Bun Bun's platelet levels are holding steady. They will have to be checked next week and once more before Christmas. For the most part, the little red dots have stayed away. I see a few here and there, but no where near how they spread all over her body in September. The doctor still doesn't have a proper diagnosis or explanation for the drop in levels, hence the monthly blood tests for now.
Presently, the focus is getting Bun Bun more speech therapy. She is at a great place where she is a lot more attentive, showing interest in approximating words, repeating some words we say like a little parrot, and eager to learn! She's starting to realize that she can use signs to request things, rather than point and grunt. In late August, it occurred to me that we could get additional therapy besides the once a week ones she gets at school. Our insurance will pay for it. Even if not, we'd be willing to pay out of pocket. Of course, why didn't I think of it earlier when my summer schedule was more flexible? Hind sight is always 20/20! I filled out a huge packet of forms and was about to fax it in when the platelet troubles began. Long story short... Yesterday, we finally visited a SLP (Speech and language pathologist) for an evaluation. A very nice therapist will start treating Bun Bun in January. Best of all, the once a week sessions will take place in a hospital just down the road from where we live! During the evaluation, I was just amazed at how much Bun Bun knew and understood. For example, the therapist showed several cartoons on a page and recited a scenario. A little girl is hurt and has a boo-boo; what do you think happened? Bun Bun promptly pointed to a bicycle on its side with a banged up wheel. I couldn't remember what other cartoons were there, but no other ones fit the scenario. I wonder how often Bun Bun plays dumb or just plain being defiant because she clearly understands a lot more than I think she does. Once she starts talking, it'd be really interesting to see what goes on inside her head. She sometimes makes random signs from songs she knows, perhaps she's singing!
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| Bun Bun as Elsa from "Frozen" for Halloween, costume per Aunt Tammy's talents. She looks like a tree nymph here. |
