Insurance Battle

I have been giving words of encouragement to parents all over the world when it comes to getting all that you can for your child.  I have been telling them that as KDVS parent, you are their voice.  If you want something for your child, then fight for it.  Now, unfortunately, I must admit, it is our turn. 

Eva is no longer receiving any type of therapy services.  All of the sessions allowed have been used.  She was given 60 per diagnosis.  That's right, 60 visits for KDVS will ultimately make Eva's ability level parallel with her peers.  60.  Speech, physical, and occupational is no longer provided, ever. 

I am furious that this has happened and this is the first chapter of my fight against our insurance (or lack of) company. 

Horse Riding

 

All I can say is Eva loved it - and rode all by herself... Sorry Mr. Wallet, I can see this in your near future.

Our Last Bunny

Easter came and went again this year with absolutely beautiful weather.  When we were looking for our many candy filled plastic eggs, but Eva's attention span lasted through only about eight eggs and she was done.  She really enjoyed the playset the best. 

We did manage to get her to wear the bunny costume.  She looked just too cute.  I even video recorded her running to the playset and her little bunny tail just wobbled back and forth with every step.  It is probably one size to big for her but next year it should be perfect. 

Dinner was excellent and we enjoyed our dessert too...  Thanks Easter bunny!

Dermatology Follow-up

Good news - Eva has benign acquired nevus(moles).  However, our doctor explained that these moles can become malignant over time so she recommends that they all be removed, the one on her foot and legs.  We have been referred to a pediatric plastic surgeon to get his recommendations and to get this procedure done in a timely matter.  We have some serious traveling plans in July and I will not let the procedure interrupt our plans. 

 

Our appointment is the second week of May with the surgeon.  I hope our consultation will go in our favor.

 

One thing that I learned from the dermatologist is the ABCDEs of melanoma.  These signs are:

 

A:Asymmetry - One half unlike the other half

B: Border - Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

C: Color - Varied from one area to another; shades of tan & brown, black; sometimes white, red, or blue.

D: Diameter - While melanomas usually are greater than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.

E: Evolving - A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

 

"Benign" refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. It does not change or destroy nearby tissue. Sometimes, a condition is called benign to suggest it is not dangerous or serious.  (1)

 

While melanoma is rare in young children, it is helpful for parents to know that there are different types of moles. Most moles are harmless, but there are a few types that should be examined by a dermatologist just to be sure. (2)

 

References:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanoma

(2) http://www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet/moles_children.html

 

Concerned spots

In the past year or so, I have talked with parents of KDVS children that have been diagnosed and treated with melanoma.  I always felt so sympathetic of what other parents have to experience and feel fortunate with Eva's minimal KDVS symptoms.  That spot was just smaller than a pencil eraser then one day, it doubled in size and had two babies.  It was just strange so I made an appointment. 


Dark spot on left heel area

At the doctors office last week, our doctor said that she was not at all worried about the armpit or the knee.  Although she was concerned with the one on her foot.  She said that it was a dark, deep discoloration that should be observed by a dermatologist.  I asked her what was her level of concern.  She answered "40%".  She also said that the dermatologist office has to call us and schedule an appointment.  I know what that meant.  Normally, a new patient visit takes about 4-6 weeks or much longer.  The next day, their office called me, yes the next day.  I was shocked.  We made an appointment for the 23rd of this month.  I think that all Kool Kids beat the odds so I am just going to assume that this spot will most likely be removed (and since there had been such a quick response, my doctor's 40% could just possibly be higher).  I am hopeful to post a good response from our new doctors visit next week.  Wish us luck...


Wonderful Warmer Weather

"driving home"

Eva running!

What a good day we all had today.  Before Eva & Abigail got off the bus after school, I brought the, infamous and out of service for the season, pink car to the bus stop.  Their faces on the bus was priceless.  They flew off the steps and landed into the car.  They drove all the way home, only getting stuck once in the snow, and we kept playing for a good thirty minutes later.  Eva was even running after the car just before Abigail decided to chase after her.  It was just a whole lot of fun. 

Focusing on coloring the cow... @ winery!

After we ate lunch, I decided to do some donation pickups for our event. Our first stop was an animal groomer.  The shop had rabbits, dogs, rats, snakes, a cockatoo, and most likely other animals I didn't get to see.  There was this one particular puppy that Eva played with the whole time.  He was behind a screened door but she continued to play with him.  She kept bringing him leashes, stuffed dog squeaky toys, and verbally saying "hi puppy" over and over.  It was great hearing her say that simple two word phrase.  After about ten minutes of playing with the puppy, she notices that the screen door had a knob that could be turned so sure enough, she turned it and ran for dear life because that same puppy was now trying to give her kisses.  It was hilarious!  She finally attached herself to my leg and I showed her that this puppy was ok, and soft, and happy, and... comforting her momentary sensory overload.  We thanked our pet shop owner and headed downtown to our next vendor, the Winery. 

Abigail & Victoria

Victoria & Elizabeth

That's right, I took them both to their first winery.  To my surprise, they had a piano that the kids could practice their finger stomping followed by a keepable coloring book and crayons.   We made a few more stops and made it home just in time to put Victoria's scooter together before she got off the bus.  Now I usually don't ride the kids toys but this particular scooter was really cool (and obviously I only know that from experience making sure it was safe to ride, of course!)  We had a blast outside.  Eva even got a chance to step onto the scooter, got her balance, then stepped off.  She was much more excited about playing in the snow with the shovels than the scooter.  I know that this weather won't last for long so we took all that we could.  I guess we all have a spring fever.

(Not so) Terrific three's!

We have had some good and not so good changes... I am one who likes to end on a good note so let's start with the not so goods.  Eva now is in a stage which most know as "terrible twos" but educators call it a developmental milestone.  She has started to show more dislikes.  For example, when we leave from school to go to therapy, she refuses to eat knowing that we are on our way. She also is choosing to not take naps anymore.  So, I actually found this out a hard way.  I thought she was sleeping but when I heard some noise I found her actually playing... With her powder.  I also found out that baby powder can potentially ruin a vacuum.  Good thing we carried a warranty.

 Eva is also also being a bit more picky with her foods she chooses to consume.  When we have a meal, let's say its carrots, potatoes and chicken, she will only eat three maybe four bites of the potato, and that's it.  She will not even try the others.  I am starting to supplement at night now with milk and carnation.
Let's now focus on the good.  No matter what the weather, she loves going outside. When it is at least 25 degrees, we all get our snow gear on and head to the park for sledding.  Eva loves to go down the hills by herself without a sled, which is just super cute. We stay for about an hour or two and then head home.  She just loves all of it.  One day when it was just a little to cold for her to be out but her sisters insisted on going out, so I decided to stay inside with her. When we were finished with a book, she stayed in her room to play.  When she came out of her room, she obviously was trying to tell me something... and then showed me... I understand that she now has the concept of our family motto "what's fair for one is fair for all".  I love the fact that she completely undressed herself (not such a great quality) but found a hat and a snow bibs to put on.  She is just showing us her great memory and comprehensive skills.   I love happy endings. :)