Steadman Family

We ended last week on a good note from Dr. Foreman and company at Children’s Hospital - Ben is still very stable and we are cutting the decadron steroid down to 6 mg per day. Our doctors are being very cautious on decreasing the steroid as we’re approaching the point where swelling from the radiation can be a problem. We’re hoping to see a slight reprieve from the negative side-effects of the decadron - namely the mood swings and temper tantrums. Hopefully we can find a balance where we get all the good anti-swelling without any kicking and screaming steroid rage moments. Or at least that’s how it works in my ice-cream induced fantasy.

We’re starting to put together our plans for a quick trip out to Kansas City to meet with Dr. Banerji, the homeopathic doctor from India. We’re not exactly sure what his schedule looks like at this time, but we’re planning on spending a day or two in Topeka along the way. We’ve had several offers from folks out there offering us a place to stay and I’ll be making some calls this week as we finalize our schedule. Can’t wait to see you all once we get into town.

We spent so much time trying to get Ben to make a wish last week that Madie decided to jump into the game with her three wishes:

1. A disco ball in her room. Just what every four year old needs.  
2. A garden. I spent most of the day Saturday tearing out grass from around the tree out front and building a rock wall. We just need to plant some tulip bulbs and wait for spring to complete the project.
3. To ride a horse. I’m leaving this wish in Melindas capable hands as I am a documented coward when it comes to large animals.

We’re into week five of Ben’s treatment and here’s a preview of things to come:

• Complete schedule for the Kansas City trip
• Results of Ben’s appointment with an art psychotherapist
• Updates on the quest for Madie’s disco ball
• Ben’s wish revealed?

Stay tuned for more.