Brooke has up-dosed to 1/2 of a peanut, which is 150 mgs and did so almost as seamlessly as she has with her other up-dose appointments. About 2 minutes after the nurse fed her the peanut flour, Brooke started to complain about a stinging/burning tongue. I had her gulp down a cup of water and examined her tongue. There was never any swelling, and the stinging sensation went away as soon as she had finished the water. Each day that we dose at home has gone very well. She hasn't had a problem since.
We will begin flying again soon. Southwest came out with some one-way sales, which ends up costing the same as driving and staying a night in a hotel... plus is WAY easier on us. We are looking forward to what the next few months will bring. If we stay on track, and Brooke can keep from getting sick, she is projected to be eating a whole peanut (300 mgms in peanut flour) by the end of January.
Home-schooling is going great. I truly believe that keeping her home this year was in her best interest. She has only gotten sick once this fall. Last year, she was sick so frequently that it ended up leading to 4 or 5 ear infections. Her immune system seems to be getting so much stronger, an awesome side effect of desensitization in my opinion. When her brother, father and I all came down with colds recently, she never caught it. When she was ill with a fever last month, she bounced back in day. All very uncharacteristic of her normal immune system behavior. I couldn't be more elated!
We continue to feel blessed every day, that we are able to obtain this life saving therapy for Brooke. Her legions of supporters, her heroes, have been helping us get through this through prayer, donations of items to sell and monetary donations. We are so grateful for those that care so much about our little girl!
Brooke is just one of tens of thousands who suffers from life threatening food allergies. There are so many, many children who could and should be able to benefit from this therapy, but cannot for reasons of their own. So, we feel very fortunate that Brooke is able to be just one of a few OIT patients that is on her way to a cure and a whole new life free from fear of peanuts.
