May 2, 2011
We’re home. Which is a wonderful thing and more than we had hoped for when we left here yesterday morning. The psych team believes that she is suffering from traumatic stress and that the past few weeks have been a little too much for her. In addition, they thought the aftereffects of the steroids could have played a role as well.
They didn’t think her antidepressant was to blame, in fact, they raised her dosage. She was on such a low dose and had gotten such good results initially that they felt they were helping.
It was reassuring to know they didn’t see any signs of mental illness; just too much stress for our little girl to take. The doctor said she believes that Tanner’s age group has the hardest time dealing emotionally with cancer treatment. Older kids are able to express themselves better and relieve some stress by venting and using coping strategies. Younger kids don’t really understand the seriousness of their treatment and are spared some of the fear of dying or of relapse. Tanner’s age group is old enough to understand, but not really old enough to express themselves and use coping strategies. Tanner, in particular, does not really talk about having leukemia or what stresses her. She just doesn’t.
The next couple of days may still be a little bumpy, but I think we’re better prepared to deal with it until the increased dosage of antidepressant might help relieve some of the tension for her.
Thank you so much for all the love and support you sent our way; it truly buoyed us when we were drowning. And huge thanks to Beth, Kim and Ann, who went above and beyond, as always.
Love,
Beth
Happy to hear you’re home and hoping the sailing gets smoother soon!
Yay! So glad it was a much better day. We’ll continue to send prayers and positive energy your way – it’s obviously working!!!
Dearest Beth:
I know you are so worried about Tanner. I just want to tell you I am thinking of you and hoping that you are getting some kind of personal support to help you through all this. I imagine everyone in the family needs a different kind of support at this time.
Children are so wonderfully resilient and you are such a good Mommy, I just know everything will be all right in the long run. Hopefully you will be able to look back at this time as a journey that helped define the enormous love you all have for each other and the permanent strength it will bring to your family.
I will say a prayer for Tanner and your entire family.
Love,
Paula
Dear Beth,
I am just now catching up on your blog and my heart is breaking for you, John and Tanner. You and John are incredible parents and doing everything in your power to do the right thing for Tanner, Jake and yourselves. Trust your excellent instincts and mommy radar. You and John have made the best decisions possible in unchartered territory. Don’t doubt yourself. Tanner will always know how much you love her and have done for her.
Hugs and love,
Pat