Mental Health

One thing that I haven't mentioned on here is Olivia's mental health.  I don't want to go into too much detail, but for the past 4 years she has struggled with depression, anxiety and OCD like tendencies.  It has not been an easy journey.  She has had probably 5 therapists, 3 psychiatrists, and tried about every antidpressant and psych med there is.  Nothing helped.  They kept increasing her meds which caused other side effects, but no improvement in symptoms.  It was so difficult for our family.  I told Olivia of course that I would never give up until she felt better and I was determined to do whatever I could.  Finally, I took her to a functional medicine doctor.  Multiple times I had asked her regular doctor if there was a physical/medical reason for her depression and anxiety, but was told it was fine.  Well, her functional medicine doctor found that her ferritin was low, her vitamin D was low, her B12 was low, her serotonin was at a 10 and they like that number in the 100s.  Needless to say, she was started on about 9 supplements and she has been so consistent with taking them every day.  She got off all psych meds.  I'm not against psych meds because when you are in that situation, you will do whatever it takes to make sure your child feels better.  But, they weren't helping her.  Within about a month, we noticed a difference in Olivia.  She was smiling and laughing again.  I felt like I got my daughter back.  It has been a night and day difference.  Does she still struggle with depression and anxiety?  Yes, but she's not hopeless or suicidal anymore.  She is better able to handle these emotions when they come up.  Praying for her complete healing.  Her dr thinks that she was deficient in so many things because of her gastroparesis.  It has been rearing it's ugly head lately and not allowing Olivia to get the nutrients she needs.  She has had frequent stomach aches and has lost 8 lbs over the summer.  She did not have 8 lbs to lose.  We are taking her to a new adult gastroenterologist since she is now 18.  She meets with her next month.  Hoping there are additional treatments that we may not know about that can help her grow and thrive.  I believe your mental health is tied quite a bit to your gut.  When it's not healthy, not much else is.  So, please keep Olivia in your prayers.  Motherhood never really gets easier. . .it just changes.  

Olivia Turns 18 This Week

Olivia turns 18 this week!  I put together a birthday book for her highlighting all of her childhood birthday parties.  My how time flies.

Do you still read my blog?  Would you like me to post more often?  If so, please leave a comment about how long you've been reading the blog. Feel free to leave Olivia Happy Birthday wishes as well!  And to our sweet Logan in heaven!  

Its Summer!

 We are so glad that it is summer break.  It seemed that we were really looking forward to it this year.  Both girls had a good year at Freedom Prep.  Olivia, however, has still been struggling with depression, anxiety and OCD for over 3 years now.  We've tried everything for her.  She's been on every antidepressant almost, 5 therapists, 3 med providers and a functional medicine doctor.  And we have prayed. . .a lot.  She is still struggling.  So please keep her in your prayers.

Abigail went to her first fOrmAl last week.  She looked beautiful.  She has grown up so much this past year.

Also, I haven't mentioned that last fall, we got a new kitten.  I had forgotten how crazy kittens are. His name is Milo and he's ornery, but also really sweet.  He's also very soft.  It's hard to believe he was the runt of the litter who struggled to grow.  

I hope this update finds you well.  Please continue praying for both of my girls. .  that they would grow and thrive and find their tribe.  

Breast Cancer Walk and Pumpkin Patch

 

Olivia's school pictures

Junior Year 

 

How amazing are they?  Abigail was sick and missed picture day, but they should do retakes soon.  

Back to school

This year, Abigail is joining her big sister at Freedom Prep Academy.  So far, they've been in school over 3 weeks and it's going well.  Olivia has a sweet group of friends this year and Abigail has made a group of friends as well.  Praying for a wonderful year!

Olivia also recently celebrated her 17th birthday!! 

                        FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Getting back to normal

Thought I would post a quick update.  I finished radiation in January and for the most part, it was uneventful.  I have a monthly injection of Zoladex to put my body into menopause.  Then I take an aromatase inhibitor called anastrozole to block the effects of estrogen since my cancer was hormone receptor positive.  That means it needs estrogen and progesterone to grow.  So far, my side effects are minimal and I hope that continues.  I have to be on this regimen for 5 years.  Here are a few pics that we've taken recently. Enjoy!