Quote of the day: Today i close the door to the future, take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter in my life. This is the start of my new chapter!
This was me in 2015 when i first started my blog!
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Im Back!!
To be quite honest I don’t know how to
start this blog let’s just start off by saying I’m back and I am
planning to stay back. First off I started this blog around four years
ago and it is now four years I am 16, I’m in 10th grade, and life is hittin
me hard currently. I know it might be weird for you ,you’re probably wondering
after four years she comes back what happened? There’s so much that is
happened I don’t think I can explain it in one blog and that’s why I have
so much more to come. My current goal is to tell every single lady and woman on
this earth how powerful they are and that nothing can knock you down. I
want to show people what life is really like and what high school is
really like and what being a teenager girl is really like. I’m
not gonna lie and say life is great and it’s amazing and everything is
perfect, if it is then I’ll tell you that but on this blog everything
that comes out of my mouth is 100% true. Hopefully I can get a lot more
viewers to read my posts because my goal is to inspire every single
teenager and woman in this world to believe in themselves and have self confidence . You thought it
was the end but this is just the beginning welcome back! If you keep
reading you’re in for a great adventure!
Quote of the day: Today i close the door to the future, take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter in my life. This is the start of my new chapter!
This was me in 2015 when i first started my blog!
This is me currently in 2020!
I will be writing every day from now on so stay tuned! Much Love: Seriously Samantha
Quote of the day: Today i close the door to the future, take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter in my life. This is the start of my new chapter!
This was me in 2015 when i first started my blog!
Saturday, August 11, 2018
No Growth... Near the End?
As I drove to meet Samamtha, my husband, and our younger son at the Endocronologist’s office Inreceived a text from my husband:
“No Growth.”
When I walked into the patient room, Samantha raised her hands up with joy and smiled ear to ear.
I think we are towards the end of Samamtha’s HGH Tour.”
Sure, there have been some months where Samantha hasn’t grown as much as others; however she has NEVER had a 2-month span of no growth in 37 MONTHS.
At first, I was disappointed. Had she really completed growing? I then realized, she is 14 1/2 years old; I stopped growing at around the same age. The average age for girls to reach their adult height is 15 years old. Samamtha is just about there...
I then reminded myself where Samantha had started 3 years ago. A young lady entering 6th grade, Samantha began self-administering (by choice) daily injections at the age of 11. Month after month, her body changed in size. As her body grew muscle and bone at a rapid pace, she could not fit in her clothes from month to month. Her shoe size grew so quickly that I didn’t buy her more than 2 pairs of shoes at a time. How could I be disappointed, Samantha’s results were beyond my expectations, or were they? Many emotions flooded my mind within moments.
Samamtha, her father, and I gave Samantha a precious gift: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
- We still do and always will.
- We watched Samantha take PRIDE in herself and become her own advocate.
- We witnessed Samantha grow in height and inner STRENGTH AND PERSEVERENCE..
- We all FOUGHT the good fight of NEVER GIVING UP. There have been times when Samantha has asked when we thought she would stop taking her medication; however, she always knew taking on this challenge was a long road and she was an integral part of the decisions we made as a family each step of the way.
Is it really over? No one knows. Samantha will continue taking her medication for the next few months; however we all agree that by the end of 2018 she will have reached her final destination of this road.
Samantha started this blog to raise awareness of GHD (growth hormone deficiency) so other children in a similar circumstance to her would not feel as if they were the only ones in the world struggling with the very same issues. As she has traveled through this journey, I hope she has helped others feel they aren’t walking in darkness as Samantha felt when she first began Growth Hormone Therapy.
Life is a journey, not a destination. There are many more roads to come for Miss Seriously Samantha. She has made such an impact upon the lives of those she touches. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for her. I am eternally grateful for Samantha’s gifts she has given to our family.
My daughter has helped me become a better person. She has taught me lessons I never thought I would learn.
“No Growth.”
When I walked into the patient room, Samantha raised her hands up with joy and smiled ear to ear.
I think we are towards the end of Samamtha’s HGH Tour.”
Sure, there have been some months where Samantha hasn’t grown as much as others; however she has NEVER had a 2-month span of no growth in 37 MONTHS.
At first, I was disappointed. Had she really completed growing? I then realized, she is 14 1/2 years old; I stopped growing at around the same age. The average age for girls to reach their adult height is 15 years old. Samamtha is just about there...
I then reminded myself where Samantha had started 3 years ago. A young lady entering 6th grade, Samantha began self-administering (by choice) daily injections at the age of 11. Month after month, her body changed in size. As her body grew muscle and bone at a rapid pace, she could not fit in her clothes from month to month. Her shoe size grew so quickly that I didn’t buy her more than 2 pairs of shoes at a time. How could I be disappointed, Samantha’s results were beyond my expectations, or were they? Many emotions flooded my mind within moments.
Samamtha, her father, and I gave Samantha a precious gift: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
- We still do and always will.
- We watched Samantha take PRIDE in herself and become her own advocate.
- We witnessed Samantha grow in height and inner STRENGTH AND PERSEVERENCE..
- We all FOUGHT the good fight of NEVER GIVING UP. There have been times when Samantha has asked when we thought she would stop taking her medication; however, she always knew taking on this challenge was a long road and she was an integral part of the decisions we made as a family each step of the way.
Is it really over? No one knows. Samantha will continue taking her medication for the next few months; however we all agree that by the end of 2018 she will have reached her final destination of this road.
Samantha started this blog to raise awareness of GHD (growth hormone deficiency) so other children in a similar circumstance to her would not feel as if they were the only ones in the world struggling with the very same issues. As she has traveled through this journey, I hope she has helped others feel they aren’t walking in darkness as Samantha felt when she first began Growth Hormone Therapy.
Life is a journey, not a destination. There are many more roads to come for Miss Seriously Samantha. She has made such an impact upon the lives of those she touches. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for her. I am eternally grateful for Samantha’s gifts she has given to our family.
My daughter has helped me become a better person. She has taught me lessons I never thought I would learn.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Writing again with upcoming updates
Thank you to everyone who has read Samantha’s blog. She is truly an inspiration in countess ways and she will be so happy to know she still has readers all over the world! Stay tuned for updates on:
-slowing down in growth
- puberty isn’t affected by HGH
- becoming tired of taking daily injections for years and how Samantha has been “powering through it!”
- body image and changes with HGH and the teen years (it’s not easy and Samantha has had the most positive attitude and better than I could have imagined!
- Samantha’s questions about stopping HGH and her decision to continue until she stops growing
AND
Before and current photos which are absolutely amazing!
Please post a comment or question; Samantha would love to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Seriously Samantha’s Mom
-slowing down in growth
- puberty isn’t affected by HGH
- becoming tired of taking daily injections for years and how Samantha has been “powering through it!”
- body image and changes with HGH and the teen years (it’s not easy and Samantha has had the most positive attitude and better than I could have imagined!
- Samantha’s questions about stopping HGH and her decision to continue until she stops growing
AND
Before and current photos which are absolutely amazing!
Please post a comment or question; Samantha would love to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Seriously Samantha’s Mom
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Preparing for my Bat Mitzvah
On Saturday I will be having my Bat Mitzvah.
I feel really nervous because I really don't want to mess up in front of all my friends and family. I have a fear that everyone will laugh at me when I began to sing the prayers. I have a pretty good voice however everybody has their own opinion of what sounds nice to them. What if no one shows up at the temple? The show must go on!
I feel that my mother is always hovering over me asking me questions and I just want to be myself and do what I feel is right. Why doesn't she trust me and my decisions? I am only 13 and maybe there are some things I need to learn. I hardly know everything, and that's why I don't have Snapchat, I only have Instagram.
I feel that by having my bat mitzvah I will have more freedom to do the things I want to do instead of my mom watching me every second of the day. Well she doesn't watch me every single second of the day because she doesn't go to school with me or sit in my room all night when I do my homework or sleep in my room which is probably a very good thing. I must admit, I might be overreacting.
I hope that all my stress for my Bat Mitzvah will be gone by the time Saturday comes and I will show everyone what Seriously Samantha can do!
Wish me luck!
I feel really nervous because I really don't want to mess up in front of all my friends and family. I have a fear that everyone will laugh at me when I began to sing the prayers. I have a pretty good voice however everybody has their own opinion of what sounds nice to them. What if no one shows up at the temple? The show must go on!
I feel that my mother is always hovering over me asking me questions and I just want to be myself and do what I feel is right. Why doesn't she trust me and my decisions? I am only 13 and maybe there are some things I need to learn. I hardly know everything, and that's why I don't have Snapchat, I only have Instagram.
I feel that by having my bat mitzvah I will have more freedom to do the things I want to do instead of my mom watching me every second of the day. Well she doesn't watch me every single second of the day because she doesn't go to school with me or sit in my room all night when I do my homework or sleep in my room which is probably a very good thing. I must admit, I might be overreacting.
I hope that all my stress for my Bat Mitzvah will be gone by the time Saturday comes and I will show everyone what Seriously Samantha can do!
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
What Color Should I Choose?
There are so many needles in this world... some hurt and some don't.
For me, there are colored needles: purple, pink and yellow I started off with yellow-packaged needles when I first started my growth hormone shots. When I was almost finished with the first batch of my shots, purple needles were delivered.
OMG! The purple needle-size hurt so much. They were too thick and long - they scared me! I begged my mom to ask the prescription company to send the yellow-packaged needles, which did happen thank goodness. I used these needles for a long time.
Just last month, pink needles arrived. When I opened my package of supplies which were delivered I gasped - ANOTHER COLOR? Who knew needles came in so many colors! These needles looked twice the length as the yellow and the purple ones. I must say, at first I was really nervous and sick to my stomach thinking of how to take my shot with these new needles. I put the needle in my body for the first time and I was surprised; it didn't hurt at all!
Now, the needles I was once so afraid of are my favorite needles. Yesterday my newest needles were delivered and they're yellow (which are my second favorite needles).
I need to decide whether to use the yellow or the purple ones; what should I do???
For me, there are colored needles: purple, pink and yellow I started off with yellow-packaged needles when I first started my growth hormone shots. When I was almost finished with the first batch of my shots, purple needles were delivered.
OMG! The purple needle-size hurt so much. They were too thick and long - they scared me! I begged my mom to ask the prescription company to send the yellow-packaged needles, which did happen thank goodness. I used these needles for a long time.
Just last month, pink needles arrived. When I opened my package of supplies which were delivered I gasped - ANOTHER COLOR? Who knew needles came in so many colors! These needles looked twice the length as the yellow and the purple ones. I must say, at first I was really nervous and sick to my stomach thinking of how to take my shot with these new needles. I put the needle in my body for the first time and I was surprised; it didn't hurt at all!
Now, the needles I was once so afraid of are my favorite needles. Yesterday my newest needles were delivered and they're yellow (which are my second favorite needles).
I need to decide whether to use the yellow or the purple ones; what should I do???
Friday, December 30, 2016
Sleepy Samantha - a parent perspective
As I reflect upon the last year, I realize that Samantha's condition of Growth Hormone Deficiency has become both "normalized" in her life and at the same time affects her life daily in ways I do and do not fully understand.
Samantha has needed more sleep over the last few months than ever before. I think it is due to her body working incredibly hard to grow and is worn out by the end of the afternoon. By 5-6pm Samantha has little energy left and that is the same time when she finishes her homework after soccer practices and games which are 4x per week during soccer season. When studying for finals just 2 weeks ago, I found Samantha on many nights asleep in bed with her computer on her lap well before her usual bedtime. It is not uncommon for children 12-13 years old to go to bed at 9 or even 10pm. From the time she arrives home at 6-7pm to the time she goes to bed is spent studying or completing homework assignments. Generally she is in bed by 9pm; however the ideal time would be an hour prior. What 12/13 year old goes to bed at 8pm? Samantha (when she can.)
How do you choose between studying for exams and going to sleep because your body cannot sustain another moment of being awake? By the time finals came around I decided that it was more important for Samantha to sleep than to continue studying with a brain which had little brain-power left. Her bones and brain will thank me later for allowing her to receive now the sleep she desperately needs. Samantha grows when she sleeps; we all do. Samantha's body is working harder than the average teen to hopefully achieve the same result of what her natural physical height would be if her pituitary glad was functioning properly.
This past semester of 7th grade my heart sank when Samantha came home on a few occasions stating "I fell asleep on the bus ride home." For Samantha, this was normal. Her body was tired; she fell asleep. When asked how she knew to get off the bus at her stop she would tell me that her friends kept an eye on her and would wake her up if she dozed off for a few minutes on the ride home.
Middle school is a time where being "part of the group" is something teens seek to attain. Although Samantha certainly wants to be accepted and liked just as anyone else would, she isn't afraid to be herself even if that happens to be different from her peers. Samantha is a loving and incredibly caring and devoted person to her family and friends. Contrary to what I had expected, Samantha's friends don't make insensitive comments about her treatment - her close friends know all about it and that this is her reality. What is incredibly heart-warming is that her friends don't say a negative word to her about her condition. She is just like any other kid who happens to take daily injections of medication to treat a condition from which only 1 in 3,800 children suffer from in the United States. How wonderful.
As her mother I am saddened that Samantha needs to take medication which can only be administered by injection. It hurts to be pricked by a needle every single night to self-inject medication into her body for a year and a half (and counting.) Do we really know every single very rare side effect of the medication and the consequences which would follow? No. What we do know is that the medication has been studied and used for decades and that countless children and teens have greatly benefited from it if they are candidates without negative long-term side effects.
I am simultaneously incredibly thankful and appreciative that her father and I can provide Samantha with the gift of growth which would otherwise not be an option for her had we not been determined to offer her every opportunity to become the height she would be but-for having growth hormone deficiency.
We all suffer from challenges in our lives. Those who prevail are ones who utilize them as opportunities for understanding more about themselves and learning how to grow from these experiences. Samantha sees her cup as half-full; never half-empty.
Samantha, I love you and admire you. Keep up the amazing work you are doing to raise awareness about Growth Hormone Deficiency and celebrating the differences in others!
Samantha has needed more sleep over the last few months than ever before. I think it is due to her body working incredibly hard to grow and is worn out by the end of the afternoon. By 5-6pm Samantha has little energy left and that is the same time when she finishes her homework after soccer practices and games which are 4x per week during soccer season. When studying for finals just 2 weeks ago, I found Samantha on many nights asleep in bed with her computer on her lap well before her usual bedtime. It is not uncommon for children 12-13 years old to go to bed at 9 or even 10pm. From the time she arrives home at 6-7pm to the time she goes to bed is spent studying or completing homework assignments. Generally she is in bed by 9pm; however the ideal time would be an hour prior. What 12/13 year old goes to bed at 8pm? Samantha (when she can.)
How do you choose between studying for exams and going to sleep because your body cannot sustain another moment of being awake? By the time finals came around I decided that it was more important for Samantha to sleep than to continue studying with a brain which had little brain-power left. Her bones and brain will thank me later for allowing her to receive now the sleep she desperately needs. Samantha grows when she sleeps; we all do. Samantha's body is working harder than the average teen to hopefully achieve the same result of what her natural physical height would be if her pituitary glad was functioning properly.
This past semester of 7th grade my heart sank when Samantha came home on a few occasions stating "I fell asleep on the bus ride home." For Samantha, this was normal. Her body was tired; she fell asleep. When asked how she knew to get off the bus at her stop she would tell me that her friends kept an eye on her and would wake her up if she dozed off for a few minutes on the ride home.
Middle school is a time where being "part of the group" is something teens seek to attain. Although Samantha certainly wants to be accepted and liked just as anyone else would, she isn't afraid to be herself even if that happens to be different from her peers. Samantha is a loving and incredibly caring and devoted person to her family and friends. Contrary to what I had expected, Samantha's friends don't make insensitive comments about her treatment - her close friends know all about it and that this is her reality. What is incredibly heart-warming is that her friends don't say a negative word to her about her condition. She is just like any other kid who happens to take daily injections of medication to treat a condition from which only 1 in 3,800 children suffer from in the United States. How wonderful.
As her mother I am saddened that Samantha needs to take medication which can only be administered by injection. It hurts to be pricked by a needle every single night to self-inject medication into her body for a year and a half (and counting.) Do we really know every single very rare side effect of the medication and the consequences which would follow? No. What we do know is that the medication has been studied and used for decades and that countless children and teens have greatly benefited from it if they are candidates without negative long-term side effects.
I am simultaneously incredibly thankful and appreciative that her father and I can provide Samantha with the gift of growth which would otherwise not be an option for her had we not been determined to offer her every opportunity to become the height she would be but-for having growth hormone deficiency.
We all suffer from challenges in our lives. Those who prevail are ones who utilize them as opportunities for understanding more about themselves and learning how to grow from these experiences. Samantha sees her cup as half-full; never half-empty.
Samantha, I love you and admire you. Keep up the amazing work you are doing to raise awareness about Growth Hormone Deficiency and celebrating the differences in others!
Social Media
Hey guys,
Now I have finally gotten Instagram! I have written maybe 3 or 4 posts of me wanting to have Instagram and my mom not letting me sign up for it. About 2 months ago I convinced my mom I was responsible to have a social media account.
I make sure that I only accept friend requests from people I know from school or from family and friends. If I don't know them I do not allow them to follow me. My mom and I look through my account together and I show her the photos I post. I am glad that my mom and I look at my account and talk about the good and bad things about social media.
Funny story: my mom's friend has an Instagram account and he requested to follow me. Since I did not recognize his screen name I declined the invitation. When I got home my mom told me he wanted to follow me and I told her that I did not recognize his name so I declined. My mom said, "good job" because I it is always better to be safe so that you do not allow people to follow you who you don't know. Now that I know the person is my mom's friend, I accepted his friend request.
Instagram is a fun way to follow your friends and see what they are doing, but it doesn't take the place of hanging out and spending time with one another. Remember: limit your screen-time! :-)
Now I have finally gotten Instagram! I have written maybe 3 or 4 posts of me wanting to have Instagram and my mom not letting me sign up for it. About 2 months ago I convinced my mom I was responsible to have a social media account.
I make sure that I only accept friend requests from people I know from school or from family and friends. If I don't know them I do not allow them to follow me. My mom and I look through my account together and I show her the photos I post. I am glad that my mom and I look at my account and talk about the good and bad things about social media.
Funny story: my mom's friend has an Instagram account and he requested to follow me. Since I did not recognize his screen name I declined the invitation. When I got home my mom told me he wanted to follow me and I told her that I did not recognize his name so I declined. My mom said, "good job" because I it is always better to be safe so that you do not allow people to follow you who you don't know. Now that I know the person is my mom's friend, I accepted his friend request.
Instagram is a fun way to follow your friends and see what they are doing, but it doesn't take the place of hanging out and spending time with one another. Remember: limit your screen-time! :-)
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