am so excited for the party; however I am a little nervous about my blood test. I know I will not have to fast (not eat) in the morning. I wonder if they will take more than one tube of blood? I will feel nauseous. I don't like feeling nauseous. . . .
It is 8:40pm now, and I am getting tired. I want a good night's sleep before my big day tomorrow. Wish me good luck on my blood test. I know I will do great.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Last day.. . .
Tomorrow is the last day of summer school. I feel great because I have no more work for 3 weeks...
I am disappointed because I won't be able to see my friends however I know I will see them again when 6th grade begins. They are all very nice and kind. I think I am going to try out for cheer leading and am very excited. I am very into "bows" and want to get as many as I can to put in my hair to wear with my uniform. I hope my mom will buy me more for the school year.
My best friend from my new school just texted me a video she made of the new friends we made at summer school; I love it. At first I was a little frustrated that I was only in the video once, but now I am happy that I am at least in it. I can't wait for school to start!
I am just saying, I will be very busy with all my homework. Blame the school if I do not blog for a day or two!
Thank you for following me and my blog postings. I really love you all.
I am disappointed because I won't be able to see my friends however I know I will see them again when 6th grade begins. They are all very nice and kind. I think I am going to try out for cheer leading and am very excited. I am very into "bows" and want to get as many as I can to put in my hair to wear with my uniform. I hope my mom will buy me more for the school year.
My best friend from my new school just texted me a video she made of the new friends we made at summer school; I love it. At first I was a little frustrated that I was only in the video once, but now I am happy that I am at least in it. I can't wait for school to start!
I am just saying, I will be very busy with all my homework. Blame the school if I do not blog for a day or two!
Thank you for following me and my blog postings. I really love you all.
Growth Hormone Deficiency Information (original posting July 7, 2015)
I am Samantha’s mother and I will be posting from time to time information which I have found to be helpful for myself as well as our family during the time we have learned about Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) and what, if anything, can be done to treat it.
I am not a doctor, nor am I involved in the medical field. I am an active and involved parent in the growth and development of my husband’s and my daughter, who is 11 1/2 years old. None of the information in this blog is intended to be given as medical advice or recommendations. Our intention is to make GHD a condition which more people learn about because it is hard for me to believe that one in 3,500 children suffer from this condition, and 80 percent of that number are classified as having idiopathic GHD. What this means is that there is no identifiable cause for GHD in 80 percent of the people who suffer from it. Children who are in less than the 3rd percentile in height for their age group, children who have a low growth velocity and whose who have a significant disparity between their projected height and their expected height are ones who are commonly referred to an endocrinologist for an evaluation. Samantha fits into all three categories; which is why she was tested extensively to determine whether she suffers from GHD, and her endocrinologist believes that she does. Therefore, we began our road towards growth hormone therapy so that she may reach the height she should had she not suffered from this condition.
There is no guarantee that providing a person with growth hormone therapy will increase that person’s height. After thoroughly evaluating what height Samantha may reach without treatment vs. where she may reach with it was the reason why we spoke with Samantha about her options. Samantha is her own biggest and insightful advocate. “I want to do it” she said immediately upon us inquiring. There was no question in her mind that she would, not may, receive treatment. Denying her treatment was simply not an option from the moment we entered the endocrinologist’s office for our first consultation. “Mommy, I want to be as tall as you” she says. I tell her often that it is not in her genetic make-up to be as tall as I am (at 5’7″); however we really don’t know how tall she will become. This treatment is to maximize her potential and for her to be the height she is “supposed” to be, it is not for her to reach a specific height.
In future postings I will provide information from a parental perspective about how we were informed that Samantha may have GHD, what we did about it, and what testing Samantha has undergone to arrive at the place she is today.
Tonight Samantha administered her injection by herself in her abdomen, the area which is the easiest for people to inject themselves with medication. Watching her take a needle and literally stab it in her stomach was nauseating. In less than 10 seconds the pain for me was over. Samantha did better than fine. She was amazing and smiled afterwards and said “I did it!” She gave me a hug and said “I love you Mommy.” On day 5 of daily injections there is no doubt that she is more than serious about overcoming whatever obstacles are before her. She is the rainbow you see in the distance after a thunderstorm; for her smile fills up any gray sky. Samantha is our angel on earth and I cannot imagine life without her. She helps me leave behind my own “seriousness” and motivates me to take one day at a time. Enjoy each and every moment, even the ones of struggle, for they shape us to become the parents and people we are today.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Samantha LOVES reading messages from those who have visited her blog. If you take the time to write a quick note you will be sure to receive one in return!
With much appreciation,
Samantha’s Loving (and way to Serious!) Mother
I am not a doctor, nor am I involved in the medical field. I am an active and involved parent in the growth and development of my husband’s and my daughter, who is 11 1/2 years old. None of the information in this blog is intended to be given as medical advice or recommendations. Our intention is to make GHD a condition which more people learn about because it is hard for me to believe that one in 3,500 children suffer from this condition, and 80 percent of that number are classified as having idiopathic GHD. What this means is that there is no identifiable cause for GHD in 80 percent of the people who suffer from it. Children who are in less than the 3rd percentile in height for their age group, children who have a low growth velocity and whose who have a significant disparity between their projected height and their expected height are ones who are commonly referred to an endocrinologist for an evaluation. Samantha fits into all three categories; which is why she was tested extensively to determine whether she suffers from GHD, and her endocrinologist believes that she does. Therefore, we began our road towards growth hormone therapy so that she may reach the height she should had she not suffered from this condition.
There is no guarantee that providing a person with growth hormone therapy will increase that person’s height. After thoroughly evaluating what height Samantha may reach without treatment vs. where she may reach with it was the reason why we spoke with Samantha about her options. Samantha is her own biggest and insightful advocate. “I want to do it” she said immediately upon us inquiring. There was no question in her mind that she would, not may, receive treatment. Denying her treatment was simply not an option from the moment we entered the endocrinologist’s office for our first consultation. “Mommy, I want to be as tall as you” she says. I tell her often that it is not in her genetic make-up to be as tall as I am (at 5’7″); however we really don’t know how tall she will become. This treatment is to maximize her potential and for her to be the height she is “supposed” to be, it is not for her to reach a specific height.
In future postings I will provide information from a parental perspective about how we were informed that Samantha may have GHD, what we did about it, and what testing Samantha has undergone to arrive at the place she is today.
Tonight Samantha administered her injection by herself in her abdomen, the area which is the easiest for people to inject themselves with medication. Watching her take a needle and literally stab it in her stomach was nauseating. In less than 10 seconds the pain for me was over. Samantha did better than fine. She was amazing and smiled afterwards and said “I did it!” She gave me a hug and said “I love you Mommy.” On day 5 of daily injections there is no doubt that she is more than serious about overcoming whatever obstacles are before her. She is the rainbow you see in the distance after a thunderstorm; for her smile fills up any gray sky. Samantha is our angel on earth and I cannot imagine life without her. She helps me leave behind my own “seriousness” and motivates me to take one day at a time. Enjoy each and every moment, even the ones of struggle, for they shape us to become the parents and people we are today.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Samantha LOVES reading messages from those who have visited her blog. If you take the time to write a quick note you will be sure to receive one in return!
With much appreciation,
Samantha’s Loving (and way to Serious!) Mother
Seriously Getting Started (original posting July 5, 2015)
Hi, my name is Samantha and I am 11 years old. I love to do art. Lately I have been getting shots every night, and you may say “why are you getting shots?” Well, I am 4’4″ tall and I feel like I am shorter than everyone. I just graduated 5th grade and I am the third-shortest in my class. One day I told my mom, “I am really short.”
She took me to a doctor’s office who helps people who are quite short, and let me tell you, the doctor is quite slow. I found out that he is an endocrinologist. He said in order to get taller I would have to do a couple of tests first. The first test was to get my blood taken four times and after each test I would have to wait 30 minutes. This is called a “timed test”. The results show that all my numbers were very low, meaning my pituitary gland, as my mom says, is “asleep.” I failed that test. Guess what? I wanted to fail the test! I wanted for my numbers to be low because I wanted to be able to qualify for medicine. If my numbers were normal, the doctor and the insurance company would say “you know what Samantha, you will grow just fine.” I didn’t pass, which is great! We found out that I have what is called “growth hormone deficiency.” This only affects my height; the length of my bones. It doesn’t affect my overall health.
The next step was getting an MRI. I have to tell you, it wasn’t pretty. I told them to put me in a wheelchair to take me to the MRI tube, but instead they put me on a bed and wheeled me with needles in my hand. My mom tried to comfort me; but I forgot who she was! (I took medicine which made me very sleepy and forget.) After the MRI was done I woke up from my nice long beauty sleep and I had “amnesia”. Amnesia is when you forget who your family and parents are or what happened to you. My mom and dad were in front of me; and I drank juice and had a Popsicle: cherry flavor. The nurse wheeled me to the car and wished me good luck. I went home and felt just fine.
The next step was to have the shots delivered and have a nurse come over and help show me how to give the shots to myself. A couple days before the nurse came over, I was a little nervous. I got through it. Robert, the nurse, arrived and he was very tall and very nice. He showed me how to practice. I was able to give my mom a shot and practice in a squishy pad. I have taken shots for 3 days now. I have to say, it has been a little hard. I have had a sleep-over on the Fourth of July and my mom’s best friend gave me the shot so when I have sleep-overs in the future she will be able to give them to me.
Tonight, I am going to give the shot to myself in my stomach. Hope it goes well. Wish me good luck!
She took me to a doctor’s office who helps people who are quite short, and let me tell you, the doctor is quite slow. I found out that he is an endocrinologist. He said in order to get taller I would have to do a couple of tests first. The first test was to get my blood taken four times and after each test I would have to wait 30 minutes. This is called a “timed test”. The results show that all my numbers were very low, meaning my pituitary gland, as my mom says, is “asleep.” I failed that test. Guess what? I wanted to fail the test! I wanted for my numbers to be low because I wanted to be able to qualify for medicine. If my numbers were normal, the doctor and the insurance company would say “you know what Samantha, you will grow just fine.” I didn’t pass, which is great! We found out that I have what is called “growth hormone deficiency.” This only affects my height; the length of my bones. It doesn’t affect my overall health.
The next step was getting an MRI. I have to tell you, it wasn’t pretty. I told them to put me in a wheelchair to take me to the MRI tube, but instead they put me on a bed and wheeled me with needles in my hand. My mom tried to comfort me; but I forgot who she was! (I took medicine which made me very sleepy and forget.) After the MRI was done I woke up from my nice long beauty sleep and I had “amnesia”. Amnesia is when you forget who your family and parents are or what happened to you. My mom and dad were in front of me; and I drank juice and had a Popsicle: cherry flavor. The nurse wheeled me to the car and wished me good luck. I went home and felt just fine.
The next step was to have the shots delivered and have a nurse come over and help show me how to give the shots to myself. A couple days before the nurse came over, I was a little nervous. I got through it. Robert, the nurse, arrived and he was very tall and very nice. He showed me how to practice. I was able to give my mom a shot and practice in a squishy pad. I have taken shots for 3 days now. I have to say, it has been a little hard. I have had a sleep-over on the Fourth of July and my mom’s best friend gave me the shot so when I have sleep-overs in the future she will be able to give them to me.
Tonight, I am going to give the shot to myself in my stomach. Hope it goes well. Wish me good luck!
Bullies (original posting July 5, 2015)
I know it is 8:03pm but I was about to go to bed and all of a sudden I thought about what if my friends make fun of me when I go to a new school? What if I tell my friends, and they tell their friends who I don’t know, and they start being mean to me? Tomorrow I start summer school. I may not know a lot of people but maybe they may make fun of how I look? Maybe they will see dots on my shoulders, which they probably won’t . . . maybe they will see me get taller and taller and then I could be 6’5″ and they will make fun of me all over again! All I have to do is take deep breaths and think about the positive; not the negative.
I just took my shot about 10 minutes ago. My dad gave it to me tonight. He pushed the needle in a little too fast. I have to say, my mom does it better and I think it is because she has more experience. I am just happy that all of my followers and my loving parents support me and care for me. I would not be able to do this without my family’s support.
I might cry sometimes or be a bit drowsy but it will turn out well in the end. If you think you are small but you do not want to take medicine, then that is fine. I want to be as tall as I am supposed to be. It does not matter how tall I become. What matters is the love and care I have from my family. If you think that all of this is just “nonsense” then suit yourself. I am me and no one can change that. I am “seriously Samantha.”
I just took my shot about 10 minutes ago. My dad gave it to me tonight. He pushed the needle in a little too fast. I have to say, my mom does it better and I think it is because she has more experience. I am just happy that all of my followers and my loving parents support me and care for me. I would not be able to do this without my family’s support.
I might cry sometimes or be a bit drowsy but it will turn out well in the end. If you think you are small but you do not want to take medicine, then that is fine. I want to be as tall as I am supposed to be. It does not matter how tall I become. What matters is the love and care I have from my family. If you think that all of this is just “nonsense” then suit yourself. I am me and no one can change that. I am “seriously Samantha.”
Doing it Myself! (Original Posting July 8, 2015)
I am sorry that I did not write yesterday. I had so much on my mind. Last night I spent 2 hours doing math homework. I did not even get a break; however I was able to text a few friends. 
Guess what? Last night I gave myself my own shot! My mom was so proud of me, but I have a bruise on my abdomen. That is where I gave myself the shot. I think it was because I pushed the shot in my stomach too hard and did not push the button on my shot early enough. Today, I did a great job. It took me a minute or two to become comfortable to put the shot in, but then I felt fine. It really didn’t hurt. By the way, no one even saw the shots I took on my arm from last week. I was worried for nothing.
I could smell the alcohol when I was taking my shot. I did not mind the smell, it smelled like the doctor’s office. Last night when I gave myself a shot, it hurt so I accidentally ripped off the top of the bio-hazard receptacle where I need to place all the used needles. My mom was a bit angry; but I think she glued it back on. I think using the bio-hazard receptacle is now easier to use because it is easier to put the needles in it.
Yesterday a lot of my friends went to the Dean’s office at summer school. My school has a dress code, a very strict dress code. My friends were wearing leggings, and I was too; I wore unicorn leggings. My teacher loved my unicorn leggings so much that she did not send me to the Dean’s office. When I went to go to the bathroom, the Dean walked past me and said that he LOVED my unicorn pants; however I could not wear them again to school. I got a pass … this time.
I am feeling more confident day by day when I give myself my own shot. I think one day I will be a “pro”, and tall, but not as tall as Kobe Bryant.
Guess what? Last night I gave myself my own shot! My mom was so proud of me, but I have a bruise on my abdomen. That is where I gave myself the shot. I think it was because I pushed the shot in my stomach too hard and did not push the button on my shot early enough. Today, I did a great job. It took me a minute or two to become comfortable to put the shot in, but then I felt fine. It really didn’t hurt. By the way, no one even saw the shots I took on my arm from last week. I was worried for nothing.
I could smell the alcohol when I was taking my shot. I did not mind the smell, it smelled like the doctor’s office. Last night when I gave myself a shot, it hurt so I accidentally ripped off the top of the bio-hazard receptacle where I need to place all the used needles. My mom was a bit angry; but I think she glued it back on. I think using the bio-hazard receptacle is now easier to use because it is easier to put the needles in it.
Yesterday a lot of my friends went to the Dean’s office at summer school. My school has a dress code, a very strict dress code. My friends were wearing leggings, and I was too; I wore unicorn leggings. My teacher loved my unicorn leggings so much that she did not send me to the Dean’s office. When I went to go to the bathroom, the Dean walked past me and said that he LOVED my unicorn pants; however I could not wear them again to school. I got a pass … this time.
I am feeling more confident day by day when I give myself my own shot. I think one day I will be a “pro”, and tall, but not as tall as Kobe Bryant.
Tired and Frustrated (Original Posting: July 9, 2015)
I just took my shot in my upper abdomen. I had a long day at summer school. I kind of had a bad day. I texted my mom and she was in court. I texted my dad and he was in a meeting. I tried to text everyone . . . no one answered. Maybe they hate me. All I want to do is be with my best friend, myself. I wish had a “me” day; my parents gone, my brother gone, and I would sit in bed and fall asleep. When I woke up I would wake up for 5 seconds and just go back to sleep.
All my new friends at summer school were on a group text message and one wrote “why don’t you go on my Instagram and SnapChat bio and see pictures of me and my friends.” All I wanted to do is write “you are making me jealous because I DON’T HAVE ONE!”
Goodnight.
All my new friends at summer school were on a group text message and one wrote “why don’t you go on my Instagram and SnapChat bio and see pictures of me and my friends.” All I wanted to do is write “you are making me jealous because I DON’T HAVE ONE!”
Goodnight.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
More Responsibility
I just gave myself my shot completely by myself. I feel more responsible that I am doing it by myself. There are five spots where I can place the shot in my abdomen. After I use all 5 spots, my mom gives me my shots in both my arms, and then we circle back to the abdomen.
Tonight I feel like I did not push the shot in at the correct time at it hurt a little bit. From now on, I will just put the needle in my abdomen and not "think" about it so much.
Tonight I feel like I did not push the shot in at the correct time at it hurt a little bit. From now on, I will just put the needle in my abdomen and not "think" about it so much.
Starting Again
I started a new blog site today and I hope you will find me here and follow me.
It has been a while since I have blogged; I have been really busy with summer school and getting ready for middle school in a few weeks. If your daughter or son is going into 6th grade, I am just telling you, they need a lot of stuff!
My shots have been going great. My brother actually gave me my shot the other night. I was a bit nervous; however my mom helped him. He wanted to be involved and I told him "Spencer, you are involved in everything." It hurt a little at first, and then I was fine. Next time, I think I will do it myself.
Next week I will be taking a blood test to see if everything is going well and if the medicine is working. After I have my blood test I will see my endocrinologist so I can receive the results. I am not nervous because although Dr. Lavin is as slow as a turtle; his work pays off. Without Dr. Lavin's help I would not be taking growth hormone therapy.
My mom has been very busy with work lately and even saw some friends last week. I am happy about it, however I still missed her. It was her birthday a couple of weeks ago and one of her friends, a teacher of mine in first and second grade, and another teacher friend, went to dinner. I am glad she had fun. Moms are the best. I love my mom.
It has been a while since I have blogged; I have been really busy with summer school and getting ready for middle school in a few weeks. If your daughter or son is going into 6th grade, I am just telling you, they need a lot of stuff!
My shots have been going great. My brother actually gave me my shot the other night. I was a bit nervous; however my mom helped him. He wanted to be involved and I told him "Spencer, you are involved in everything." It hurt a little at first, and then I was fine. Next time, I think I will do it myself.
Next week I will be taking a blood test to see if everything is going well and if the medicine is working. After I have my blood test I will see my endocrinologist so I can receive the results. I am not nervous because although Dr. Lavin is as slow as a turtle; his work pays off. Without Dr. Lavin's help I would not be taking growth hormone therapy.
My mom has been very busy with work lately and even saw some friends last week. I am happy about it, however I still missed her. It was her birthday a couple of weeks ago and one of her friends, a teacher of mine in first and second grade, and another teacher friend, went to dinner. I am glad she had fun. Moms are the best. I love my mom.
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